question for Bruce (or anyone else who can answer...)

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rtzstudios

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In another post someone was asking about compressors and running them through the FX sends/returns, and you said they are typically wired in(I think that's the term.) What exactly does "wired in" mean? Sorry for the ignorance..
 
Time-based effect processors (delays/reverbs/choruses/etc...) are usually applied to a track via aux sends/returns or some flavor of effect loop. This generally means the effect is mixed-in (or folded-back) with the original signal.

Compressors/exciters/gates/limiters are generally connected via a channel's inserts, meaning that the processor is applied in-line with the signal. (Which is what I meant by "wired-in").

(ie, track --> compressor ---> mixer)

Hope this is clear!

Bruce
 
So, if my mixer doesn't have inserts can I use the FX sends/returns?
 
Well, yes and no.... the basic idea is that reverbs and the like work on a mult (or portion of the signal) mixed back with the original (to taste). This essentially means the original signal is not changed, but only a portion of it is sent thru the effect and mixed back in.)

This is very different than in-line processors (like compressors) which need to work on the whole signal. Whole signal goes in, gets processed, and comes back out...

That being said, there is a technique to applying compression in order to lightly smooth out the peaks while still maintaining some of the original dynamics. For this you run the compressor via the FX sends. But this is not a typical configuration.

Bruce
 
Is there any way I can still use a compressor to its full effect without the inserts? If not I guess it's time to look for a new mixer! Thanks for your help!
 
Well, if you have direct outs on your mixer, that could work.... what kind of mixer do you have?
 
Ok... well.. one way to handle it is to take the signal from the aux send (on the channel you want to compress) and send that to the compressor. Take the output of the compressor and return it to another channel on your mixer - this is the channel that you now use (to record, mix, whatever...)

So essentially -

Channel 1 signal --> aux send --> compressor in --> compressor out --> channel 2 input (this now relects only the compressed signal, which is what you want)

Geddit??? :)

Bruce
 
Gotcha!!! :) That'll work for now...but it's still about time to look for a new board huh! Thanks for the valuble input! BTW, great site...nice and simple(in a good way), keep the flash stuff outta there, some say it's more "pro" looking...I say it's a bitch!!! ;)


LOADING...

what a pain......
 
Thanks dude!

Oh yeah... set your aux for PFL (pre-fader listen), so that your fader doesn't affect the input to your compressor.

And yes... time for a new mixer!!! :D

Bruce
 
Umm....... What does a guy with a Tascam 414 do with a compressor!? I don't have all that stuff you just mentioned; I only have an effects loop.

Do compressors have RCA jacks so I can hook up the 414 to the compressor through the RCA 'outs'(414) in the 'ins'(compressor), then into a cassette recorder deck.

How can I use the compressor if I want to compress an instrument before any recording is done?
 
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