Compression

[beaster]

When should one use compression, during recording, during mixing, or during mastering?

[lostdave]

All of the above..as nesecary(sp)..
depending on what your source is etc etc etc.


different things for different situations.

FI. I compress my kick drums as I am recording them...but compress my guitars post....
I always compress when I master...even if it is a light compress(probably use a limiter more than a compressor though)

Dave

[hui4o]

LImitering on the master is a must.

[jon-paul]

Depends on the quality of your recording source! also the type of sound you are trying to achieve. there is no right or wrong in audio recording as long as the results mach your criteria

[ryeman]

I try to stay away from compression. these days you can get
a really tight sound on most instruments if you go digital so there's really no need to compress anything.
It's a personal choice(new-school thinking).

[Sparky]

Compression can be both a good & bad tool.

I always use a little compression when recording. First it helps control any volume peaks (in the digital world an audio over "peak" = distortion.

Secondly - it may free up a compressor for use on something else - if the recorded performance is what you want.

The down side is that once it's recorded with compression - you really can't remove it.

Use it with care - but don't be afraid to use it.

Good Luck.

Sparky

[seacruzinal]

Once again, I have to agree with the above experts. Compression can be more of a headache! Leave it to the Studio people! unless you are preparing a Master DAT for a CD, I wouldnt worry about it.

[seacruzinal]

(Sparky must be REALLY good - - I would like to learn how to use one, but it is for the average novicethat my earlier comments were meant. I have heard compression suck life right out of vocal expression, as well as limit peaks.

[Sparky]

seacruzinal:

You are right - compression can "suck the life" out of recordings. This usually happens when people try to achieve a "final" result with the initial tracking session.

Just use the compresssor sparingly when tracking - use a light ratio - something like 2:1. When you are tracking - you really shouldn't hear the comressor working too hard - because as I suggested earlier - if it's over compressed at any point of the tracking - you are unfortunaltely stuck with that result.

Good luck.

Sparky

[lostdave]

I am finding these days that there are alot of "proffesionals" over compressing their work to all buggery..
sheesh...listen to any Shania Twain for an example...
Most of her stuff is there to shwocase her voice and all of the backing has had the life compressed out of it.


Dave

[Sparky]

lostdave:

It's tough to say where the enthusiastic compression is occuring in the music you are commenting on.

Most likely - I suspect - is that most of the "squeezing" is occurring at the mastering stage - where the mastering engineer is most likely being asked to bring up the overall level of a tune.

Although - I have also heard sessions where all the instruments are tracked with a lot of compression - then when it comes time to mix the tune - the song is quite lifeless...

Who knows...

Sparky

[midifromza]

Compression is one of those tools which can be tricky to use. Too much and the track loses its life, as Sparky has pointed out.

I would hardly ever track with compression - I find it best to track without any FX at all - if you add them later you can always go back a step without retracking ! The exceptions might be an inexperienced vocalist with dismal mic control, or perhaps bass guitar. Rather concentrate on getting the eq right while tracking.

If you must track with compression, keep it to a minimum - save the heavy compression and limiting for the final mastering.

[mmwfunk]

I've recorded lots of vocalists. And finding good vocalists is a blessing indeed. Then you don't need to compress as much or at all while recording...just get good level where you aren't peaking out (as mentioned before Peakingout=Distortion...at least in digital)

Impossible to find and also extremely high price is the UREI 1176 Limiter. I had a chance to use this in the middle of the recording chain before laying it onto tape (sorry old lingo, before recording onto pro tools)

Anyway, this was one of the most transparent limiter/compressors I have had a chance to work with. Would love to get one of those to compress while recording.

I guess most important is the quality of your mic pre's. If they are high quality then you are off on the right foot.

Just wanted to add my two bits....