Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Compression before interface? |
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Hi gals and guys,
I am not sure if this question belongs here or not, but It's here now.
Is it better to insert compression after the mic-pre, then into the interface, or straight from the pre to the interface and then use a plug-in compressor (if necessary) inside the DAW? Does a compressed signal have any affect on the A/D converters? Or should it be a nice, strong signal straight out of the mic-pre? I can imagine two sides of the issure, but just not sure what the usual protocol is or the reason(s) behind them are.
Thank you
Cheers
Ron |
Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:55 pm |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Compression on record path |
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Hi Ron,
just split the post into its own thread for you in case you wondered.
Usually i would suggest that you
do not
apply any effects before your interface, as anything you do is burnt into the recording and cannot be undone. (arguably you can use an expander to restore the original sound but lets not go there)
In some circumstances you may choose to use a compressor in the record path on for example a wild bass guitar or very dynamic vocalists, i have used compression on outboard channel strips a few times to optimise record level but you need to be careful and listen very carefully. another technique you could try is to split your signal and record 2 tracks, one with the compression and one without.
A few years ago compression was used more often to keep the audio in the upper ranges to avoid quantisation noise but in a modern 24bit studio this isnt really much of a problem unless you are doing hardcore audiophile production.
Hope that answers your question
-Paul |
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Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:22 pm |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Very helpful compression tip |
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Hi Paul,
Yes, that did help immensely. I, too, never use effects or processing if I can help it when tracking. This helps me in deciding just how bad I need a compressor for the tracking/mixing stages. I wasn't sure about the signal though and you answered my question quite nicely as I didn't know if the bit rate would have any matter in the signal. I like the idea though of splitting the signal for errant vocals/bass.
Very helpful and concise. As always...
Thank you
Ron |
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Wed Feb 06, 2008 4:05 am |
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conquistadore
Forum Moderator
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 514
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| My 2 p's |
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In addition to Paul..
I usually record with some amount of processing (EQ/light compression) on simply because of the channel strips I use - for the sound. I just try and get the sound I want straight when I record and then maybe tweak it a bit during the mix.
Technically it wouldnt make a difference because if you are recording things right you should have enough headroom to avoid clips. Its more of an aesthetic decision I guess. |
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Sat Feb 09, 2008 5:53 am |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Processing, channel strips |
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Hi Varun,
I sometimes use a channel strip for the mic-pre and without compression, eq etc. Does it still colour the sound? I have understood that everything adds to the sound although some companies (Millenia) claim that their pre-amps do not add anything. Then, going straight into the interface is the only way to not get colouration (not counting the microphone itself), if I understand that to be correct. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with getting a 'sound' that works, and know that too much of anything cannot be removed once it is tracked. Is that a correct assumption, or am I totally lost? Don't say it!! I know I am lost most of the time. Is this just one of those subjective things? You guys are the working pros, so I value and need your input.
Cheers and thanks!
ron |
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Sun Feb 10, 2008 2:59 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Pre-rec processing |
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In simple terms yes it will colour the sound, but then so does everything. nothing is totally transparent. even a cable colours the sound. but id be very impressed if you could hear the difference between 2 good quality cables!
Your choice of pre-amp has a huge affect on the sound of your recordings. i use a Millenia pre-amp quite often, its very clean, perfectly preserves transients etc. etc. but it can be too clinical so certain things ill use a Neve and so on.
You are absolutely right about getting a sound that works, its just that when recording in less than ideal conditions you may not hear the effects the extra processing is having before its too late. It also depends on your recording style. i like to ride the fader on recording so i dont need a compressor. and imo that is the best way of doing things. you are the best adaptive limiter you have, with an inifinite look ahead time.
Best thing really is to experiment, with modern recording systems you have no shortage of tracks, so why not track it twice. one dry and one processed. |
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Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:54 pm |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Riding faders |
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Hi Paul,
Thanks for the great advice. I have heard lots about riding the faders after tracking, but never considered it during tracking. It's one of those 'duh' moments. I'm used to only 16 tracks and just getting in the habit of doing two tracks for dry/processed recording. As usual, your advice is great. And no, I can't tell the difference between good cables. I use the ones that are recommended. So, you think Millennia gives too clinical of a sound? That is one on my 'maybe list', but will give it more thought. Thanks for the information. Greatly appreciated.
cheers
ron |
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Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:21 pm |
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