HOw importnat is a compressor for tracking?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rickson Gracie
  • Start date Start date
R

Rickson Gracie

New member
i recently picked up a dbx 160a compressor because i hear its good to have a compressor going in when tracking but i really dont hear the benefit?

im using pro tools le with wave renessaince plugins and they seem to do the trick fine. do i really need this compressor? should i send it back?

i have it running inline coming out of the blue robbie and into the digi002rack. i am using a GT66 tube mic.

thanks
 
Rickson Gracie said:
but i really dont hear the benefit?
Click to expand...
Track some vocals and while doing so adjust the threshold and ratio of the compressor. You'll get the idea very quickly of just how useful such a thing can be.

And instead of using 'inline' run it thru an insert point on your mixer.
 
ssscientist said:
And instead of using 'inline' run it thru an insert point on your mixer.
Click to expand...
It doesn't sound like he has a mixer and it wouldn't make any difference anyway.


Make sure you have the singer into it about 4 db, you should hear the difference.
 
this begs the question, should you compress during tracking? I have always been under the impression that you want to stay away from processing during tracking, since it can not be undone.
 
If you're compressing while tracking... you don't want to hear it working. You can squash it later... for now, just tame the peaks
 
this is subjectable.
really you should only be compressing takes if you're positive about the sound your trying to concieve. cuz once you go there, you can't go back without re-recording.
if you're recording a track and your not positive about how that track is supposed to fit in the mix, then record dry, and compress later.
 
so do i keep this thing? can i run it as a plugin within pro tools le and the digi002r? then i can just use it for mixing down...right?
 
compressing during tracking

I have used Focusrite Octopre for recording live-concerts, and find the limiter-function very useful. It is a security against clipping, and it makes the average-recording level higher. Its good to have a high recording-le vel before the a/d conversion, therefore I think some limiting while tracking is good.
 
:confused: The DBX is a Hardware unit, plug-ins are software.

Some good advice is to only buy something if you know why you are buying it. Unless you REALLY know what you are doing (and why!), don't compress on the way in. Like other folks mentioned, if you screw it up, you have to re-do the track. With 24-bit converters, you can keep the incoming levels down so they peak at -6 and still have usable resolution.

Rickson Gracie said:
so do i keep this thing? can i run it as a plugin within pro tools le and the digi002r? then i can just use it for mixing down...right?
Click to expand...
 
Personally, I have no problem processing with either compression or EQ at the tracking stage. However, people hire me for what I do generally, and not to just run a session. I NEVER add a compressor to "tame the peaks" though during the tracking phase. I use compresison to change the feel and tonality of a track. If a track is peaking, adding a compressor is not the solution. Turn the inout level down a bit so it doesn't clip. That's the real solution. Proper gain staging and mic selection and level setting is critical in tracking sessions. If you are recording a live concert or something and are also running the FOH console, I can understand throwing a couple of comps in for dynamic control since you won't have the time to properly monitor the tracks, or to start and stop again real quick while you set levels.
 
It's not something I ever do, maybe with more experience and confidence it's something I'll start trying out. As things are I don't see the benefit, but like I said I'm inexperienced.

The best way I've found to avoid clipping is to not try and track too hot and to get your levels set-up correctly before you hit the big red button. This works for me everytime.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top