I can't help but feel that I am missing something

[wheelema]

I am working on voiceovers and female vocals. My current signal chain is a SM7B into a 1010LT (using 1010LT preamps). I do not, at this time, have the money for external preamps, but I am looking forward to it.

The problem I have is with compression.

Right now, using plugins provided by Ableton Live Delta and Tracktion, I have been playing with compression, and understand and appreciate what it does. But the signal is, of course, being captured before it is compressed, which allows me to play with different values/settings and experiment.

With $1K to spend on one 'gold' channel, I have been considering a dual channel Toft ATC-2 (which strickly speaking provides one channel more than I need... at least right now) vs. a single John Hardy M2 channel. The Toft provides compression and EQ, the John Hardy does not. While I toy with the idea of buying the John Hardy the questions that come to mind are...

• What does compression before capture buy me?
• As I get better using virtual compression, will the time come when I should buy a external compressor to take my efforts to a more professional level?

 

[reshp1]

Compression before capture will allow you to tame peaks and level out a performance before it hits your converters and clips. Plugins of course can only work with the digital data that you converters give them, so the clipping will already have occurred.
A lot of people say there's no plugins that can capture the magic of outboard compressors (or other gear). Personally I don't have the ears to hear the difference. Your mileage may vary

 

[wheelema]

Well, while I am not micing metalheads beating the living beejusus out of drum kit or screaming vocalists, I am micing a young woman who can really get up there. Right now I am leaning towards the J.H. and buying a RNC if I need to.

 

[chessrock]

The only real advantage is, as reshp1 puts it, is that outboard comps often have a little extra something to them that can be really nice, that can't always be duplicated with a plugin.

Now as to why you would use one on the way in ... the main reason for that would be to avoid additional DA/AD conversions later. In many ways, the quality loss from the extra conversions could outweigh any advantages you might gain by running a track out to a good comp. Even if you have high-end converters.

 

[steveanthony]

I compared a John Hardy M1 to my VoiceMaster Pro and I got to say, it's pretty darn sweet. I do voicework, too. The VM appeared crispier with my voice, the Hardy just sounded right. I found I don't use the bells and whistles on the VoiceMaster anyway, just the pre and some gating. I like the RNC compression better (just a hair on the way in). All the other processing is done through Sound Forge. Hence, The M1 is on my post-Christmas shopping list. Ho Ho Ho!