Recording with compression

[whayne]

Does anyone have advice or comments on using the onboard compressor while recording?
Im using PTS.6.2.2le with mics from inside a sound booth and it (the compressor) doesnt seem to be doing a hell of alot as far as maximising recording levels go.
It seems like the material isnt recorded with compression but merely has a compressor applied over it, similar to edit mode.
Would an external compressor generate better recordings than the digital compressor?
thanks all,y'all.

[valvebrother]

If you are using a plugin, you are not RECORDING with compression. You're just applying an effect in realtime to the playback of an already recorded/digitized/input signal.

The only way to affect the level you are actually recording/digitizing, say for avoiding clipping while recording, is to use an analog compressor prior to the analog to digital (A/D) conversion process.

Why exactly though are you trying to maximize the signal? With 24 bit digital headroom is readily available and it's yoru friend.

Damon

[Bixby]

I think to track with effects you need to use an aux input and then bus the aux to an audio track. This will not keep your A/D from overloading, though.

Plus, it's always risky to track with any kind of effects, unless you're sure that's the sound you want in the mix.

As valve says, dynamic range is our friend with 24-bit recording.

[where02190]

Nominal levels at 24 bit should be -18dbfs, which equates to 0dbu. This gives excellent s/n, good bit capture, and leaves adequate headroom for dynamic peaks.

You cannot use software plugsin to prevent A-D clipping, as they are post converter as noted previously.