recording vocals w/ compression

[lopie]

i like using compression for input monitoring my vocals but since it doesn't affect the volume to tape (a joke!) how do you know how hot the signal is thats being recorded

does the track view monitor tell the truth in this situation. or you just take a stab in the dark at correct volume

 

[cstockdale]

Dude, it isn't a joke. How can a software compressor affect an analog signal ? It can't be applied until after the A/D conversion takes place: it is not a substitute for a hardware compressor which you use to affect teh signal before it is recorded. It is a very effective tool in editing and mixing however, I use them all teh time.

What soundcard are you using? If you are using an M-audio product, the mixer panel input meters will show you the true level of what you are recording. But in all honesty, I would recommend not using the compressor on input monitoring, because you can't tell what the signal taht you are recording actually sounds like. If you need a compressor on your vocals to get that "right sound" to sing properly, sounds like it is time to invest in an outboard compressor.

 

[lopie]

i hear my vocal better

with the compressor in line and input monitoring on i discovered that i can hear my vocal nuances better and it seems to feed my performance even better than reverb. although its not going onto the recording it has value. also i have m-audio firewire 410 but i don't know where in the mixer it show what going into the recorded track (btw i was using the 14 day trial vox waves compressor for this experiment and was really surprised)

 

[acidrock]

also i have m-audio firewire 410 but i don't know where in the mixer it show what going into the recorded track

In the delta control panel it will list inputs 1-2 and 3-4.
Now if you are using input monitoring you can actually mute the inputs and still hear the vocals,just to avoid any issues with flanging or slight slapback that might be off putting to you. Try it both ways.

btw i was using the 14 day trial vox waves compressor for this experiment and was really surprised

I agree,the Cakewalk compresssor is nothing to write home about.

 

[Porter]

Re: i hear my vocal better

with the compressor in line and input monitoring on i discovered that i can hear my vocal nuances better and it seems to feed my performance even better than reverb.

Ever thought about turning down the rest of the mix in the cans (I'm assuming) so you can hear your vocal over the top of it when recording?

Porter