Where to put compresser in signal chain

  • Thread starter Thread starter RICK FITZPATRICK
  • Start date Start date
RICK FITZPATRICK

RICK FITZPATRICK

New member
Hello everyone, I have a question that may go in the recording techniques forum, but because its analog, I'm posting it here.

I currently am using a Studiomaster(don't laugh, its all I have and have to use it for now) 20x8x2 mixer, with NO direct outs but it does have channel inserts.

In regard to tracking electric bass:

Which would be the better way to use a compressor when tracking. Using the inserts or inline with buss outs? Or is there even a difference? Or is this a laughable question. I'm just now getting around to serious tracking and would also like to know if there is any purpose in running the 8 buss outputs to a patchbay. In otherwords, does anybody EVER put anything between the buss outputs and the recorder. I would love to have direct outs, but alas....

My recorder is (2)synched MSR-16's.
fitz:)
 
"real musicians ....."

LOL - took my smoke breaks during the game, watched the commercials and the half time show.... does that count??

b-h
 
Hi Rick - for tracking the bass, "better" is what you belive sounds best... you could do it either way you suggest, or with an external pre amp (even the line out of an amp) go: bass -> pre -> compressor -> tape (or board -> tape).

I do run my (8) buss outputs to the patchbay, but my board also has direct outs which are normaled to the tape inputs on the patchbay. The anser is yes, you can put stuff between the buss outputs and tape (like an effect on a drum mix etc...). Even if wiring the patchbay is a pain, the flexibility it provides is worth it.

If you have to use the inserts then you have to use the inserts. One reason to not use them is to keep everything balanced. The insert send/return is usually unbalanced.

Kevin.
 
Hi Kevin, thanks alot. My whole system is -10, with mic lines being the only balanced lines in the system. Everything else is unbalanced anyway. Ok, well, I have 3 DI's permanently installed in my console that are connected to Hi-z input modules underthe armrest, and the balanced outputs permanently connected to 3 channels on the mixer.(for 2 guitars and bass as I have 2 friends come over regurly and I like it set up ready to go!) The input modules have a switch on each input to send the signal to the DI, or to a guitar FX which in turn goes to a seperate stereo amp and spks with a SM57 permently mounted in front of each spkr. That way I can quickly change what type of sound to record.

I have NO pre's yet(damn a studio is a money pit!) so I have to use the mixer pre's for now. That only gives me either the buss's to insert the compressor or the actual inserts. So its the same thing huh? Alright, I'll have to buy another patchbay, as the ones I have are filled. OH...... it just occured to me:rolleyes: If I use the insert for the compressor I can monitor the compressor adjustments...cool, vs the buss's which I couldn't monitor, right? See, thats all I needed to do was talk this through. Thanks. BTW, I am in the market for a new mixer, just got to save a little more. And everything I do is for fun anyway, so I'm not under the gun for perfection. Hmmm, thats enough. Later.
fitz:)
 
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