Stupid compression question

[NL5]

Ok, if I record a vocal and it clips, will it matter if the compression is applied before recording (make that during recording) or if I apply it to the already recorded track. I don't have an outboard compressor yet, so I usually just cut the boost enought that it doesn't clip. I would not be setting it to clip on purpose, but vocals can sneak up on you sometimes, and the guy I will be recording is VERY dynamic.

Thanks in advance,

NL5

 

[mshilarious]

You gotta prevent clipping at your A/D converter. If you apply compression after conversion, whether during tracking or later, you're just making a clipped sound quieter. Either you need to use an external compressor, or reduce the preamp gain until the highest peak doesn't clip at the converter.

 

[Raw-Tracks]

The clipping is taking place at the A/D stage. If you compress once it is recorded, you will only be lowering the volume of the clipped sound. You need to have a compressor before the A/D stage to prevent clipping. So you will need to get an outboard compressor. Otherwise, especially if you are recording at 24bit, just lower your input level a bit more to give yourself some headroom. You don't need to be "tickling the red" all the time. Back off a bit.

 

[NL5]

Thanks guys, thats what I wanted to know. BTW - I don't have it set to "tickle the red" at all, he is just a very dynamic singer. I am also gonna work with him to back off a bit from the mic at the louder parts. (I haven't had a lot of trouble with it clipping, just one spot in one song)

I guess I am mainly looking for justification for the purchase of an outbaord compressor - I am just a REAL small home studio ya know.

Thanks again,

NL5

 

[Raw-Tracks]

Thanks guys, thats what I wanted to know. BTW - I don't have it set to "tickle the red" at all, he is just a very dynamic singer. I am also gonna work with him to back off a bit from the mic at the louder parts. (I haven't had a lot of trouble with it clipping, just one spot in one song)

I hope you didn't think I was ripping on your tecnique. Vocals can be tough. It really will help to have a compressor in the chain. Do you have a compressor in mind that you are considering? You might want to check out the RNC-1773.

Good Luck

 

[NL5]

That's the one I am thinking about. I just got a RNP, so they should work well together.

Thanks again,

NL5

 

[Lance135]

It takes a while for singers to get used to recording their singing. I'm sure he'll get smoother as you record more. You could put up a pop screen in front of the mike that will keep him from getting too close. I like to record everything without effects such as compression, but lots of guys use compression when they're recording. You could also try angling the microphone slightly, either up or down, but it depends on which microphone you're using if you'll still get a good sound.

 

[intense]

If you can't seem to get a decent level without him still clipping out sometimes and your using a decent condensor/preamp set-up, another thing you can try (if you've got a quiet enough room) is to back him off the mic about 3-6 feet (mark the floor with tape so he can keep his placement consistent), crank up the gain as needed and let him belt it out. I have a friend who'se a very good singer but between his voice being insanely loud and his lack of recording experience & mic technique I couldn't record him any other way until I got an outboard compressor. But that worked out so well for him I still record him that way. It was a bit of a pain in the butt at first but his tracks have turned out incredible every time.

 

[ecktronic]

You said it was one part in particaular that is clipping yeah? You could record the part that is clipping seperately onto a different track. I WOULDN'T advise the singer moving away from the mic at times in the recording as this could quite easily end up in changes in dynamics you just dont want. Compression is the way to stop peaking, but use as little as possible at recording stage so you have more to play with at mix down.