when to add compression

[James Galloway]

Should I add compression when I record the instrument or is better to add it at the end when I do my final mix. I have 8 tracks and I am limited. I would like to use compression and some reverb can only use either one or the other without ping-ponging down to have more space.

 

[Cyrokk]

It is only a good idea to use compression during tracking if you absolutely know what to do with it. People with plenty of experience using a compressor as an effect will know just the right amount to use so that it works well during mixing.

If you add compression now and just guess the right amount to use, then you could be screwing up the dynamic of your tracks and limiting your future mixing options. And if you are using a cheap compressor, you may be introducing the sound of the unit into your tracks, which may be a good thing-again if you know what you are doing.

Save the compression for mixing. Anything you add during tracking, be it compression or reverb, cannot be removed in the mixing process.

Cy

 

[vox]

I like to use some compression at the tracking stage on vocals and bass, I don't compress heavily, just set the threshold to shave a couple db of the loudest peaks to prevent 'overs'. Compressing in 2 stages can also make the compression more transparent.

 

[mixsit]

Should I add compression when I record the instrument or is better to add it at the end when I do my final mix. I have 8 tracks and I am limited. I would like to use compression and some reverb can only use either one or the other without ping-ponging down to have more space.

If you have to bounce that might be a reason to compress earlier.
What's causing you to have to pick the compression or the reverb?
Just curious.
Wayne

 

[Light]

I do most of my compression durring the tracking, but I rarly do all of my comprsion durring the tracking. I like to leave a little for the mix so I have some room to play when the time comes.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[fprod south]

Re: Re: when to add compression

If you have to bounce that might be a reason to compress earlier.
What's causing you to have to pick the compression or the reverb?
Just curious.
Wayne

Because you state you have to choose btw compression or reverb based on your track count leads me to believe you are not using them right. I think mixsit is thinking the same thing I am.

Compression should be used as an insert - the effect changes the original signal.
Reverb should be used on an aux track - the effect is added to the original signal.

Maybe you already know this - and of course there are times to break these rules.

 

[mixsit]

I do most of my compression durring the tracking, but I rarly do all of my comprsion durring the tracking. I like to leave a little for the mix so I have some room to play when the time comes.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

I'd love to get some input as to how folks feel about the seemingly conflicting goals of processing twice vs trying to keep the 'path' as simple as possible.
I very much like the idea of taking advantage of (hopefuly great and/or unique) external comp, but STILL don't feel I know just how much (or what behavior, to qoute The Pipeman) to apply befor I hear it in context.
So I track it safe, almost always...
Wayne

 

[Middleman]

I limit very lightly when tracking vocals to knock down peaks but try not to compress as it tends to color things too much depending on which compressor I use. I have had too many vocals that lost their dynamics and later I wanted them back.

Guitars, bass, solo instruments I generally mult with both clean and compression going in.

 

[Doug H]

I mostly just use compression on vocal tracks to try and even them out, and sometimes as an effect on a heavy guitar track.

I like putting some on the main bus to give a more live feel but lately I've just been doing peak limiting to keep the overall signal up.

 

[James Galloway]

Re: Re: when to add compression

If you have to bounce that might be a reason to compress earlier.
What's causing you to have to pick the compression or the reverb?
Just curious.
Wayne

I am using a Korg D8 Digital with enternal effects at final mix down I am using their pre set mixes. they never seem to get it down as good as think it can be. If I use the preset effects while tracking then use the presets at mixdown I lose the dynamics. Most of their effects at mixdown insert compression except for Hall and room(reverb)but every thing I have learned(Iam just a songwriter)Compression is a very important factor in the process

Thanks for your advice Jim

 

[mixsit]

Can't maybe apply comp to a recorded track as an effected copy of the original?
...Always hated boxes that don't allow 'thinking outside' of them.

 

[StevenLindsey]

I am using a Korg D8 too. I have never gotten a good sound out the internal compressor. I hate that thing. Invariably, when I mix with compression and then compare it to the uncompressed mix, I cull the compression. I compress my sorry old bass pretty heavily when tracking because I have to. But everything else, to me, sounds much better and more natural without compression. I don't even compress drum tracks. Now if I had a good compressor, I may do things differently but so far all I've got for compression is the D8 internal ( stinks ) and a Blue Max ( not too bad ). I don't really see much point in having all that great dynamic range if you're just gonna squash the music and make it lifeless after you record it.

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

I use compression on everything at every stage. Going in, coming out, in my car, at shoprite, and on my roof BBQing with my friends.
Several stages of small increments is better than all at once.