General mixer/recording question

[jjones1700]

I've got an interesting problem which I'm sure has an easy solution....I just don't know what it is.

I've got a Tascam M-2516 mixer and run a TC Electronics C300 compressor on an effects loop. I don't use it very often (mainly because of this issue) but when I do add in the compressor, it sounds like it goes out of phase (I'm guessing). This happens regardless if I have it set at pre or post fader. It is a stereo compression unit (or single channel comp/gate), but it is set to just being a compressor, not gating.

I've also tried running a mic through my Presonus Eureka and enabling the phase button, but didn't notice any difference.

Suggestions? It's driving me nuts!

 

[Seidy]

how are connecting the C300 to tascam?

 

[M1Fanatic]

Dynamics aren't generally run through a send. They are normally inserted, but anything is possible.

It might be because you are mixing a wet and dry signal through the send. ???

 

[jedblue]

Ah Johnny, maybe it's because compressors usually sit on a channel insert where they are part of the input structure not in an effects send return path (where they are part of the mix or master bus) where the channel signals get sent via the effects loops to the effects units then blended back into the mix as part dry and part wet? I wonder if there's a latency issue there in the effects loop that never manifests itself when they are dealing with reverbs and delays but show up as phasing when you're using a compressor (or an outboard eq) when you try to blend the compressed signal back with the original one? As you may recall for an insert an input signal goes through the pre amp first then via the insert jacks into the compressor or outboard eq either pre or post channel eq depending on how the insert is configured, then back into the input channel and on it's way to the buses, usually pre fader. So it's not a blend of wet and dry like an effects send and return. Master or mix bus compressors still usually go through the master or mix bus inserts not effects loops.

Anyway, maybe someone more knowledgable will chime in with facts not propositions.

 

[jjones1700]

Dynamics aren't generally run through a send. They are normally inserted, but anything is possible.

It might be because you are mixing a wet and dry signal through the send. ???

Ah Johnny, maybe it's because compressors usually sit on a channel insert where they are part of the input structure not in an effects send return path (where they are part of the mix or master bus) where the channel signals get sent via the effects loops to the effects units then blended back into the mix as part dry and part wet? I wonder if there's a latency issue there in the effects loop that never manifests itself when they are dealing with reverbs and delays but show up as phasing when you're using a compressor (or an outboard eq) when you try to blend the compressed signal back with the original one? As you may recall for an insert an input signal goes through the pre amp first then via the insert jacks into the compressor or outboard eq either pre or post channel eq depending on how the insert is configured, then back into the input channel and on it's way to the buses, usually pre fader. So it's not a blend of wet and dry like an effects send and return. Master or mix bus compressors still usually go through the master or mix bus inserts not effects loops.

Anyway, maybe someone more knowledgeable will chime in with facts not propositions.

Doh! I never even thought about running the Eureka through the compressor directly, and then to the mixer... I was always used to having my effects unit (TC Electronics M350) through the loop and never having a problem. It was just the compressor that I had issues with. Now I know why. I'll give it a shot later in the morning and I'll kick myself for something so simple... See, I told you guys it was easy. Thanks a bunch M1 and Jed.

Now, if only I could get my hands on a RS-20b...