Need Some Advice...

[Diffusion]

I just want to know... do I really NEED a hardware compressor? I record only rap vocals, which obviously needs compression, but I record with Cool Edit Pro which already has a software compressor... should I just use the compression on Cool Edit during tracking or should I cough up the extra $175 for an FMR RNC?

 

[dr.colossus]

Can you borrow or loan a compressor to see if it will make $175 difference to your sound? Otherwise check with the store for their return policy, they may have a satisfaction guarantee.

 

[Chalz]

Can you borrow or loan a compressor to see if it will make $175 difference to your sound? Otherwise check with the store for their return policy, they may have a satisfaction guarantee.

Need? No...Nice to have? Yes!

Once you start using one you just start finding more and more uses for it...and eventually feel like you can't live without one...and wonder how you once did.

 

[mshilarious]

I have a compressor in my live rig, not as nice as an RNC, but still I have *zero* desire to pull it to record at home. Some people like to have a hardware compressor on the way in, but I'm perfectly happy with my UAD-1 plugs.

 

[Middleman]

I think some type of compressor outside the computer is really required to keep things under control, minimally on guitars and bass. Even a Dyna Comp or other brand saves an immense amount of time later while mixing.

I always try to use some transparent limiting on vocals if I am not running an external compressor.

The UAD compressors miss some transients I have found and the only solution is to stack 2 or more instances in a row. The problem with this however, is you end up with a well controlled source but it sounds like mush.

A good compressor enhances tracking and gets you to the final result quicker in my experience. If you know how to use one, and the colors it may provide, you can paint the picture fairly early of the final result. Sometimes just a little compression is all you need however.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[pikingrin]

Try the Alesis 3630, I have one stashed away in my rack and it comes in handy on just about anything. It also has dual channels that you can set up as a compressor and a noise gate/limiter, and either link the two channels together, or run two different sources independantly. For less than a hundred bucks it's not bad, and you have a couple of options on how you want to use it, which comes in handy in the long run.

 

[Diffusion]

the 3630? I thought that was like the laughing stock of compressors of something...
i think i might just hold off on the compressor for now and put the $175 dollars towards something a little more important, then get the the compressor once i have all the other neccessities... im only recording demos and mixtapes and shit so i dont think the difference between a sofware or hardware compressor will really matter...