Signal chain question.

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copperandstars

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Hello,

I have a question regarding recording vocals/instruments using mulitiple devices (i.e compressor, preamp, etc). Here is a common situation I run into:

I am recording a really vocal track that I like to compress a little bit on the way in. Would the correct route be to go mic - preamp - compressor - soundcard or with the compressor before the preamp? And also, should the level going into the compressor be as close to 0 db as possible without clipping? If that is the case it would make sense to use the preamp Before the compressor to bring the level up...

But, I have a m-audio omni and the preamp is part of the sound card I guess you could say. So the preamp is last in the chain. Does this matter?

Thanks for the input.

Ryan
 
copperandstars said:
Hello,

I have a question regarding recording vocals/instruments using mulitiple devices (i.e compressor, preamp, etc). Here is a common situation I run into:

I am recording a really vocal track that I like to compress a little bit on the way in. Would the correct route be to go mic - preamp - compressor - soundcard or with the compressor before the preamp? And also, should the level going into the compressor be as close to 0 db as possible without clipping? If that is the case it would make sense to use the preamp Before the compressor to bring the level up...

But, I have a m-audio omni and the preamp is part of the sound card I guess you could say. So the preamp is last in the chain. Does this matter?

Thanks for the input.

Ryan
Click to expand...
Just a quick couple of questions:
  • What's the purpose of the preamp?
  • What are the two possible uses for compressor?
(Pre)amped and slightly compressed in Austin,
McQ
 
Compressors are designed to handle a line level signal. That means you need a preamp before the compressor if you want to use it properly (and sound worth a shit). Does the Omni have any jacks labeled 'Insert'? If so you can use the compressor there before the signal hits the convertors.
 
I actually just orderd the omni, so I am unsure. Hopefully it does...i'll check. Would the signal go through the preamp and then internally into the compressor then to the output somehow? Kinda like an effects loop?

Ryan
 
Here ya go:
 

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Awesome Chris, thanks a lot. I wasn't able to find such a clear pic anywhere. I guess my question now would be...how would I use the jack? Would I take the signal from the direct out then into the compressor then into the insert jack?

-ryan
 
copperandstars said:
Awesome Chris, thanks a lot. I wasn't able to find such a clear pic anywhere. I guess my question now would be...how would I use the jack? Would I take the signal from the direct out then into the compressor then into the insert jack?

-ryan
Click to expand...
You need a special insert cable. One end will be a TRS plug and the cord on the other end will be an IN and an OUT jack. Hold on, let me take a picture of one for you...

Okay, there ya go. You plug the TRS into the insert jack and the I/O into the I/O of your compressor. In effect the signal hits the preamp, then gets sent OUT on the cord and BACK through the same cord, then to the ADC.
 

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Thanks again Chris!

This board is a life saver. I really appreciate the help.
 
You're welcome man. I'm still a newbie, so whenever I can actually help someone it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and... I've gotta go..
 
Chris Fallen said:
Actually it can!

www.rocks-tonic.org/chivalry/diagram.JPG
Click to expand...

OK, maybe I'm an idiot who like things nice and simple, but couldn't you just use a single TRS cable from one of the inserts to the left input, rather than using the "Y" cable as shown in the diagram/picture? ...Looks to me like that left side input will take a TRS, am I nuts?

-Mr. Moon
 
No, you are completely correct. Indeed, the RNC will take a TRS input for the direct purpose of being used with inserts.

In a many cases though, you'd wire everything through patchbays. And then you want the splitter.
 
Mr. Moon said:
OK, maybe I'm an idiot who like things nice and simple, but couldn't you just use a single TRS cable from one of the inserts to the left input, rather than using the "Y" cable as shown in the diagram/picture? ...Looks to me like that left side input will take a TRS, am I nuts?

-Mr. Moon
Click to expand...
Wow, I feel incredibly stupid. I never even thought about that.

HAH.
 
regebro said:
No, you are completely correct. Indeed, the RNC will take a TRS input for the direct purpose of being used with inserts.

In a many cases though, you'd wire everything through patchbays. And then you want the splitter.
Click to expand...

....Sweeeeeeeet!! My dominant blonde gene didn't get in the way of thinking!! Good brain!!

:)
 
Wait...so the left input on the compressor in the diagram is also an output back to the insert jack?
 
Yeah, if you just use a straight TRS cord (instead of my freaky ass split one) from the Insert to the Left (mono) in then it uses the Tip to send the information, and the Ring to send it back.
 
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