making fat thumping drums with a behringer composer pro mdx2200 compressor

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Hello there.
Is there anyone out there who can please please please help me.I have just recently purchased a Behringer Composer pro mdx2200 and would like some help as I am a newcomer to compression techniques.What I was hoping to achieve from this unit was to add more of a punch and more fatter solid feel to the drums.The problem I have is I can,t seem to get this sound from the compressor.I have 2 synths running into a mixer which then the signal goes as one to my compressor then onto my amp.Im not 100% sure if I have it connected correctly but I have tried it connected many different ways before and still the same result.When im using the machine I dont really notice any change to the dynamics of the sound when I turn the knobs but its when I press the IN/OUT button on it I get the music coming through with the high pitched sound coming out louder and the drums almost non existent but with an echo to it like loads of reverb has been added and also not much change when the knobs are turned.It can,t be a problem with the machine as I bought it brand new sealed and everything.I really hope someone out there who owns one of these units can help me acheive this desired effect for my tracks as I said Ive only just started working with compression and have not had any luck so far.
Thank you.
Clifton.
 
Does your mixer have channel ]B]INSERTS[/B]?

If so, and since you're running the synth's into your board, it would be wiser to connect the Composer to the synth's channel insert (using a dedicated "Y"-cable; 2 mono<unbalanced> 1/4" jacks with a stereo <balanced> 1/4" jack).

I'm assuming you are using the synth's drum-kit and U R seeking
a clear and defined kit perf with punch by using the Composer.
If so, keep in mind that the unit is basically a signal dynamic processor or compressor, used to reduce the range of the incoming signal and to control the the level of same.
Anyhow incorporating the unit's EXPANDER/GATE function can add some expression and alter the sound traits of the signal.
Decay and 'Verb length of the kit can be adjusted to define the "hit" being processed by using a FAST RELEASE or for elimination of same use SLOW release,which will "chop the tail"
of the'Verb or Decay's duration. Also for "DEFINITION/EMPHASIS"
of kit, the "EXPANDER/GATE provides adequate processing.
Expreimentation is always the key, so prior to using function,
set the Expander to it's original settings (Thresh-OFF/Release switch/OFF and Ratio control/1:2). Start with a THRESH of +20, FAST release and slowly increase the ratio. Too high a ratio will
trigger the unit's GATES which is no what you want.
I got more ways to for you to try but let me know how this works 1st!
 
Well, assuming the Behringer has the appropriate controls, set the ratio to 20:1. Set the attack to 10-20 ms. Set the decay to .5-higher depending on how much "thickening" you want. Sometimes I go to infinity on the ratio setting for that beatles sound. The long attack will get a loud initial "thump". The decay settings will lengthen the sound. Play with these settings until you are satisfied. Don't forget to set the threshold so that the compressor goes into the "red". Good Luck!
 
In a way, fenix is right!
I will give Beh props on it's decent line of compressors and maybe
1 of their pre's, but as a whole, most of Beh's products are mostly hit and miss with their line of mixers being the worst product EVER MADE!
 
MISTERQCUE said:
I will give Beh props on it's decent line of compressors
And that 's exactly what this thread is about.
 
Re: Re: making fat thumping drums with a behringer composer pro mdx2200 compressor

fenix said:
how unfortunate.

Wondering if you've ever worked with one? I have a UB1832 pro, and although I would have to admit it doesn't seem very road worthy, it is a great little mixer. It's the only Behringer product I've ever worked with, so I can't say how the rest of their products are, but I do find that most of the people that trash them have never really spent any time on one.
 
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