Looking to buy this compressor. Need opinions, advice

[austinm08]

Behringer AUTOCOM PRO-XL MDX1600 Compressor
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-AUTOCOM-PROXL-MDX1600-Compressor?sku=182472

My current setup:
Shure SM57
M-Audio AudioBuddy preamp
Soundblaster ( )

Would this be good for me? My understanding is that it comes after the preamp in the signal chain. Please lend me your opinions or comments or advice. And question: does my preamp suck? I got it for around 100.. it was labeled as a "budget preamp" on m-audio's site..

 

[Massive Master]

You're going to get better results from most native plugs. And 90% of the time, you certainly don't want to have a compressor in your chain.

If you think you need it to protect from clipping, you're already recording WAY, WAY, WAY too hot.

Other than that, that just isn't a unit I'd want in the chain...

 

[TragikRemix]

yeah, i wouldnt bother. use a plugin...

thats cool for protecting your PA speakers from blowing because some doofus insists on using 3 mics on the kick because "dude, i just need more bass, i cant even hear it".

.....i hate those drummers...

how about buying a new soundcard? soundblaster's aren't really the best product out there. look for maybe an emu 1212m, if you are using a PC and going internal. check out some m-audio stuff too.

 

[austinm08]

Alright, thanks both of you.

I just got interested in a compressor all of a sudden, because I saw someone post on here and say that it helps flatten the vocals, makes it softer when you're too loud or louder when you're soft. Thanks though.

And yes I am looking for a better sound card too.

 

[littledog]

I saw someone post on here and say that it helps flatten the vocals, makes it softer when you're too loud or louder when you're soft.

Yes, but so will a software compression plug-in.

 

[MessianicDreams]

the problem is that the way you want it set up you'll be compressing as you record. which means if you have the take that you wanna keep, but you're compressions killing it, there's nothing you can do except do another take.

most people prefer to comp after tracking. the problem now is getting the signal out for your 'puter, thru the comp and back into your 'puter without suffering too much signal degredation. you'd probably be much better off using a software compressor which doesn't require D/A and then A/D conversion...