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Delphine
Guest
Nice post DReal n the explanation of a compressor. Maybe that should go into the FAQ because it is asked so many times on so many boards.( Or maybe there's something similar already there?)
Its worth pointing out too that settings are not universal and any compression settings given in any tutorial or forum recommendation should only be taken as a loose guide and as always, use your ears.
Its worthwhile those unfamiliar with compression reading about it though, when I started producing I just saw it as one of those little sideline things and thought it wasnt really important. How wrong I was. I use it now without evenpaying the blindest bit of notice to any settings I use, its all about the feel and dynamics to me.
One thing though, its quite creative as an effect tool too, normaly you might insert an eq after the compressor in the signal chain to combat any negative artifacts heavy compression may bring forward, but applying an eq also, before it in the signal chain can yeild some great unexpected results, basically, you are just making the compressor more 'frequency responsive' and it's a lovely little effect if it works in the right context.
Its worth pointing out too that settings are not universal and any compression settings given in any tutorial or forum recommendation should only be taken as a loose guide and as always, use your ears.
Its worthwhile those unfamiliar with compression reading about it though, when I started producing I just saw it as one of those little sideline things and thought it wasnt really important. How wrong I was. I use it now without evenpaying the blindest bit of notice to any settings I use, its all about the feel and dynamics to me.
One thing though, its quite creative as an effect tool too, normaly you might insert an eq after the compressor in the signal chain to combat any negative artifacts heavy compression may bring forward, but applying an eq also, before it in the signal chain can yeild some great unexpected results, basically, you are just making the compressor more 'frequency responsive' and it's a lovely little effect if it works in the right context.
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DReal
New member
Thanx Delphine
Just trying to provide a little overview there. And you're absolutely correct...it's basically about using your ears and feeling it out. New producers are always trying to figure out how to get "that" sound...The flip side of the coin to using outboard gear satisfactorily is to start with great sounding sounds
At least good sounding sounds...lol Favorite quote: "You can't polish a turd" lol
I like that idea of putting the compressor post eq...but if you make eq tweaks, don't you end up making comp tweaks as well??
Also, I always recommend new producers intern at a studio if possible. Work your way up to assistant engineers. As an intern your job will be to basically read every manual you can get your hands on (aside from taking out garbage and making coffee and catering to the grand high exalted mystic poobah recording in the "A" room)
As an assistant engineer...there's where you learn the real deal. You'll be intimitely involved with the process of making records every day. Observing and picking up tips and tricks from good engineers (and sometimes getting blamed for things by not-so-good engineers lol...happens.)
The point is, guys...you want to make records, go to where they're made. It's an invaluable investment in time that pays dividends when you do your own projects. Of course, this advice is a catch 22...because you WILL learn how to make YOUR projects sound like "that".
But as an assistant engineer, you won't have the time to WORK on your own stuff lol...But you get savvy and on downtime you end up tracking your stuff in the Neve room and mixing on the SSL. Oops...I made a record.
Just trying to provide a little overview there. And you're absolutely correct...it's basically about using your ears and feeling it out. New producers are always trying to figure out how to get "that" sound...The flip side of the coin to using outboard gear satisfactorily is to start with great sounding sounds
At least good sounding sounds...lol Favorite quote: "You can't polish a turd" lolI like that idea of putting the compressor post eq...but if you make eq tweaks, don't you end up making comp tweaks as well??
Also, I always recommend new producers intern at a studio if possible. Work your way up to assistant engineers. As an intern your job will be to basically read every manual you can get your hands on (aside from taking out garbage and making coffee and catering to the grand high exalted mystic poobah recording in the "A" room)
As an assistant engineer...there's where you learn the real deal. You'll be intimitely involved with the process of making records every day. Observing and picking up tips and tricks from good engineers (and sometimes getting blamed for things by not-so-good engineers lol...happens.)
The point is, guys...you want to make records, go to where they're made. It's an invaluable investment in time that pays dividends when you do your own projects. Of course, this advice is a catch 22...because you WILL learn how to make YOUR projects sound like "that".
But as an assistant engineer, you won't have the time to WORK on your own stuff lol...But you get savvy and on downtime you end up tracking your stuff in the Neve room and mixing on the SSL. Oops...I made a record.
C
CANE CREEK
Guest
MMMMMM
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