Use compression or not?

[pdlstl]

I'm working on a mix of 12 songs which were recorded day before yesterday and am wondering if I doing something right or wrong with the vocal tracks.

The tracks are female vocals and they have several peaks which need taming and several valleys which need boosting (both from a gain perspective). I've got them sounding like I want it through the use of a gain envelope on the tracks.

Should I be doing this with a gain envelope or through the compressor in SONAR?

Thanks,

Earl

 

[dachay2tnr]

A volume envelope is probably the best approach, as it is applied only exactly where you need it.

However, it does sound like you have some tracking issues. Personally I don't like to use envelopes to increase volume. I'd rather track stronger (short of clipping, of course) and reduce volume where needed using an envelope.

 

[pdlstl]

Thanks again!

Fortunately, the only places where I had to drag the gain up is the last word on each verse. I had the vocal track pretty hot (just short of clipping) but she would let the last word trail off. And because of time constraints, we weren't able to do a lot of takes.

In the future, should I use an outboard compressor ( I have a TC Electronics TRriple C) to compress the vocals as they are being recorded?

Thanks,

Earl

 

[dachay2tnr]

I've read differing schools of thought on this subject.

I've very recently started using light outboard compression while tracking. Prior to this I tracked completely dry. I haven't had enough experience using the outboard compressor yet to form my own conclusions as to which I prefer.

My main reason for going outboard was that we record in an open basement. I am trying to capture a more upfront vocal, and therefore get less of the "room" sound in my recordings.

The only thing I can offer is that remember there is no turning back from ANYTHING you commit while tracking. Therefore, proceed with caution if you go outboard.

 

[pdlstl]

The only thing I can offer is that remember there is no turning back from ANYTHING you commit while tracking. Therefore, proceed with caution if you go outboard.

Totally understand that. I went ahead and bought an insert cable to give it a try. The good thing about the Triple C is that it will compress any or all of three different bands.

Will let you know how it works.

Thanks,

Earl

 

[Paul881]

I think you will find that many pro engineers use a little sweetening compression to aid the vocals, just to improve the signal to noise ratio (as my learned collegue, Dachay does ) and to improve presence for the singer. It allows the vocals to cut through the background sounds better.

OTOH, some believe this to be heresy.

I occasionaly sit in with a well known, freelance, ex BBC trained sound engineer, recording choirs and soloists and he never compresses, but increases the gain according to the wave tracking.

As ever, do your research and you make your own mind up.