More outboard gear?

[errr314]

Well I am curious about outboard gear such as compressors or eq vs software plugins.

I am currently recording my drums straight into a Firepod then just into the DAW via firewire. I usually do compression and eq'ing with the plugins of the recording app. But my question is:

Is there a sonic difference (better or worse) by using outboard hardware? I was thinking about getting a compressor or some other piece to try to help improve the sound. It's not that I don't like the sound I am getting but improvements are always better. Any suggestions? Gracias!

 

[Tim Brown]

Well, it depends upon the compressor.

Sure, a high priced grade-A compressor is going to sound good if you know how to use it - BUT - you have to convert back to analog to use it.

To me, for home recording, it's not worth it. keep it in digital and if you feel the need to buy a compressor, take a look at one of the PRO Compressor plug-ins.


Tim

 

[errr314]

Thanks Tim,

Hey do you happen to know of good pro plugins? I have looked and there are a ton of plugins out there. If you have any experience with some do you have any suggestions? The ones I use now are just the ones that came with Cubase LE ... They are ok but I obviously have nothing to compare them to. Thanks again!

 

[Tim Brown]

Thanks Tim,

Hey do you happen to know of good pro plugins? I have looked and there are a ton of plugins out there. If you have any experience with some do you have any suggestions? The ones I use now are just the ones that came with Cubase LE ... They are ok but I obviously have nothing to compare them to. Thanks again!

Your best bet is to ask in the Computer recording section. I'm recording on tape, but intend to make the jump to PC recording within the next year or so; my reason for switching to recording on the PC? Simple - noise. The one thing I've always battled against in the last 20 years of home recording has been noise, and even after purchasing Tascam digital tape recorders, there's still noise involved because I am using an analog mixer.
So for me, I want to keep my audio path in the digital realm from the time it actually gets recorded, until the CD is burned.


Tim

 

[fldrummer]

If you don't have the money to get some distressors for basic drum compression then I would get an UAD card.

http://www.uaudio.com/products/digital/flexipak/index.html
http://www.uaudio.com/products/digital/ultrapak/demo.html Check these out

The LA-2a would be pretty sweet vs. paying 3k for the real deal. It's kinda close. Same for the 1176SE or even fairchild.

 

[RezN8]

First let me just say that the room you're recording in is much more important than any gear you could buy -- ever.

So, start with room acoustics! Then on to experimenting with different mic techniques...

Next, do a search for the PeakComp by Sinusweb. It's shareware, with a free download. It's sounds great and it's a great visual tool for learning how to use, (and/or abuse and/or misuse) compression.

Once you have a good understanding of compression using plug ins, then move on to hardware ... by then you'll know why. Cheers, Rez

 

[errr314]

Thanks everyone! Hey rezn8 my room sucks! I have treated the room as best as its going to get I guess. Its a 15x14 bonus room with angled ceilings that start at 5ft on the sides and end up at only 7 1/2 ft in the middle on the ceiling. Carpeted floor. I put 1x1 squares of accoustic foam kindof randomly on all over the ceiling. OOOps I am rambling. It just sucks. Its a very dead room. The sound that I do get is pretty good but I am always looking for ways to get a better sound. I will checkout the PeakComp too.

If anyone plays in a similar type room please let me know what ya'll have done to improve things. Thanks again.

 

[fldrummer]

Fancy compressors and pres will only change the sound a little. The room and mic placment changes the sound ALOT.

Sounds like you need to look into something like this http://www.auralex.com/partscience/spacecoupler.asp

 

[errr314]

Hey that looks cool. 200 bucks for a 2x2 chunk. Hmmm...pricey. That may be what I am seeking though .... thanks!

 

[errr314]

Space Coupler

Fancy compressors and pres will only change the sound a little. The room and mic placment changes the sound ALOT.

Sounds like you need to look into something like this http://www.auralex.com/partscience/spacecoupler.asp

I wonder if I could DIY that thing?

 

[RezN8]

I wonder if I could DIY that thing?

Ah yes, now you are on the path... go search the studio building and display section for info on DIY. Bunch of folks are really helpful with that.

I've never been a fan of completely dead rooms for recording music. I've found that building your own bass traps and diffusers using rockwool and compressed fiberglass (703, 705) are the way to go.