Compression while tracking vocals

[cynic one]

I'm pretty much set on my gear setup, but I'm wondering what you all think about compression behind your preamp while tracking vocals?

I just picked up a Sebatron VMP-2000e which doesn't have any limiter or comp built in, and I've just been running those outs into my Langevin DVC limiter's ins (my main preamp)

It's sounding cool, but would it be smart to pickup a used DBX 160x or something to stick behind the Sebatron?

[breakbeat-cafe]

Originally Posted by cynic

I'm pretty much set on my gear setup, but I'm wondering what you all think about compression behind your preamp while tracking vocals?

I just picked up a Sebatron VMP-2000e which doesn't have any limiter or comp built in, and I've just been running those outs into my Langevin DVC limiter's ins (my main preamp)

It's sounding cool, but would it be smart to pickup a used DBX 160x or something to stick behind the Sebatron?

that's some nice boxes you've got there dude, it may be cool to try the dbx with the vmp, you'd be spoilt for choice then. I also geuss it depends on how your mics relate to those set ups, if it were me I'd be more than happy with the dvc, a great bit of kit imo.

nick

[cynic one]

Mics: Rode NT1, Shure SM58, Shure SM7B, Blue Baby Bottle...

[rickrock305]

i use a tubetech CL1B with Mullard tubes 90% of the time when tracking vox. I also use a dbx 160A every once in awhile, but not usually while tracking.

[cynic one]

Yeah I'm extremely happy with the DVC, just wanted another "flavor" I guess and the tube Sebatron does it well. I just get worried I'm going to distort or clip into my a/d I guess. That's why right now I'm running it into my DVC's limiters, but it changes the sound a little bit.

I recorded my Korg Z1 into the Sebatron then into the limiters and it gave me a pretty nice warm tone on some keys.

http://fame*****.net/incoming/song/d.../music_box.mp3 (thats f a m e w h o r e btw...stupid word filter) - recorded the main riff and higher keys through that setup

I was thinking maybe following it with a DBX might give me a more aggressive sound.

I just got my SM7B the other day and haven't cut any vox with it yet - waiting to write some new songs before I try it out.

[Ectobeats]

Yo Cynic! What up I didn't know you where up in the Gearslutz forum. You got the DVC? That's what I'm about to get. I just Got a Neumann u87 ai mic. Gotta wait for the tax return skrill for the DVC though. I'd pick up a used DBX 160 if I was you. I see them cheap on EBAY!

Holler at me!

ECTO

[cynic one]

Yo the DVC is really nice for that high-end sparkle. Might be sick with the u87...bring that bitch over here sometime and lets cut some tracks!

[breakbeat-cafe]

sorry if i've got this wrong, but i understand the dbx 160 has got a really fast attack time, and it's very popular for bass, im sure the bassist from lincoln park uses one.

[balcony]

I also have the sebatron..Have you tried recording one channel into the other(seb says do it) or parallel compress the 2nd channel? many more flavours to be had.

Motown started parallel compression, so it comes from the top o the food chain.

[goldenlotus]

For rap it's either a Distressor or 1176 for me. Tubetech is great for singing parts.

[rickrock305]

yea, for rap an 1176 is hard to beat. a well maintained original sounds better to me than the reissues.

[Storyville]

I love rap - because you can get away with just about any decent compressor. Distressor, DBX, 1176 - they all work very well. If you want flavor, Distressor has a lot of flexibility with the different distortion modes.

[Dayl]

Hey guys, do you think comp while tracking is a must? I know why its there etc but am still confident of tracking then adding comp in post... I guess..

I dont have a hardware comp at present and my current budget wont allow the squeeze. From what I gather ...sitting here thinking about it.... mixer to daw to add ITB comp would cause an unholy loop of doom.

Any ideas? the reason I ask this is because I would like another trick up my sleeve that doesn't involve buying hardware (or more software for that matter).

I'll be recording a blues EP in the next month which mean temperamental vox and I'm not confident that I'm prepared lol.

[The Marrvel]

Originally Posted by Dayl

Hey guys, do you think comp while tracking is a must? I know why its there etc but am still confident of tracking then adding comp in post... I guess..

I dont have a hardware comp at present and my current budget wont allow the squeeze. From what I gather ...sitting here thinking about it.... mixer to daw to add ITB comp would cause an unholy loop of doom.

Any ideas? the reason I ask this is because I would like another trick up my sleeve that doesn't involve buying hardware (or more software for that matter).

I'll be recording a blues EP in the next month which mean temperamental vox and I'm not confident that I'm prepared lol.

With the new compression plugins that are available, I don't think a hardware tracking comp is a must. I had a hardware Purple MC77 that I compared to the Waves CLA plugins. The Purple hardware sounded better than the Waves software, but not $1650 better. I wound up selling the Purple towards the BAE 1073 preamp and my vocals have never sounded better. I also like the fact that I can test different types of compression later in the mix.

[Dayl]

cool, I wasn't really looking at anything coloured, more for consistent levelling that would allow for more comp latter.

Man... those BAE's .. gas... will be a while yet.

[E.rOk.stA]

Originally Posted by Dayl

cool, I wasn't really looking at anything coloured, more for consistent levelling that would allow for more comp latter.

Man... those BAE's .. gas... will be a while yet.

I don't compress on the way in any more.

[The Beatsmith]

Even with 'better' stuff around, i still love the DBX 160XT on the way in. Overeasy mode, 2:1-4:1, getting a few db of compression - don't be shy.

Sounds great and evens things out, requiring less compression afterwards (especially useful if you're 100% ITB after tracking).

[blindjoni]

I have been using a Manley Voxbox for years for many vocals. Along with an RNC1773 inserted in the Manley and an SPL Deesser after it...I get really produced and level vocals going in for many types of vocals. The multiple comps/limiters can be set to really even out rap vocals especially.