Using Compression While Tracking

[Silverwulf]

Ok guys, quick question...is there any way to use a plug-in like a Waves Renn Compressor while tracking in Adobe Audition 1.5? I see each channel has an "FX" button on it on the track properties window. If I was to apply a Waves Renn Compressor there with the settings I want before tracking vocal for example, will it track with the compressor while I'm recording like a hardware compressor would, or is it going to apply compression after the fact on the track? Thanks!

 

[thajeremy]

You will not hear the effect of the compression during recording, only playback.

 

[SEDstar]

hm...

for this, i would think you would want a compressor PHYSICALLY in the signal chain before it hits the computer, with "more than usual" sound checks.

common for "clamping down" on singers that dont yet have great mic control, or who suddenly scream into the mic. Used to clamp down on certain other instruments, if without it, the average volume would be too cold a signal.

i think the rule of thumb is, you only use a real compressor in the recording signal chain when you HAVE to, IE some compelling reason, and you use it as little as you have to. IE, dont get lazy and start using it as a hard limiter, or you'll get square waves recorded, it looke like you took a die grinder to the tops of the peaks, lmao.

much like reverb and other effects, sometimes with compression, "less is more"

if youre always getting clipping, and turning down the gain leave the rest of the signal too small,no swing...then a compressor inline is the next logical thing. LIke cayenne pepper, use it sparingly.

 

[lpdeluxe]

Or, to put it another way...

...you can't record with a software plugin compressor.

...you can record with a hardware compressor in the signal path.

...but you can overdo it. If you track with it, you're stuck with it: there's no "compressor undo."

 

[dobro]

Not only that, but I use less compression when I'm tracking than I used to. I used to use compression as a way to hammer the signals so that they didn't clip. But with 24-bit recording now, I just turn down the signal. If it needs to be compressed later, I take care of it with software. If it doesn't need compressing, it sounds better.

You know, it's taken me *forever* to be able to hear compression. And it was listening to some of my older stuff that I'd tracked with loads of compression that got me hearing it. I was thinking: "Gee, why is the beginning of every note so percussive?" Then I remembered that word that people use to describe compressed sound - 'punchy'. Problem was, I didn't want it to sound like that, but like lpdeluxe says, once you've tracked with compression you can't undo. So I'm stuck with it. Oh, I could retrack it. But I'm lazy lol.

Don't track with any more compression than you absolutely have to.