Compression when using spaced pair - channel insert or post fade?

Posted on Aug 09, 2004 05:56 am
karambos
Half of twice one
Member Since: Feb 09, 2004

If I am recording using a spaced pair micing setup and I want light compression on both mics, would the serious studio engineer use two seperate compressors as inserts on two seperate channels on the mixing desk or are there compressors out there capable of dealing with two inputs and which have two outputs?

Or would you somehow send the post fade stereo signal into one compressor before sending it to whatever recording medium you are using (in my case the hard drive)?

I'm confused about how to apply compression the best.

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flame
...bringing sexy back
Member
Since: Jul 01, 2002

Aug 09, 2004 06:47 am

you can get stereo compressors, but i havent got one so i dont know a whole lot more than that to be honest...i could guess, but my guesswork's rubbish at the best of times!

Recording Chick
Karyn
Member
Since: Jul 10, 2004

Aug 09, 2004 03:59 pm

Hi Flame. Karambos, Many of the cheaper single space compressors out there are stereo and capable of what you want to do. They should also have a stereo link button so you can adjust only one side and have it apply to both sides. Using insert cables Plug both channels of the compressor into the inserts on your mixer and feed the main outs of your mixer to your sound card.
www.karynwhittemore.com

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

Aug 11, 2004 12:33 am

Assuming you are doing live recording with a spaced pair; a compressor is usually used for limiting purposes, i.e. stop excedingly high signals from hitting your A/D converters prior to clipping. Many compressors come in two channel models and as mentioned above have the feature of slaving the second channel to the first channels adjustments while keeping the two channel paths seperate. You can use such a compressor either as an insert or post fader per your set up. Most folks like using the compressor in an insert as they can use the preamps to drive the compressor at desired level and use the faders to set the compressed level to "tape". Using inserts also helps making it easier to monitor the post compressed signal e.g. headphones. As far as using a compressor for sound shaping on a stereo live recording, dependant on the material recorded, it is usually preferable to use a multiband compressor in the pre-mastering stages of production. This gives you greater control over what is being compressed.