Recording with compression (efx)

[Scorpio253]

What's up,
I've heard recording with compression going in isn't a good idea but I think I want to test it out and see how much of a difference it could make in sound. How do I do this technique? haha I haven't learned because I was trying to stay away from it. Haha thanks.

[sbag]

yeah the < the oldheads > tend to think so.
but i do it sometimes > but hears a FYI for

BE GENTLE WITH IT > because it can really suck the life out of the vox
and if its a good take > it going be hard to repair

[darkman]

Hi. I have always recorded with compression. Vox,Drums,Bass,Guitars and my Dog.
I learn't how to do this when there was no protools.
Go on try it, you will like it, don't be shy.
Just twist those spinny dials and listen.
The technique is to stop when it sounds cool,
Compressors are the coolest tool in the shed.

[Scorpio253]

Haha okay thanks. I was actually talking about recording with plug-ins 'going in' (vox). Could anyone tell me how to do so? I know its with an AUX track but don't know the next step haha

[ondruspat]

Pretty simple, Scorp. Just have your input go to your aux track, have the output of the aux go to a bus channel, and set an audio track with that bus as it's input. I use this kind of set-up all the time for recording guitars with amp sims (when I know it's the sound I want). Should work for compression plugs too, just take note if the compressor adds latency or not.

[IntelDoc]

I think that the general concensus is record with what you need "when" you need it and "understand" how to use it. Meaning the "oldheads" tend to tell new engineers to NOT use compression unless they really understand it. You can surely own a nice compressor, or a plug and use it but the idea is to NOT overdo the compresison going in which sometimes in mis treated rooms can do wonders (in a bad way) on mixes. In a poorly treated room you can really destroy what you may not hear. It is one of those things that you can always add it later, so why kill it to start? I personally only record vocals, overheads and guitars (acoustics mainly) with compression. Then I compress harder in the mix.

Just use your best weapon (your ears) and hear what you need and go from there.

Good deal?

Doc

[The Weed]

As clean as possible going in means you can change it later with plug-ins or outboard and still have your original, clean audio to go back to. Printing effects when recording means if you, or the cleint, don't like it, it has to be re-recorded. That may be "oldhead" thinking, but it's smart thinking too.

Cheers,

[Kris75]

Oldheads?
Every oldhead I know records with or through compression. But like the doc says, it's because they know their room and gear as well as how to use them. If you want to experiment, why not record through the DYNIII compressor. You can always take it off or change it anytime as it is not printed. I always record my room mics/OH's/bass guitar/vocals and clean guitar through compression, but since I only work in the box (I like it better) I can change anything anytime(But I usually don't)

[IntelDoc]

C'mon... If you like the tone and the client likes the tone..... COMMIT...

Simple. Not saying kill it but almost every artist I have recorded, produced, etc I have used either my distressors or 1176's on for vocals. Overheads almost always get some distressor action and more in the mix.

Use your ears.... right???

Doc

[Scorpio253]

Thanks a lot. Yea I understand compression pretty well. Well enough to know what sounds good and what is too much or not enough. I'm going to give this a try though.