"To Compress or Not To Compress"

[tone_aot]

Hello everyone. I've been trying different recording techniques recently and i've kind of grown fond of recording without compressing the signal. This way, i have full control over how i want to compress during mixing. I record at 24 bit so i have more headroom and less chance of clipping. I think i've found the perfect recording volume for my voice because i know how loud i usually get. I just wanted to know how many people compress or don't compress and what are some new recording techniques that i can try. Thanks everyone!

 

[grn]

I don't compress while tracking, only afterwards... and it depends on the sound I want. As far as vocals go, it is better to set a good level (like you have obviously found), but what is more important is proper mic technique when singing.

 

[xstatic]

I compress quite frequently when tracking. Typically I mix in the box for recall, automation etc... Since I also have a cool collection of vintage compressors, that means I need to do it on the way in in order to use them. As long as proper care and settings is used when tracking, there is nothing wrong with comping. Sometimes I even mult a track to record one dry, and the other slammed with either a Distressor, DBX 165a, or a Spectrasonics 610.

 

[ndycus1]

i pretty much always compress while tracking...i just make sure i don't kill the dynamics.

 

[up-fiddler]

Unless it is an instrument like harmonica, I rarely compress. I'm more from the do-over school. Mic technique and good levels are your best friends. jmho, Dave.

 

[peopleperson]

"If it sounds right, it is right" - Joe Meek

 

[scrubs]

It totally depends on the sound I'm after. If I know what I want and know that an outboard compressor is going to give that to me, I compress during tracking to save myself unecessary A/D/A conversions (I mix ITB). If I'm unsure, I'll track dry and add software compression, if needed.

 

[Chibi Nappa]

Since I don't have any outboard compressors, it doesn't make much sense for me to compress on the way in since I can use the exact same software compressors when mixing. If I had a great hardware compressor I'd probably use it when tracking, but I don't.