Recording and Compression

[Confusitron]

I will be recording some songs quite soon via PreSonus Firepod and I do not have a compressor (or a computer for it yet, or a band name, but I do have experience). Now, I'll eventually need to purchase one, I would assume, but as far as computer programs go, can good compression be expected? I'm not completely sure how to use/control compression in programs like Sound Forge or Cubase. Can Cubase do compression?

What do you suggest for recording levels? Should I try to record tracks as loud as possible (without clipping) so that they can be manipulated the most easily?

I need a basic education in the world of compression (there are probably threads on it, I know, and I've searched).

Thanks.

 

[ssscientist]

For a good primer with many examples, download the Tracktion demo. It has a handful of Mackie soft compressors ('soft' meaning virtual, not wimpy) that are as good as any I have used. Set up a drum loop and go thru the presets. Then fool around with the controls until it sounds good to you - then push the button and compare the original to the compressed version. Then repeat the process with a vocal loop. Then with a bass loop. Then with a full mix.

Find the Tracktion demo here.

 

[gordone]

Also, stop by your local Barnes & Noble and pick up a Basics of Home Recording book. It will help answer alot of basic questions for you. Are you sure you want a Firepod? Perhaps you should learn some of the basics before you buy anything (especially if you don't even have a computer yet)
Good luck!

 

[Confusitron]

Also, stop by your local Barnes & Noble and pick up a Basics of Home Recording book. It will help answer alot of basic questions for you. Are you sure you want a Firepod? Perhaps you should learn some of the basics before you buy anything (especially if you don't even have a computer yet)
Good luck!

I've had a Firepod since January. I guess, I have a computer (I have recorded one song on it, but it's quite old and slow, which caused problems with recording), but I'd like to do it better. See, I'm waiting on getting a DEDICATED machine for recording. This computer I'm using right now would probably be fine for recording, but I don't have the hard drive space or mobility to record with it.