Where to put compressor in route

[thewifey]

I did test run with all of the equipment and a new patchbay (1st time using it for the PC routing). It was so slick to be able to route to the PC W/O having to crawl around equipment plugging and un-plugging things. However, the test came out too compressed because tracks went through my dbx 1066 compressor AND 462 Sonic Maximizer during recording to the VS-840EX and AGAIN during the mixdown (to my PC). YUCK.....it didn't sound good--way too squashed. Now after spending about 45 minutes I have it all routed correctly (I think). The Maximizer is only in the loop when the song is going from the recorder into the PC. Compression is still occurring just before it hits the VS-840 (recorder)...is this OK????? Or should I have it placed just before the Maximizer (before final mixdown). Give me your professional thoughts please.

 

[crosstudio]

i would use the compressor but not the maximizer when recording the tracks to the vs-840 if i had to. ie... if i didn't have a compressor in the vs-840 or PC. i would not use the maximizer on individual tracks at all.

i take that back.

i would rather record to the vs-840 with no dynamics processing at all if possible. then play around with compression settings for the individual instruments. if you have to go out of the vs-840 to the compressor back to the vs-840 for the individual instruments so be it. that way if the compression isn't working well in the mix, you've still got the raw track and you can re-compress with different settings.

then when you master, you can apply the compressor and maximizer to the sound, but be careful with that compressor. i prefer to use a multiband compressor on the mix.

 

[crosstudio]

ps.

I just bought a Furman 48-point PB from 8thstreet.com. I got a FMR Audio RNP and now I've got to route my signals away from the Mackie1604 and into the RNP instead.

 

[TexRoadkill]

You need to have your compressor after the preamps. If you are running a mic or guitar straight into it there will be problems. In general, put nothing in the path between the source and recorder. Don't use anything during the transfer or mixdown unless you really need it. Using gear just because you have it is a bad habit.

 

[volltreffer]

High!

IMO the raw recording and compression on mixdown is OK for higher class machines, but for the 840, you should care for a decent recording level. If you don't tame peaks (if you have them!), you're likely to end with a very low recorded track, which will not sound too good simply because of the 16 bit recording with loads of RDAC... OTOH, you're quite likely to spoil some tracks due to overcompression until you learn what will be the right amount. So if you wanna learn, it is MUCH better to record dry. Another option would be to use a limiter that catches the peaks only. Just use a high ratio, high threshold, fastest possible attack and prolly fast to medium release. Some compressors even have an additional limiter installed. Lots of the need for a comnpressor can be avoided by proper singing/playing technique - but a limiter may save a track that would have distorted otherwise...

But anyway, if you chosse to record with compressor/limiter, listen to Tex's advice!

aXel