Settings? If you had to use a G Series Mix Comp while tracking vocals!

[davehall6162]

Hi guys,

Im doing this project where the only compressor available in the studio is the SSL Xlogic G-series Mix compressor. Now i considered not using compression at all based on this, but the singer involved has pretty bad dynamics and i just cant seem to control him with out some compression during the tracking stage.

Given that this wouldnt be the first choice comp for most of you for tracking vocals i was wondering if you had any suggestions as to what settings may work?
Im not worried about character, as i will hopefully get that from the pre.

I started of with ratio 4:1 attack .3 release .1 which didnt sound great.
Then tried ratio 4:1 attack 3 release .6 which sounded better
smacking about 4-6db down

Any suggestions?

[preben]

I would personally go with the one I thought sounded better. No doubt about it.

[preben]

Sorry - couldn't resist.

Whilst I don't mind the SSL comp for many things they are a bit heavy-handed for vocals. On vocals I personally find it very hard to find that in between area where it clamps down and controls the dynamics WITHOUT choking the whole thing.

And since choking is something you can't really sort out in the mix I would suggest that you err on the side of caution and (partially) solve the dynamics problem with a lot of rides during mix - possible even (at the risk of sounding old fashioned) at the tracking stage.

Now, if you could get hold of 2 comps - even if they were both SSL's you could daisy chaine them AND be a little more gentle with both of them whilst tracking - possibly setting the first one for 'vibe' (slow attack, quick release) and then use a slightly quicker attack and longer release on the second one for a little more control.

I find this - not a more transparent approach per se - it just (often) sounds more 'right' to me than relying on just the one comp.

[stevep]

Ride the fader during tracking !

then automate whatever you missed


when you learn how to do this your vocal tracks will sound much better, less compression and less peaks and its not just turning down the peaks, its about turning up the soft parts to




steve




.

[Led]

Slowest attack, fastest relaese, lowest ratio, but I still like Steve's suggestion the best. Get a lyric sheet.

[davehall6162]

Thanks guys, i know the best answer is for this guy just to take singing lessons. You should see his dynamics, we're talking sometimes 15db differences between words on a fairly constant rock verse passage. He does have nice tone and pitch though so he and the band were not really aware of this till they hit the studio. Thats why im gonna have to use whatever comp is available to me to some degree because that would be a bit of a mind job to automate that vocal line. The vox fader would be up and down like a wh*re's underware!!...so to speak.

[C.Lambrechts]

Originally Posted by Led

Slowest attack, fastest relaese, lowest ratio, .

slowest attack and fastest release ? .... hmmm .... ok ...

It kinda depends the vocal I would think. a rather slow attack at times sure ... but slowest ? most my compressors would engage WAY too late then.

Sjeez I sometimes use fast attacks on vocals as well. Should I be ashamed ?


Bottom line ... there is no standard go to rule for any compression setting. I know sometimes the vibe tends to be to avoid compressors and sure ... following a lead instead of compressing it etc etc ... all fine ...

I say use the compressor musically ... kinda like an instrument. As long as it artistically contributes the purpose of the song or piece you can do with it what you like really. More important then searching for 'go to' guidelines for setting I would try to understand and hear what those settings do. Then listen to the original and then in your mind try to decide what it is you think the settings should be to achieve what you want. .... when you can do that you're ready to make 'responsible' use of a compressor.


imvho of course