How to connect compressor to laptop

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gmmabellex

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Hello, I've been into home recording for 2 years now. I decided to do an "upgrade", so I bought myself a compressor and a new condenser microphone with an XLRM-type output connector. This question may sound silly, but how do I connect my compressor to my laptop? Please help! Thanks!
 
What interface are you using? What "compressor"? Which mic?
 
gmmabellex said:
Sorry, I should've been more specific. I do not acquire an audio interface. I use an Alesis 3630 dual channel compressor and the Audio Technica AT2035 large diaphragm condenser microphone.
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You need to give the signal route, how is it connected to the computer, mic connected to what? then computer?

Alan.
 
Sell the compressor and put the money toward a decent interface.

Here's a recent discussion on this very subject: https://homerecording.com/bbs/gener...recording-compression-opinions-please-354458/

Recording through a compressor isn't absolutely a bad thing, but with that compressor and your level of experience you will probably be better off doing your compression with a plugin after recording. If you have an expensive boutique compressor that has some sort of analog "vibe" that's hard to duplicate with a plugin and you have more experience it may be worth recording with compression.
 
gmmabellex said:
Sorry, I should've been more specific. I do not acquire an audio interface. I use an Alesis 3630 dual channel compressor and the Audio Technica AT2035 large diaphragm condenser microphone.
Click to expand...

"Why?" springs to mind... what are you recording? How?
 
witzendoz said:
You need to give the signal route, how is it connected to the computer, mic connected to what? then computer?

Alan.
Click to expand...

(Not sure if I connected the wires correctly, or even purchased the right cable. I have very limited knowledge about this matter.)

I connected the mic into the input of the compressor through an Audio Technica AT8311 HiZ microphone cable, then connected the compressor to my laptop through an Alesis LineLink dual-1/4-inch-to-USB-cable.
 
gmmabellex said:
(Not sure if I connected the wires correctly, or even purchased the right cable. I have very limited knowledge about this matter.)

I connected the mic into the input of the compressor through an Audio Technica AT8311 HiZ microphone cable, then connected the compressor to my laptop through an Alesis LineLink dual-1/4-inch-to-USB-cable.
Click to expand...

Bad input route. You need an interface (decent sound card).
 
gmmabellex said:
(Not sure if I connected the wires correctly, or even purchased the right cable. I have very limited knowledge about this matter.)
Click to expand...

I don't say this to offend, but at this point you don't even have enough knowledge to know the pros and cons of using a hardware compressor in the recording chain.

gmmabellex said:
I connected the mic into the input of the compressor through an Audio Technica AT8311 HiZ microphone cable, then connected the compressor to my laptop through an Alesis LineLink dual-1/4-inch-to-USB-cable.
Click to expand...

The mic needs phantom power to function at all and it needs a mic preamp to get its output up to line level. The compressor is designed for line level and it doesn't provide phantom power. This setup will never work. Your best option is to get rid of the XLR-1/4" cable, the compressor and the LineLink and buy an interface and a standard XLR cable.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
I don't say this to offend, but at this point you don't even have enough knowledge to know the pros and cons of using a hardware compressor in the recording chain.



The mic needs phantom power to function at all and it needs a mic preamp to get its output up to line level. The compressor is designed for line level and it doesn't provide phantom power. This setup will never work. Your best option is to get rid of the XLR-1/4" cable, the compressor and the LineLink and buy an interface and a standard XLR cable.
Click to expand...

No worries, I don't have the sufficient knowledge and experience in the recording field.

I will certainly go for that option if that's the best route for me. Thanks for the advice!
 
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