stupid question

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floz26

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ok i just got my new compressor, an alesis 3630 (iknow, really cheap). ok, i want to start recording my vocals with it, where should i set each knob if i want a sound where no matter how soft or hard i sing, from 1 foot away from the condenser mic it all is the same level on the recorder? like the normal thing a compressor is supposed to do. here are the knobs and options

threshold-0dB, +10, +20, -10, -20, -30, -40
ratio-1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1
attack-.1ms, 5ms, 50ms, 150ms, 200ms
release-50ms, 150ms, 500ms, 2s, 3s
output- -20, -10, 0dB, +10, +20

i have no manual if you are wondering

also then there are 2 knobs for "the gate"

threshold-off, -45, -30, -25, -15, -10dB
rate-20ms, 100ms, 300ms, 1.5s, 2s
 
I have never used one so I won't try and sway you one way or the other but alot of people seem to dislike that compressor. With that said, I am sure that its at least usable for getting down the compression basics.
I don't usually compress going into the recorder but some do. There is no set way to do this and I am more of a "knob turner" than a tech guy so keep that in mind.
It sounds like you want to limit the vocal hard, so i would start with a high ratio like 10:1 . Threshold you will have to play around with as your singing, try and set it where you can see that its doing a couple dbs of reduction on your meter. Attack and release will depend but maybe start with fast attack and a slow release, and of course you will have to adjust. I would turn the gate off for vocals.

like the normal thing a compressor is supposed to do.
Click to expand...

Compressors are used in many different ways (limiting, as an effect) it really depends on what your trying to accomplish. Experimentation is going to be the most helpful thing, hopefully i gave you some sort of a starting point.
 
Funny, I just sent someone my old 3630 and it was due to them by yesterday.....is that you? :D As I recall, I was missing the manual, too. Anyway, Wireneck gave you good advice. And BigKenny also has a valid method, as suggested by FMR. Just keep an eye on the Gain Reduction Lights.....sounds like you want at least one lit up with your softest parts. Good Luck...!!
 
I think the alesis is a good start as a first compressor. I mean, you're not commercially selling your stuff are you? Just for learning the basics i guess. Indeed it is not a real good compressor, but by working with it and getting to know it's limitation helps you understand the basics of compression, and more important...it helps you appreciate a real good compressor when you can lay your hands on one in the future. I started with the behringers and upgraded later when things became professional to tube TLA....If i started right away with them i wouldn't be so happy with them as i'm at this point.

A good starting point is the behringer site. Their downloadable manuals all have a sort a mini-course on the products included, explaining what they are, what they are used for and how to use them. very basis but very clear and things learned can be used for other brands as well offcourse.

When it comes to settings....just try...i am keen on big compression on vocals...20:1 is not unusually at my studio. You probably understand you need a good compressor to get away with settings like that. My philioshy is simple...don't compress just peaks because you'll notice the differents when the compressor kicks in...if you make sure the compressor is working all the time on the signal the whole tracks is smoothly compressed (again..i doubt if this works on the behringer or the alesis)

Another confirmation on the use before or after the recording...AFTER....that way you can experiment with settings without messing up the initial recording. Recorded with compression can not be altered afterwards.

Good luck
 
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