Cubase LE Help....compressor/limiter?

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Member Since: Oct 27, 2007

Hey so my buddy and I are trying to use Cubase LE to record some tunes...we have no problem laying down tracks but the levels aren't right and we aren't sure what we need to do...vocals are too high or guitar is too high...and we are reaching that point when things get buzzy and static filled...I read that if I compressed the tracks it would help out...and I read in the operation manual that you can compress the tracks with the master effects thing but I can't figure it out...any help would be appreciated...you can listen to what we've done so far at www.myspace.com/veteranstatusband. the recordings aren't great and we would like an suggestions/help anyone can provide...thanks alot.

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Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 10:40 am

1) Are you using any hardware, and if so what?

2) Have you checked your input levels before recording?

3) What kind of mic are you using and are you plugging straight into the computers soundcard?

You have to get a decent initial input level first, then use compression for fine tuning or evening out the tracks volume. For vocals and few other things its good to use compression as a pre-cursor to your effects and mixing plug-ins, but not as a solve all.


Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 27, 2007 10:42 am

Gain staging is what you're looking for.

Compression works to balance out changing levels, like parts where singing is a little louder than other parts.

But not to fix over-driven parts.

With computers, you don't need to drive the signal so hard going in. You should be able to record at -8 or -12 or so, then make it back up later in mix.

You're signals should be coming in clear as a bell, though just not as loud as you would expect at the end.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 27, 2007 10:54 am

I listened, and I think that's the deal. You're driving the signal too much. Turn down the gain when recording.

Gain-staging is your friend.

Nice work, though the left only channel thing gets kinda annoying (imo, headphones).

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 10:58 am

you said what I havn't got the brain power for right now pjk; here's a link that might help you understand a little about gain staging veteran:

www.homerecordingconnecti...=2999&frm=1

Member
Since: Oct 27, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 11:24 am

Thanks alot...actually I was messing around with it this morning before I read this and figured out that the gain was my issue...thanks so much for the help. Another question though...what is "normalizing" an audio track. Is that similar to compressing or limiting it?

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 27, 2007 11:34 am

Audio normalization is the process of increasing (or decreasing) the amplitude (volume) of an audio signal. Typically normalization increases the amplitude of the audio waveform to the maximum level without introducing any distortion into the recording. If there was already distortion, it will leave it distorted and only adjust the volume.

Specifically, normalization applies a constant amount of gain to an entire recording to bring the highest peak to a target level, usually 98% (-0.3 dB) or 100% (0 dB). This differs from dynamics compression, which applies varying levels of gain over a recording to fit the level within a minimum and maximum range. Normalization applies the same amount of gain across the entire recording so that the relative dynamics are preserved.

Normalization requires two passes. The first pass determines the highest peak, and the second pass applies the gain to the entire recording.

Normalization is often used when remastering audio tapes for CD production, in order to maximize the bandwidth on an audio CD, and to make it sound louder. It is often combined with dynamic range compression and hard limiting to increase the apparent volume of a CD. It is typically applied along with other audio and digital processing, such as dithering.

/plagiarism

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 11:35 am

Normalizing, and I might be wrong here, but from what I understand is kinda like bringing the entire track or recording to what the preset or hardware device decides is a 'standard level'. From what I understand there are many diffrent algorithms by which normalizing devices do their duty, but I can say it's not so much compression as it is basically bring the recording to a normal level.

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 11:35 am

Herb beat me to it, lol.

Member
Since: Oct 27, 2007


Oct 27, 2007 01:02 pm

alright guys...I think that I've got it...does anyone how to use the compressor/limiter in cubase LE? If so please let me know...I'm afraid I'll need step by step directions....I can't find it anywhere...thanks so much.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004


Oct 28, 2007 07:28 am

here's the jist of it...

step 1: set the attack....do this by setting the threshold WAY below 'normal'....listen for the transients to 'pop' out and slowly reduce it (attack time)

next set the release the same way...

after that adjust the ratio to where things "sit" right in the mix.

