How do you demo/test a compressor ?

[HandCrafted Lab]

Originally Posted by androne

Hi,

Apart from how it sounds, I wonder how do you guys test a compressor you get to demo ?

By signing and playing through device

What are typical settings to start ?

All settings are typical, a results - not always. It`s depends from singer and player most

How do you check its full working range ?

By sound generator and scope, distortion meter (all ananlogue). Btw, working range of sound path, side chain, or...? dynamical, compression range ot freq. range?

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Meanwhile, another and main question - what for?
Each musician or producer/sound engineer make testings in own way (very individual sometimes as well as playing on musical instruments for instance) and typical recommendations can`t help here. A typical recommendations - typical standard music - typical opinion - typical mistakes. A measuring tools can represent perfect results, but sound can be horrible as well as perfect sounding device can have a doubtful results durings measurements.

Meanwhile, a hi-end equipment are intended to produce not typical results actually, and mass market products are suitable for it much more.

[BOWIE]

I'm kind of puzzled by the question. When I try out a compressor, I first run it to the point that I can really hear it, then I back it off and set it up for whatever I'm recording. As far as settings go, I think you're headed in the wrong direction w/ that one. You have to base your setting on the actual material you're compressing. Much in the same way that I can't tell you how much salt to add to your food. You have to taste it and decide for yourself.

[SK1]

I think the idea would be to get several demo comps that are "in the running" and hear what suits you the most. Much easier to test them side by side and judge for yourself.

As far as a starting point for basic compressor settings.... google it or do a search on gearslutz.

One thing that will turn me off on some cheaper comps is an output that distorts too easily like a dbx 1066 or that alesis sheetbox.

[Tom H]

Best thing IMO is just to hook it up in your studio and use it in a way you would normally use it in every day life. You will find out very soon if it can serve you or not.

And compare it with other comps. I find comparing the hardware with plugins usually a not so relevant test. Since in reallity they don't really replace each other in my studio.