djblackout
New member
To all you equipment specialists
Can someone explain to me what a compressor/limiter does to your sound?
thanks
Can someone explain to me what a compressor/limiter does to your sound?
thanks
compressor/limiter
- Thread starter djblackout
- Start date
C
clarity
Guest
Here goes. Please feel free to make corrections if I've messed anything up.
The short explnation....
A compressor/limiter makes soft sounds louder and loud sounds softer, the overall effect of which is to make the processed sound (music in this case) sound louder and more consistent.
The Detailed Explanation.......
Compressors are used most often in recording to smooth out peaks and troughs in vocals, as well as in live situations, and of course nightclubs. Television commercials are notorious for using compression to increase overall volume for the ad soundtracks.
Most compresssors can be set into a limiting mode so that it doesn't cause amplifers to clip for example, saving repair bills on blown speakers.
The downside to compression? If used too heavy-handedly, you get rid of a lot of dynamics - particularly for acoustic instruments where volume plays a huge part in musical expressiveness.
Also, compression can cause listener fatigue because of this lack of dynamics.
Who makes compressor/limiters?
There are lots on the market, but definitely check out the dbx range (they invented compressors, and the VCA circuit which made compression possible). I just got a 266XL and it is sweeeet!
The short explnation....
A compressor/limiter makes soft sounds louder and loud sounds softer, the overall effect of which is to make the processed sound (music in this case) sound louder and more consistent.
The Detailed Explanation.......
Compressors are used most often in recording to smooth out peaks and troughs in vocals, as well as in live situations, and of course nightclubs. Television commercials are notorious for using compression to increase overall volume for the ad soundtracks.
Most compresssors can be set into a limiting mode so that it doesn't cause amplifers to clip for example, saving repair bills on blown speakers.
The downside to compression? If used too heavy-handedly, you get rid of a lot of dynamics - particularly for acoustic instruments where volume plays a huge part in musical expressiveness.
Also, compression can cause listener fatigue because of this lack of dynamics.
Who makes compressor/limiters?
There are lots on the market, but definitely check out the dbx range (they invented compressors, and the VCA circuit which made compression possible). I just got a 266XL and it is sweeeet!
djblackout
New member
clarity would you recommend getting one? i am a mobile dj...right now i run vestax tables and american dj cd players hrough a gemini mixer into an eq and then into a peavey amp...i have one channel running the highs/mids and the other running a sub
what would it do for my sound? i get the feeling that the compression/limitation gets rid of the harmonics in the music why would you want to do that?
what would it do for my sound? i get the feeling that the compression/limitation gets rid of the harmonics in the music why would you want to do that?
C
clarity
Guest
Hi Blackout,
The compressor won't mess with your harmonics if it's set up correctly. You've just got to set the compressor up correctly to get the balance between volume and dynamics. As I said it will make the music output more consistent - and will definitely help if you're using mics.
They're an excellent way to actively protect your speakers and amplifier(s).
As I said, all major nightlubs use (or at should use) a compressor(s) to protect their rigs without comprimising sound quality.
Regards,
clarity
The compressor won't mess with your harmonics if it's set up correctly. You've just got to set the compressor up correctly to get the balance between volume and dynamics. As I said it will make the music output more consistent - and will definitely help if you're using mics.
They're an excellent way to actively protect your speakers and amplifier(s).
As I said, all major nightlubs use (or at should use) a compressor(s) to protect their rigs without comprimising sound quality.
Regards,
clarity
djblackout
New member
i dont really use a mic that often so i dont know if its necessary although i would like the protection on my rig
C
clarity
Guest
As with anything, try before you buy. You can probably hire a compressor for a few days to get your head around it and use it at a gig.
Peace,
clarity
Peace,
clarity
djblackout
New member
i have one more question on this topic does anyone know the difference between a compressor/limiter and one of those BBE sonic maximizer?
thanks
Mark
thanks
Mark
