basic input level for vocals on a mic pre

[chalz2502]

i wanted to know if anyone could give a little advice on a basic input level for vocals using the compressor on any mic pre. i have a neumann u87, avalon 737, protools 10, and a mbox pro 3. i understand compression inside of protools, but outside is kinda different.

[larsongs]

Originally Posted by chalz2502

i wanted to know if anyone could give a little advice on a basic input level for vocals using the compressor on any mic pre. i have a neumann u87, avalon 737, protools 10, and a mbox pro 3. i understand compression inside of protools, but outside is kinda different.

The rules are they're ain't no rules.

But,

I've been told by Sound Engrs & Pre Amp Manufactures to start with Output at Max.

Set Input level low & increase til you achieve the best sound & level.

You can fine tune Ouptut level but shouldn't need too much.

Larsongs

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by chalz2502

i have a neumann u87, avalon 737

Nice!!

Originally Posted by larsongs

I've been told by Sound Engrs & Pre Amp Manufactures to start with Output at Max.

Curious - what's the thought process on this? Seems like you could be increasing noise by starting with the output maxed. Been a few years since I've used an Avalon, but I generally start with the output (and eqs) at 0, get a good level into Pro Tools by adjusting the gain, then add compression/eq using the output gain to compensate for level changes. By setting the output maxed to start with, you have nowhere to go but down so that if you need more level, you have to adjust the gain which will affect the compression, if you're using any. Hope that makes sense!

[chalz2502]

ok makes sense, only problem im running into is compression. seems like my mic pre squashes the hell out of vocals if added before going into protools. whats a good signal chain far as ratio, threshold, attack and release. i dont know if i should do a fast attack, slow release, or the opposite.

[larsongs]

Originally Posted by cwsand

Nice!!



Curious - what's the thought process on this? Seems like you could be increasing noise by starting with the output maxed. Been a few years since I've used an Avalon, but I generally start with the output (and eqs) at 0, get a good level into Pro Tools by adjusting the gain, then add compression/eq using the output gain to compensate for level changes. By setting the output maxed to start with, you have nowhere to go but down so that if you need more level, you have to adjust the gain which will affect the compression, if you're using any. Hope that makes sense!

I have a Vintech 273 Pre Amp for Vocals. They are Custom Hand Made versions of the Neve 1073. I'm using Neumann TLM49.

I had the same curiosity as you. I called the Owner of Vintech. The recommendation i'm telling you is what he told me. I called some Sound Pro's at Sound Pure. They said the same thing.

Thanks,

Larsongs

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by chalz2502

ok makes sense, only problem im running into is compression. seems like my mic pre squashes the hell out of vocals if added before going into protools. whats a good signal chain far as ratio, threshold, attack and release. i dont know if i should do a fast attack, slow release, or the opposite.

Comp going into PT should be 1:2 ratio at most.....

Threshold depends on where your levels are


Part of the reason the 1176 is beloved is it has a quick attack time

And yes there are really very few rules, if it's too much compression raise the threshold and reduce the ratio

And if you still can't figure it out, I'll pm you my address and you can ship that stuff to me !!!

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by YYR123

And yes there are really very few rules, if it's too much compression raise the threshold and reduce the ratio

Yes, it really depends on how it sounds in the song. I tend to use light compression to Pro Tools as you can always add more compression, but it's very difficult to remove it.