Using 2 Compressors in the VOX chain

[ixnys]

I have a distressor and LA2A. I wanted to go into the distressor and then into the LA2A. An engineer once told me that the first compressor would do the initial compression and then 2nd compressor would just smooth things out. So could anybody offer their 2 compressor techniques?

[davemc]

Like anything just try for yourself, although I normally go harder on the first then the second one.

[jho]

I'd reverse that for most cases myself, but that's just me. The LA2A is the preferred vocal comp in most cases and the distressor would just add some fuzzy goodness.

[O.G. Killa]

I'll sometimes use a compressor and a limiter. Set the compressor to a slow attack and release...then use the limiter to keep the fast transients in check. It can make the lead vocal very consistant. Although, most of the time it takes the life out of the track...but hey, if that's the sound the producer wants...then that's the sound the producer gets! LOL

Usually I like just using an LA2A and then doing volume rides/automation to fix anything that seriously jumps out or gets lost.

[Kenny Gioia]

I always preferred LA3a's on Vocals and I actually used to use 2 of them at the same time.

I'd set them pretty much the same. Perfect for really dynamic singers who don't know when to back off the mic.

[O.G. Killa]

yeah I agree with that. I like using an LA3A too...whatever's available at the time. But either is a good choice.

[georgia]

if you need to smooth out dialogue for vocals, try dup'ing the vocal track, shift it a few millisecs forward in time. Set the output of the dup'd track to an unused buss. Then put a compressor on the original track. Set the compressors key input to the bus your using for the dup'd track. The compressor will act before you actually need it. allowing you to select a softer attack and still get those pesky bumps.
Look-ahead kind of comnpressor....

cheers
georgia

[Jan Folkson]

Interesting concept Georgia, I've gotta try it.

[PDupre]

georgia, That is the coolest tip I've read in a long time! Got to try it.

Peter

[Kenny Gioia]

Great one.

I hope you don't mind, but I added it here