Signal Chain Question

[BB Studios]

Hello all, I am somewhat new to recording and have a question about my signal chain. I pretty much run everything through the same chain with different settings and wanted feedback or suggestions on whether or not this is a good practice. I record in the basement of my house and do everything at low volume, hence the electronis drums and the POD. I am not sure if I should take a different approach with the compressor. I'm not sure how I can send a final mix through it through the send and return. Each setting is rather unique and I like the flexibility I have with it on each instrument. Let me know. Generally I am happy with my recordings and my mix, but am always looking for opportunitues to be better. Thanks!

Here we go:

GUITAR -> POD 2.0 -> Tube MP Pre amp -> Presonus Comp 16 compressor (on fretted setting) -> Tascam DP-02 8 track.

VOCALS -> MXL 2010 condensor-> Tube MP Pre amp -> Presonus Comp 16 (Vocal setting) -> DP-02.

BASS -> Tube MP -> Comp16 -> DP-02

DRUMS -> OSP DD502 Electronic drum set ->Tube MP -> Comp16 (on percussion setting) -> DP-02 with Comp effect drum preset

KEYS -> Yamaha YPG235 -> Comp16 -> DP-02

 

[ryguy76]

I'm not that familiar with the specific compressor you're talking about, but if memory serves me correct, it's strictly a preset based compressor and you're not able to adjust any settings, correct?

First off, you won't be able to send a final mix through it unless its a mono mix. You'd need a stereo compressor, and one with control over each setting.

With your equipment, I don't see a problem with using how you're using it, provided your not getting too much gain reduction on the way in. You really only want it to control the peaks that get away from you unknowingly. Stick with the correct preset for the application and use it sparingly, and you should be OK.

I, personally, compress after tracking, but I'm very diligent when setting my input levels and don't worry about clipping while tracking.

 

[Bobbsy]

Well, the one comment I have is that I would rather not have any compression on original tracks. I'd rather add that later in the more controlled environment of the mix.

That said, I do use dynamics processing on my tracking...but in limiter mode only. I also try to set up my gain structure so that I pretty well never trigger the limiter--it's there as a "get out of jail free card" to prevent clipping if a performer gets extra energetic. Those are usually the best takes...but the most prone to clipping if you set your levels on a "halfway" performance.

So, basically, I prefer to record as near dry/clean as possible and add all effects (including compression) after the fact.

Bob