Need help on compression please.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Soundcore
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Soundcore

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Hi, I just recently purchased the m-audio tampa and I'm not so familiar with what settings such as compression to apply for vocal recording. If anyone can help me with what levels I should apply on the compressor I would appreciate it. Thanks!
 
I know this isn't what you wanna hear (we all like to play with our new toys!) but don't use any compression on the Tampa. Record the vocal as is--and then compress after the fact. If you track w/compression, you can't undo it if it's too much (and it's often too much).

If you add compression to the vocal after it's recorded, you can undo and play with it until you get it right.

Of course this all assumes you have the means (plug in, etc) to add comp. after tracking...
 
And don't apply anything just because it's there. To my ears, every effect has a better chance of doing more harm than good. Unless you hear why you need it, don't use it. Your recordings will sound better.
 
Sometimes spending effort on improving mic technique will have a better end result than compressing on the way in.
That said, if you choose to compress first then use light settings. Something like 1.2:1 with -20 threshold.
Listen carefully for digital artifacts when using plugins for compression. They can ruin a good take.
 
If you know what you are doing it's perfectly fine to mangle or squash the signal on the way in if you know that is what you want.

Most cheap compressors can only do about 8db of compression before sounding shitty so watch the meters. Put the ratio low for easy compression or higher around (10:1) for more serious limiting. Lower the threshold until you are getting at most around 8-10db of compression. As a general rule the lower the ratio the lower the threshold you can get away with. Try some low ratio/low threshold vs high ratio/high threshold settings and just see what sounds best.
 
I've got 2 Tampa's and they're a pretty good pre for the bux. I've used mine for vox and bass with good results. The only thing I don't like is the lack of makeup gain.

BUT...if you don't quite understand comp and how and why to use it, practice vocal technique like the guys said. Back off the mic on louder passages, closer for softer etc. Comp can really help a song but it can make it sound like shite too.

To get you rollin tho, play widdit. :D

Seriously, take a scratch track and start playin with the knobs. It's the best way to learn what each knob will do to your sound. Squash the snot out of it and then ease it off. It took me awhile to get the feel of it but that was the best way for me to learn it. It's a pretty good piece of gear man...Congrats.
:cool:
 
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