live drum compression?

[mikgag]

I'm recording our band jams LIVE and I use a PZM as a mono overhead for the drums.

Would sticking a outboard compressor on the PZM benefit the signal, or should I just add 2:1 comp to the entire take afterwards on the PC?

 

[RAMI]

Um...Why don't you try both and decide for yourself. It's an impossible question to answer without hearing anything.

 

[fether]

In most cases id personally leave any processing till im mixing.

But if you do decide to compress the overheads when your recording id be very careful because the compressor will increase the level of any spill from other drums. It will also do this if you compress when your mixing but at least then you can use a gate and/or EQ to remove the spill.

 

[mikgag]

Um...Why don't you try both and decide for yourself. It's an impossible question to answer without hearing anything.

Because I don't own own a compressor...and thought somebody might have already tried something along these lines, therefore saving me a purchase I don't need.

 

[RAMI]

A GOOD compressor is never a purchase you don't need.