Mix Bus Compressor or Vocal Compressor

Chris Modular · 11th July 2006, 08:19 PM

I have been mixing for local hip hop artists for the past year or so and 99% of my mixes are done ITB. However, I have been thinking about starting to pick up some outboard gear and the first thing I thought of was a mix bus compressor or a vocal compressor and was wondering what everyone was using.

Or if you have any other ideas on what my first outboard effects processor should be I would appreciate it.

**TonyBelmont** · 11th July 2006, 08:31 PM

You can use the Alan Smart C2 for both uses... I have used those compressors on major label artists' vocals, and it's a must for the stereo buss.

So, Smart C2

But, do you own a good mic and mic pre? Those should be purchased first...

Chris Modular · 11th July 2006, 08:36 PM

Thanks for your reply.

I do not do any recording out of my facility, so is a mic pre really necessary?

I use logic pro with a motu 828mkII and I was going to patch in the outboard gear through the I/O plug-in. Is there a better way? Sorry i'm new to the whole outboard signal processors, as the only ahrdware I own is synths.

Bump Music · 11th July 2006, 08:43 PM

My first out board purchase was the Fatso. I got it cuz

1) I wanted the "tape" effect
2) I wanted a buss comp
3) I could use it for tracking everything
4) I could bounce stems through it and get that cool sound
5) I could "help out" fles that were recorded badly, or had too much high end sizzle
6) The list goes on and on

I really can't regret buying the thing. There isn't a day that goes by I don't use it. They're pretty cheap used too. You get a bunch of useful comps, tape effect, high frequency control, and the tranny option. Damn... I think I have to buy another.

I'm actually planning on buying the Portico for my mix buss, and moving the Fatso over to my drum buss... or vocal buss. That's the cool thing about it... as you grow, it can go on any buss.

Good luck.

Bump Music · 11th July 2006, 08:44 PM

You'll need a better sound card for the D/A A/D if you start using outboard. Just my two cents.

insect1 · 11th July 2006, 09:14 PM

Tony,
What ratios and settings are you using generally with the C2, when u use it as a stereo mix buss compressor ? As I'm just about to get one secondhand over here(UK)

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11th July 2006, 08:19 PM	#1
Chris Modular Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Jose CA Posts: 23	Mix Bus Compressor or Vocal Compressor I have been mixing for local hip hop artists for the past year or so and 99% of my mixes are done ITB. However, I have been thinking about starting to pick up some outboard gear and the first thing I thought of was a mix bus compressor or a vocal compressor and was wondering what everyone was using. Or if you have any other ideas on what my first outboard effects processor should be I would appreciate it.

11th July 2006, 08:31 PM	#2
TonyBelmont Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 10,128	You can use the Alan Smart C2 for both uses... I have used those compressors on major label artists' vocals, and it's a must for the stereo buss. So, Smart C2 But, do you own a good mic and mic pre? Those should be purchased first... __________________ Tony Belmont We Sell Gear! Need plugins? Check out PluginDiscounts.com

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11th July 2006, 08:36 PM	#3
Chris Modular Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Jose CA Posts: 23	Thanks for your reply. I do not do any recording out of my facility, so is a mic pre really necessary? I use logic pro with a motu 828mkII and I was going to patch in the outboard gear through the I/O plug-in. Is there a better way? Sorry i'm new to the whole outboard signal processors, as the only ahrdware I own is synths.

11th July 2006, 08:43 PM	#4
Bump Music Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 615	My first out board purchase was the Fatso. I got it cuz 1) I wanted the "tape" effect 2) I wanted a buss comp 3) I could use it for tracking everything 4) I could bounce stems through it and get that cool sound 5) I could "help out" fles that were recorded badly, or had too much high end sizzle 6) The list goes on and on I really can't regret buying the thing. There isn't a day that goes by I don't use it. They're pretty cheap used too. You get a bunch of useful comps, tape effect, high frequency control, and the tranny option. Damn... I think I have to buy another. I'm actually planning on buying the Portico for my mix buss, and moving the Fatso over to my drum buss... or vocal buss. That's the cool thing about it... as you grow, it can go on any buss. Good luck.

11th July 2006, 08:44 PM	#5
Bump Music Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 615	You'll need a better sound card for the D/A A/D if you start using outboard. Just my two cents.

11th July 2006, 09:14 PM	#6
insect1 Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 83	Tony, What ratios and settings are you using generally with the C2, when u use it as a stereo mix buss compressor ? As I'm just about to get one secondhand over here(UK)