Member
Since: Aug 03, 2009


Aug 03, 2009 01:45 pm

Hey guys I have a ? kinda in the same field. I have Cubase LE 4 and I hear that the compressor is one the best. My problem is that I cannot find it and it apparently isnt in my program so how. I called steinberg they are no help, I called the store from which i purchased cubase and they have no idea. I tried doing a repair install as a shot in the dark but no luck. Please if any one can help me or has had or heard of this before, please do what you can to help. THANK YOU!!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Aug 03, 2009 05:25 pm

You should have a folder in the Steinberg programs folder that is marked VST or it could be in the main programs folder as well. You will need to check there and make certain the pluggins are installed. It will show them by name or a close name and look something like this. {b]compressor.dll[/b] so something along those lines follwed by the .dll like that.

If they are not in that folder then they are not getting installed or they are not included in the program.

And honestly, the pluggins that come with the LE version are basic standard plugging.

You can go to www.kvraudio.com and find some absolutely killer pluggins hundreds of which are free.

Member
Since: Aug 03, 2009


Aug 03, 2009 11:38 pm

damnit just my luck its not in the folders. I really app. the help too. im am going to go to the website u recommended and check it out. Im just wondering if there is a compressor..hopefully lol if there is anything else u wanna share im here..thanks again

Member
Since: Jul 07, 2009


Aug 03, 2009 11:57 pm

There is a compressor, u should have a window to the left of the track list that displays the current selected track. That window should display the tracks name and four or five selectable tabs like inserts, effects, channel ect. Selecting the insert tab will allow you to add an effect plug-in to the track. Cubase pre-loads your vst effects (unless told otherwise) so you should find it here. Let me know because I'm not with LE 4, just LE. Nioze is right on about the plug-in however finding it within a folder will only help you to know wether or not it exists on your computer, you have to navigate the DAW to use it..

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Aug 04, 2009 04:36 pm

You can search selectively at KVR and tell it exactly what it is you are looking for right down to VST only on PC.

Member
Since: Aug 03, 2009


Aug 05, 2009 12:41 pm

I did try this but im pretty sure that it just didnt come with the program which is extremely odd. I am on KVR and am just wondering, I typed in compressor and there are about 300!! lol..awesome, but what would be a good beginner to start with, and this might sound kind of bad, but if they pretty much do the same thing, are the dif compressors for dif sound effects like a auto tune? im just curious, thats kind of the picture I have in my head from reading them.

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Aug 05, 2009 01:45 pm

In Cubase, their compressor is part of a VST plugin called Dynamics. So it's not listed as a compressor by name. The Dynamics plugin has a compressor, a noise gate, and a limiter.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Aug 06, 2009 07:30 pm

Some compressor's may vary as Tadpui stated as to exactly what they do. I picked out a pretty simple yet well done one for you to try. The control's are pretty straight forward to use and I do believe this one has a small help menu.

www.kvraudio.com/get/3429.html

Member
Since: Aug 03, 2009


Aug 20, 2009 01:21 pm

yea i checked it out and I liked it, I downloaded it as well as the peak from kvraudio. they both work really well. I do have a ? regarding phasing or delays. If you listen to any rap music i will give u a song or even if you dont i will still post it if its okay. I was wondering what program or what controls I would have to manage in order for me to get the result of this certain type of phasing delay. and at the end of the line as well, some times I only need the last word or would like the last word to do this but I have been racking my brain trying to figure it out.I guess the only way would be for me to let you hear it and give me your professional opinion. to me, most of you are pro's comparred to me. Thanks...

I am not a crook's head
Member
Since: Mar 14, 2003


Aug 20, 2009 03:07 pm

It sounds like you need to learn about using automation. With automation, you can control one or more parameters from either a VST plugin, or things like fader volume, panning, wet/dry mix for aux sends.

You can set up a delay and automate the bypass switch to only engage for the last word of the line, or you can automate the wet/dry dial to be 0% most of the time and 100% during the last word of the line...things like that.

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