vocal compression

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fry13
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Fry13

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Hey...I am recording into an aardvark soundcard into adobe audition, and do not have an outboard compressor. So, I was wondering if, during the processing of the vocals, I should compress it a little to simulate having a hardware compressor and then ALSO squash it like I normally would afterwards, too?

I have been having this problem where the vocals won't sit right in the track, and are kinda grating on the ears, not smooth and controlled like it should be. On a pro recording, the vocals are always "in the same place" and stay the same volume or even get a little quieter when the singer sings a higher/louder note, but I can't quite get the vocals to sit right while compressing once. I get a lot closer to the desired effect by compressing twice, but still not quite right maybe...hard to explain lol. If anyone has Our Lady Peace's Gravity album, that is the sound I am going for....

Thanks for your help!
 
Im not sure if you r fx when recording but i had the same problem so i uped the gate and it seemed to disperse my vocals into the mix really well with less treble on my pre amp helped to.
 
I wouldn't use compression as an effect when recording. It can be helpful in taming peaks and preventing clipping when your singer really lets loose. Advocating proper mic technique, i.e. backing off when singing loudly, will help in this respect as well. You can always apply the compression as an effect later, and I would recommend it.
Try 5:1, fast attack, medium release, set the threshold for 3-9dB gain reduction at the loudest parts.
You aren't as committed after recording, there's no way to take out compression if it's recorded that way.
 
software compression/gate/limit/excite is a post processor it only works after the vocals are recorded tryed it a million times, but compression works in realtime, and software just cant match what youll get from processesing before you record. you can get a decent compressor for about $50, you should look into it, the results are outstanding.
 
i have a behringer composer pro xl and i dont give a !@@@! what anybody says dbx isnt that much better. slightly more control test drove both, and for the price definitely the behringer. it ran me about 150, but that is the two channel model, the one channel is 60. shop the net, most music stores do price matching, because they are losing so much business to the net sure you can one cheap.
 
Doc Strange said:
software compression/gate/limit/excite is a post processor it only works after the vocals are recorded tryed it a million times, but compression works in realtime, and software just cant match what youll get from processesing before you record.
What on earth are you babbling about???

You can certainly use compression plug-ins in real-time as you record... Cubase SX 2 handles that, as does other high-quality recording s/w.

I've seen a few of your other posts - check your facts before you answer......
 
hey dont badmouth he didnt say cubase did he, and for the fact of the matter no software compressor compares to a hardware compressor.ne body will tell you that. so before u go around blabn at me about my posts check ur self homie. why on earth would you use software compression, as i mentioned before i tried it a million times and it just didnt add up. and for the most part all plugins are used for postprocessing. just tryn to steer him in the right direction other than sell him garbage.
 
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