Vocal Tracking: How hard are you hitting the compressor?

[dhiltonlittle]

i usually do 3-5 db max with a very transparent compressor (crane song stc-8)

[gabehr]

Whatever it takes to keep sudden dynamics or plosives from clipping, really. Most of the time I'd rather it not be compressing at all (add compression to taste later), but I'll do what it takes to get a good sound coming in.

With some singers on some tracks I really have had to squash it pretty hard coming in just to keep them under control (poor mic technique is a miserable thing). Really fast compressors make me happy

[warhead]

Depends, but typically 2-5dB reduction with more happening at times when they start belting or work the mic too closely. Safe Sound Audio @ 3:1 with 15ms attack time.

War

[edvdr76]

Depends on the dinamics of that particular singer.. usually no more than a 3:1 on a Summit DCL-200. I did a session last week where I put a DBX 160VU after the Summit and DAMN!!!! Only pulled about 1-2 db on that one. Made the Vox sound BAMM!!!!! In your face!!! Loved it!!