Where to start with Compression

[Brother_N_t_]

I just started recording guitar and vocals. I hear alot of talk about compression and was just wondering if that would be one of the first things I should get to help with sound. I have a tascam 424mkIII and am going to use the line out to go to my PC. Could you please

Tell me the purpose of compression?
If I should or can use it for both guitar and vocals? (I know that's probably preference)
What would be a good compression unit to get?

I know the "rack stuff" is what I will end up getting in the end, but was just wondering what everyone thought. SOrry, I'm new...

Joe

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/199...html?session=39221184e3352d5e8a42d1721093e11d

http://www.guitar9.com/studionine5.html

These will give you an idea of what compression is and when to use it but you'll have to spend a lot of time using a compressor before you really understand how it works.

Good luck with it

 

[minofifa]

Rack compression (or using outboard compressors) is not always the way to go. it does help to raise the volume without overloading the converters but with an outboard compressor, once your signal is compressed, that's the way it will always be. sonar 3 comes with a great compressor as well as a really nice multiband compressor which gives you a lot more versatility and experiemtnation without damaging your signal than an outboard compressor. That said, i will still probably get an outboard compressor for some purposes. I'm looking at the RNC (really nice compressor) form FMR audio, it has gotten very high reviews. You may also want to check out the 3Q from Joe Meek (sp?)

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

but with an outboard compressor, once your signal is compressed, that's the way it will always be.

That's correct if your tracking through the compressor but that's not the only option. By sending all of your (unprocessed) tracks back to a console for mixdown you can add compression (or any effect/processing) at the mixing stage using outboard gear.

To be honest though this is only really worthwhile if you have some decent quality outboard. Otherwise I'd agree that mixing 'in the box' probably makes more sense.