Plugin chain order

[scalhoun]

What is a good rule of thumb when recording vocals or running live with plug-ins as far as chain order goes. Should compression be placed at the front of the chain or at the end. I will be running reverb, eq, de-essing, and compression.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Massive Master]

The rule of thumb would be to not record through anything.

But generally, you want the sound to be as solid as possible as soon as possible. That comes from (in order) the performer, the mic, the preamp. If it *needs* EQ, to correct a bad performer, mic or preamp, get to it as early in the chain as possible. Then dynamics (except for frequency-dependent dynamics, such as de-essing - But if you wind up with sibilance, there were other things that could have prevented it). Then additives.

Just a general thought - Not a rule, of course.

 

[Whatmysay]

Unless you are saving processing or making a vocalist feel comfortable – I would avoid ‘verb all together – I usually don’t get to that till mix down.

I’m a fan of big compression, some people consider it the sign of an immature recorder/mixer, but I just like it and it suits my style of music. That said don’t over do compression on lead vocals or acoustic instrument when recording – just enough to keep levels under control – again unless your running turn of the centaury (that’s 18th to 19th) system you should be able to add more compression later.

I’m with Massive, only EQ if you are already compensating for a poor voice, mic or pre-amp. By EQing on recording you will raise/lower frequencies that you may never get back later in the mix. Try to get it all down as natural – unless you know you want a specific effect – as possible then you can do all manner of tweaking after – but in the context of the mix not just an isolated track.

 

[Rokket]

I like compression too, but I am more of a track-it-as-dry-as-possible guy. I usually double track vocals, however, and that usually means I don't need a lot of compression on either side of the chain.

Track it as dry as you can (maybe some verb in the cans for the singer, but not on the track itself), and you'll have an easier time when it comes time to mixdown.