Add analog compressor via insert while recording?

[howie b]

Hi. Sorry to bother with something that seems so basic.

Can I use the inserts to add analog compression to my input signal chain -- in other words, send analog input from the mbox to the analog compressor then back to the mbox's d/a converter while recording? I am running PTLE 6.4.

I tried to suss it out of the pt reference guide, and failed. I guess I could plug my bass directly into the compressor and then the compressor into the mbox, but it's a hassle and I have a feeling there's a more elegant, efficient way to do it. (I am also assuming you can not add plug-in compression in real time while recording because of the latency delay).

Can anybody help or point me to a clear and simple solution?

Thanks as always,

How

[howie b]

Actually -- I just realized I don't want to go from instrument to compressor to mbox. That would give me compression before gain.

I would like to go from the bass to the mbox preamp to the analog compressor then back to the mbox d/a converter. Possible using inserts? Thanks . . .

[rqstudio]

Yes it's possible, but actually you do want to ad some compression b4 the Mbox pre. This way if you pop or snap a string it won't overdrive the pre. Just don't over compress, once its on disc, you can't go back.

[TOM@METRO]

Yea, we use outboard compression all the time, both for compression prior to hitting PT and as an insert in PT. Watch out for that latency though ... no ADC.

Speaking of ADC I noticed that PTHD is still being hyped as overcoming latency issues. Do the good folks not realize that even Garage Band has this feature.

[howie b]

so . . . the answer appears to be "no."

If I want my signal chain to be gain to compressor to mbox, I will need to add a preamp (such as a mixing board) to the chain before the compressor.

There is no way to send input from the mbox preamp through the insert to the outboard compressor then back through the insert to the mbox a/d converter.

Just want to be clear on this.

Thanks again,

H

[Cloud_9]

Originally Posted by TOM@METRO

Yea, we use outboard compression all the time, both for compression prior to hitting PT and as an insert in PT. Watch out for that latency though ... no ADC.

Speaking of ADC I noticed that PTHD is still being hyped as overcoming latency issues. Do the good folks not realize that even Garage Band has this feature.

Of course they havent.......

[albee1952]

of course, ADC while recording might open another can of worms......Your best bet for recording with compression on the way in is, use an outboard mic pre and compressor, then hit the interface at line level.