Software Compressor

[Croww]

Hello all. First off, I'm new to the home recording world. I'm trying to get a basic, however complete recording setup. My biggest concern now is compression. I need a good vocal track in, so compression at the recording stage is necessary. I've heard you can't use software compression in this way, only in the mastering stage. But since I'm going straight into an audio interface on my PC after the preamp on vocals, couldn't I use a software compressor to do the job as audio is coming into the PC? Just for reference, I'm using "JAMin" audio compressor for Linux. Sorry if this question has been asked, but I can't find much info on this.

Thanks in advance,

 

[WhiteStrat]

No, you don't need compression on the way in. Just track the vocal straight in, and if you need compression, add it after the fact. There's way more flexibility this way: you get the chance to try different settings, see what works best, and undo it when something doesn't work.

Having said that, I've never tried using software compression on the way in--it's a moot point. Just take your time and get it right after the vocal is recorded.

 

[Seafroggys]

Yeah, there's no reason to add effects during the recording process. Do it all in post.

And good job using Linux too. Though why are you using jAmin when you could be using Ardour?

 

[DonF]

why are you using jAmin when you could be using Ardour?

That's like asking, "Why are you using jelly when you could be using peanut butter?" It's not an either/or. They work well together.

To continue with the thread's topic: Using compression after A/D conversion and before hitting the DAW is pointless. You're throwing away dynamic range that you can never recover. Also, if the preamp hits the A/D too hard, the A/D will clip, and the compression you've applied post-A/D will do nothing to stop it.

OTOH, using hardware compression before the A/D might possibly be useful in some situations. mainly where you can't reasonably predict the dynamic range of the input, and where retracking will be prohibitively expensive or impossible (e.g., a live recording).

Lastly, I'd like to point out that using JAMin for single-track compression is overkill, in my opinion. It's designed to be applied to an entire mix, not to individual tracks. Personally, I use SC4 and SC4 (mono) for single-track compression. (See http://plugin.org.uk/ladspa-swh/docs/ladspa-swh.html.)

Don

 

[Seafroggys]

Sorry for derailing the thread, but having used both, I was under the impression that Ardour is for mixing and jAMIN is for overall stereo "pre-mastering."

Unless I misread what the threadstarter was saying he was doing.

 

[DonF]

Seafroggys, you are exactly right about Ardour and JAMin. But I think the OP was saying that he was using JAMin to process vocal tracks on the way into the DAW, and he was wondering whether compression on the input side was a good idea. I think we are agreed that it is not generally a good idea. ("Do it all in post," you said.)

He didn't mention which DAW he is using. I certainly hope it's Ardour.

Don

 

[Croww]

Thank you all for your input, I believe you answered my question. Oh, and yes, I was simply asking about using JAMin as a vocal compressor before coming into Ardour, which is the DAW I am using. I guess I'll tackle compression in the mastering stage.

Thanks again

 

[talontsiawd]

Like said above, you defineatly don't need compression on the way in, or in general. It just depends on what you want to achieve. Alot of people think it's a "standard procedure" and must always be used and i hear alot of overcompressed vocals from hobbiests.

However, i think outboard compression is great, especially when working quickly with alot of artists. If you use it lightly, it can save a good take when you just switched to another vocalist or you are trying to experiment with volume, delivery, etc. I'm talking about light, transparent compression that is just saving you from minor clips. If this is what you are after, i'd invest in an outboard one. If you are trying to get enough for your final mix, i would not recommend doing it while tracking vocals, hardware or software, when you want more "serious" compression.