Rack compressor with guitar?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TelePaul
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TelePaul

TelePaul

J to the R O C
Hey guys

I've a rack compressor unit - Samson Ccom 16 - which I use for compressing VOX and D.I'd bass. I hooked it up in front of my amp and put my guitar through it, producing some aggressive though not unusable sounds...is this advisable?
 
That shouldn't be an issue at all from a signal standpoint. I actually prefer a rack mount compressor to a floor box any day of the week. I started on rack compressors while I learned recording so I guess I like the flexibility and quality that I don't see on the stomp boxes.

But like anything else - it's just my personal opinion. I bet 90% of us use the stomp box models for recording and I bet they sound good also.
 
I use a DBX 266 in my guitar rack. Works fine (actually, this may be the only decent use for that box) and the gate is kinda handy.
 
A lot of the dance rock guys use rack compressors with heavy gates, right?

Now for some real fun... put a mic in front of the kick drum and run it to the sidechain insert. fun fun fun fun fun fun.
 
I use a plugin compressor on my acoustic tracks. I have never used it on electric with distortion because someone on here told me that distortion is a form of compression and about 10 people chimed in that they agree. But I also have a compression/sustain DOD pedal that I have used live with much success. I say if it works, fuck it, use it. There are no hard fast rules to recording. Well, beyond don't squash the dynamics out if your music like they do on all commercial recordings nowadays...
 
Rokket said:
I use a plugin compressor on my acoustic tracks. I have never used it on electric with distortion because someone on here told me that distortion is a form of compression and about 10 people chimed in that they agree. But I also have a compression/sustain DOD pedal that I have used live with much success. I say if it works, fuck it, use it. There are no hard fast rules to recording. Well, beyond don't squash the dynamics out if your music like they do on all commercial recordings nowadays...
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Yes dirty guitars are already naturally compressed so having a compressor in the chain for them isn't really needed, and most cheaper comps won't add anything pleasing to the overall tone. Most of the time I hear of comps being used on dirty guitars is when the engineer is using a specific comp for what it does to the tone. I hear a lot of guys using 1176's and Distressors and other high end pieces. As far as there being no "hard fast rules" in recording, well that isn't true. There are plenty of rules that should be followed, however that doesn't mean one shouldn't experiment. You can learn a ton of stuff that way.

So Tele, are you sticking your comp in front of your amp like you would a pedal? I wonder if the rack mount comps have any problems with accepting an instrument DI'd. Can you maybe try it in your effects loop or something like that?
 
jonnyc said:
As far as there being no "hard fast rules" in recording, well that isn't true.
Click to expand...
How many of us were aware of the rules when we started out?;)

I've seen both schools of thought: one states that there are rules to follow, the other one says there is only one rule: trust your ears. Since I have almost no idea why I do the things I do, I am going to assume that I am not really following any rules. I've had some really good sounding mixes and I've had some shite. The latter were in the beginning, when I had no idea what a compressor did, or what a high pass filter was for, or really anything. My first mixes were all about adjusting the panning and the faders, and let her fly. I had no software to work with, and no outboard gear on the minimal 4 track I was working with. These mixes actually sounded decent. It was later on when I had a slew of plugins, and 40+ tracks that I got into trouble. I didn't know the rules then, I barely am aware of them now, and I am learning more everyday.

Sorry Tele, it looks like I hijacked your thread. I am off the soapbox.
 
jonnyc said:
So Tele, are you sticking your comp in front of your amp like you would a pedal? I wonder if the rack mount comps have any problems with accepting an instrument DI'd. Can you maybe try it in your effects loop or something like that?
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing until I looked at the specs. That compressor has an impedance switch so it can be used with instrument and line level signals.
 
I thought we were talking about using a rack compressor when playing, not applying it when recording. When I use the DBX unit, I have it in my EFX loop, although I don't use my rack all that much these days. About the only rack units that get used with any consistency are my Valveverb and Ibanez AD202. I'm presently more likely to use my pedal board where I have a Keeley comp pedal.
 
Thanks guys, couple of things:

Jonny, the amp is an Epi Valve Jnr, so no FX loop.

Ocnor, looks like I'm good to go then?

Pohaku, it's for jamming. If I were recording a D.I'd guitar and wanted compression I'd use a TRS cable and run the compressor as an insert of my soundcards line in.
 
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