Question on Compressor for that special "punch" in mixing

  • Thread starter Thread starter amt7565
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amt7565

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I am planning to get a compressor for my guitar. So that I can route my POD through it. I am currently using a ROLAND MIDI module to give me all other sounds. This I will convert to Audio. I just want to know if routing the MIDI audio output through a compressor will add some punch to the MIDI audio mix. Or will it enhance the quality of my sound in any way. Also is it necessary to get an EQ? I am relatively new to mixing. Please advise folks ;)
 
FYI- Midi is not something you convert to audio. Midi is control information. You will still record the audio from your Roland like any other audio source.

So sure, a compressor on synth parts can help also.
 
Tex,
Yes I certainly do understand that MIDI is simple control text messages. I just wanted to know about controlling the MIDI 'module' audio output.
Thanks and I will try to manipulate the sound with a compressor.
:D
 
EQ is a necessity in mixing. I would say that compression is, also. Just do whatever sounds good to you!

Darth
 
It is nice to screw with the outputs to the midi devices some by running them through a tube pre or an exciter to round off the waves a little.
 
Hmmm... Most of the MIDI stuff I do is background stuff, but I've always found that I have enough control of the MIDI dynamics that compressing it wasn't necessary. I'm not sure if it would really do much for a decent performance.

But then, I'm not that experienced with compressor's either.

I like the idea of a tube pre, though. I do my MIDI work with soft synths in Cubase and put them through tube plugs and such all the time to breath some life into them.

Take care,
Chris
 
Chris brings up a good point. You can quantize the velocities within a tighter range if you need to smooth out the volume a bit from an erratic performance.

Compression can help though if you want to retain the sound characteristics of the different velocity levels but still have a more controlled volume.

Save the compression for the mixdown to see if you really need it. Dont track with it or you will be stuck.
 
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