Help newbie w/ compressing vocals.
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Posted on Mar 08, 2007 05:18 pm
vicdeluca71
Member Since: Mar 06, 2007
I'm just starting to do vocals on our first demo.
First I'll let you know what equipment i'm using.
Rode NTK
Grace 101
Mackie onyx 1220
Tracktion 2 software(soon to be Logic,due to the fact traction is unstable when used with a duo core processor.I just recently bought a mini mac with that chip,and found out the hard way).
I'm just recording raw tracks.I have an engineer who will mix.I havent talked to him in a few weeks ,so maybe I can find help here.
My question is.Should I use a compressor on My vocals (pre) while I'm recording,or can my engineer add them (post) following recording.Or should I use no compression at all.I do not own a standalone compressor,would the one that comes with the software suffice,if I have to go pre.
If I don't use compression,what will be the difference be to using?
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cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Mar 08, 2007 05:25 pm Depending on what you are recording, a compressor can be useful in order to prevent clipping from occuring during the recording process. However, your mix engineer should be able to compress everything after the fact. Just make sure your levels are such that you don't clip as you're recording.
Mar 08, 2007 05:26 pm OOh,almost forgot.If I am compressing vocals,how much should I use?......I prethank you.
Mar 08, 2007 08:41 pm coolo,Thanks again.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 09, 2007 12:51 pm I use a 2.5 ratio on vox, because that is what the preset is set to :)
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Mar 09, 2007 12:59 pm If you're compressing while tracking I'd suggest using the minimum ratio and the maximum threshold that you can get away with. Basically, do the least amount of compression possible to acheive what you're going for. You can always compress more later, but you can't ever de-compress!
Hmmm, there's my next invention. The de-compressor!
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 09, 2007 01:23 pm Nice to know!! For when I can afford an outboard compressor :(
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 09, 2007 03:36 pm I've used the Khearjus classic compressor (software, free). They have a vocals preset that works quite well.
Fattens up the vocals real nice.
Software compressor can bring the hi volume, and low volume more close to center, so the singer appears to have sang much more controlled. But overdone, it can sound squashed, or pumping.
Don't overdo it, but lightly done can improve a weak or thin track.
Mar 09, 2007 08:26 pm Thanks guys,I just talked to my engineer today.He basicly said the same thing.Work the mic better and he will take care of compression later,and if I was to compress to get a RNC.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Mar 09, 2007 08:30 pm sounds like a smart guy =).
