compression
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Posted on Oct 12, 2007 01:34 pm
GoldenKid
Member Since: Jul 11, 2007
i was thinking about buying a compressor/limiter. I am really not all that happy with the waves c1, i just use one of the presets..anyway, would it be smarter to just read up on waves compression, or would something like this work better(just for vocals):
www.guitarcenter.com/shop...3736compressors
The link above is not working for me, which is odd, but if it doesnt work for you also, its just a behringer multicom pro-xl mdx4600 processor. From my exp. hardware usually is better than the software.
thanks for any help
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Oct 12, 2007 01:44 pm comes up product not found, but I'll assume you're looking at a hardware compressor.
Hardware compressors will only do what they do, there's no real adjustment outside of what they're built (and programmed) to do.
But, this can be a good thing, as there'll be less to change and fiddle with. If you're happy with the sound, then you shouldn't want to change it out.
ALso, hardware compression can't be removed, so there's that angle.
But, having a hardware compressor in front of your daw can help tame some transients, before they get to your converters, and clip the signal (big bad no-no). This can't be fixed after the signal is clipped, and recorded digitally. The take could be ruined and need to be edited/fixed, or retracked.
Personally, I track with less gain than I could use, and then use creative compression and level adjustments inside the PC. I've had some good luck with the Khearjus classic compressor, and now have had real good luck with the compressors included with reaper. Both the single and the multiband compressors.
With 24bit converters now, you can record things around -12 and still get plenty of fat signal to work with.
Course, that's probably because I don't have a hardware compressor to use. If I had a nice compressor to use, I may start using one for vocals etc.
of course, ymmv.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Oct 12, 2007 02:20 pm I've been having a lot of fun lately with a *.dll VST called VocEqPro - there's one version with compression, the other without. Also try the (CPU Hogs) "Modern Series" - there are a few in there that are pretty good (but, as mentioned, they EAT CPU).
All free...
Worth a try.
Oct 13, 2007 06:03 am compressors are the worst thing to use presets....recording quality-wise, the waves blows the beri out of the water....
it's in your settings...study up on how to use compressors more...you'll get the hang of it.
and don't make a habit of throwing money at a problem....it leads to poverty!
Oct 14, 2007 12:04 pm I agree, the Waves is a great compressor. Learn the fundamentals behind a compressor, then use it with some know how. Buying that Behringer comp isn't going to help you much, are you looking to track with it? Or mix with it? I don't think there would be any benefit, running out of your DAW, through that comp, then back into your DAW. I'd stick with Waves.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 14, 2007 07:38 pm Presets can work fine for a lot of things. You simply need to know which preset to use for what, and then be able to give it minor tweaks to make it work for you exact track.
If you have the Waves C1 you have a very killer DSP compressor for sure. I use it frequently and love it. It is not the end all be all like a multiband comp is but it is an absolute killer software compressor.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Oct 14, 2007 11:20 pm
I agree with somethings here, i definitely dont see the point of running it out of ur DAW during the mix (hardware comp). But they do come in very handy while tracking, if nothing but helping to cull peaks and just "clean up" ur source. But if thats the case ur lookin at, i say get a strip with a built in comp, preamps will give u way more quality in terms of tracking and the comp will help to smooth that out. Probably alittle more cash, but id say its worth it. But yeah, software comps as ive heard offer alot more during the mix, in this new era of digital mixing, even if ur just comparing them on terms of noise floor.
Oct 15, 2007 12:00 am Well would getting a hardware compressor, using that while recording, still use waves comps during mixing, and get even better results?
What would be the best wave comp to use on vocals? I just randomly picked one of em, c1.
One last question sorry. Are reverbs needed in a mix? Ive used em in just about every song ive ever done. If their that important then Rverb vs Trueverb?
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Oct 15, 2007 12:48 am
Well yes, ideally having a comp for certain applications while tracking, and then the software comp during mixing would be great. Not everyone can do that, but ofcourse itd be nice to have the option of both going in and coming out, but its not needed.
I use teh wave c1 on my vox also, because i feel teh waves plugs r very "clean" with no color and they keep alot of ur signal, but its not the only one i use. Each plug will have its own characteristic which might be what u need, I also find myself using the Classic Compressor alot, but i just love that series in general.
And about reverb, yeah its a big part of mixing in more ways than i could probably write in here. I use alot of different plugs again for verb, never used the trueverb though.
Oct 24, 2007 04:18 am It all depends on what you want to do, for some people a compressor should just control dynamics - I think the waves C is pretty close to that and I'll use it on acoustic guitars all the time. For vocals I'm often wanting to and warmth and thicken the sound so some valve-type drive is welcome - I love the PSP Vintage warmer for this, and many other tasks.
Settings are everything, and it takes a little thought. If you want to just reduce the overall dynamic range a low ratio and low threshold will do this. If you want to stamp on the peaks then a higher ratio and higher threshold will do this. (You may want to do both, so you might use 2 plug-ins, a soft-knee goes some way towards achieving this) A fast attack is required for vocals, and the longer you make the release the less obvious the compression will be.
And don't forget the most transparent way of controling dynamics is to use volume automation - less compression supported by some automation will give the best vocal results.
jlaneMember
Since: Nov 03, 2007
Nov 08, 2007 09:34 pm A word of advice...DON'T BUY BEHRINGER. They do not have a research team of their own. They copy other company's designs and bid the parts out to the lowest bidder. The products work okay until they break and then you can't get them repaired because the parts are no longer available. Their service department is non-existent. Anyway, I would go with Presonus. They have very inexpensive solid processors. Oh, and don't buy the NADY compressor either, had one of them crap out on me as well. I am done.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 08, 2007 10:21 pm Have you ever owned a piece of Behringer gear? I do, about a dozen or so. Several of them are over 5 years old. And funny enough they run about 60 hours a week, give or take. I have never had a lick or trouble. As I know many others here as well have had good luck with Berry gear.
Their interface is a questionable piece of kit as it relates to the drivers they use, not the hardware itself. Other then that, you get what you pay for. And honestly, Berry gear gives more then it cost's.
jlaneMember
Since: Nov 03, 2007
Nov 09, 2007 01:54 pm Behringer is all I used to run, I thought I was getting a steal. All my racks are inside a customized studio desk with professional wiring and a cooling system, (they have been babied). Still, the only piece I have left that hasn't gone out on me is my V-amp pro. Since I upgraded all my equipment I have noticed a great improvement in my studio recordings. Glad to hear they are working for you, they didn't for me.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Nov 09, 2007 03:49 pm Sorry to hear that, jlane. My Behringer stuff works just fine.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 10, 2007 08:44 pm Yep, that is truly odd. I know probably 25 or more places that still have Berry gear in their rack and some of it is as old as mine and its still running fine.
Don't know what to say though on your gear going belly up like that.
