New to Compression

Posted on

Member Since: Dec 07, 2004

I just received my MDX1600 in the mail today and i hooked it up as follows: Mic > Preamp > Compressor > Delta 44. When i sing into the mic, it does compress it, but my voice becomes fuzzy. It's really fuzzy when i am singing more loudly. Any ideas about the problem? I really know very little about compression in general, but this will probably only be used for vocals.

[ Back to Top ]


Excuse Me, I Like 2 Ask Question
Member
Since: Dec 05, 2004


Jan 03, 2005 04:54 pm

I'm sure its only ur settings...
if u search this site... some one shared there settings and they worked great for me... use the search bar at the top of this forum

make sure the gain on ur pre-amp isn't all the way up either...

thats all i think it could be..but we'll see what the other members here say..

Member
Since: Dec 07, 2004


Jan 03, 2005 06:45 pm

The gain is actually very low. I've got the preamp up about 1/4th the way, and the gain up 1/4th. The wav isnt maxed out by any means.

Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004


Jan 03, 2005 08:42 pm

Quote:
my voice becomes fuzzy. It's really fuzzy when i am singing more loudly.


It doesn't do this 'without' the compressor ? Sounds like something's wrong before that component to me . Mic ? Pre ? Cable ? If there's a small noisy thing in the line-up, a compressor sure will make it a bigger noisy thing .

The Quiet Minded
Member
Since: Jan 01, 2003


Jan 03, 2005 09:01 pm

it would be really interesting for you to read something about how compression works. I find it better to understand than to just know some settings. google the theme around and you shall find some good material.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jan 03, 2005 09:03 pm

www.homerecordingconnecti...story&id=13

www.homerecordingconnecti...story&id=84

Karyn
Member
Since: Jul 10, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 01:30 am

Quote:
I really know very little about compression in general, but this will probably only be used for vocals.


Hmmmm.......vocals require even more of an understanding of the principles of compression. To use a compressor on a vocal and have it be transparent with no pumping and breathing artifacts will take some understanding and a little skill. :)



Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jan 04, 2005 02:36 am

Ok,

First remove the 1600 from the chain, if you havn't already and make sure the fuzz is coming from the 1600.

Next, Use the 1600 I/O monitor to ensure that you are getting a reasonable signal into the 1600. between -8 and 0 dB is pretty optimal if you can achieve that from the audio buddy without any problems.

3. Set the threashold to max, ratio to 1:1 and output to 0. This is basicly running the signal through the compresser with no comression applied. If the signal is still clean....no fuzz...

Step 4. The hard part. Patience and listening.

Set your ratio to say 3:1...4:1 and start moving the threshold down while watching the gain reduction meter. Once you start getting say 8dB of reduction start changing your attack timing. You should start to hear some changes to the voice quality. Do the same for release. Some of the things you will hear will be a 'harshness' or a tightening at the very begining of high volume passages. You may also hear the 'pumping' that Karen mentions. Almost a wah wah effect on the volume. All of this is part of the game. These can be creative effects, or effects you want to omit. Your choice.

Hope this will help. The patience part of it was my hertle. Took a while before I started 'hearing'.


Good luck!

Member
Since: Dec 07, 2004


Jan 04, 2005 03:28 pm

Alright guys i may have figured this one out. On the back there is a button that allows you to "opperate at +4db or -10db". I had it on +4, which must have been overloading the sound.

Newbie mistake i know, thanks y'll for your help, it's very appreciated. I'll mess with the settings to get what i like.


Thanks again

Related Forum Topics:



If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.