how would i use my compressor in the signal chain?

[Rocket Boy]

okay, i know this is a newbie question, but ive never had to do this yet... so maybe someone can tell me how it'd be done.

if i have an RNC, a preamp, a soundcard... and a computer. Where and how would i use my compressor? would i use it inline? or is there some other/better way i would use it? i was just thinking, if you use it inline, you're sort of stuck, so... yeah. i havent gotten into using outboard gear effects/processors yet... so i'd much appreciate the help. thanks!

 

[dwillis45]

Check to see if your preamp has an insert. If it does, you can insert the compressor and use it while tracking. Be careful to not over compress--you can always use software plugins later to compress tracks and, chances are, you will use additional compression in the mastering process. I try not to compress during tracking but I find it helps on vocals and bass.

If you have a mixing board, you could also use the RNC to compress during mixdown--assuming, of course, you are busing tracks out of the computer to the mixer.