Is it Possible to Mix with just a Single Channel Compressor?

[song-writer]

People will think I'm ignorant, but here goes. I am planning on buying a dbx 160a single channel compressor to use with my Tascam 788 (8 track) and Tascam 2488 (24 track) - both standalone DAWs. I basically record one track at a time so that is no problem. However, when I do the mixdown I am a little perplexed. Is there a way to use just one compressor or will I need more for mixing? If so, how many? Also, once the mix is down to stereo, if I want to run that through compression, will one compressor be okay or do I need two. The internal compressor in the 788 DAW can operate on all 8 channels at the same time on mixdown, but I have no experience in using outboard compressors. Sorry if I am being a bother to you more experienced folks.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by song-writer

People will think I'm ignorant, but here goes. I am planning on buying a dbx 160a single channel compressor to use with my Tascam 788 (8 track) and Tascam 2488 (24 track) - both standalone DAWs. I basically record one track at a time so that is no problem. However, when I do the mixdown I am a little perplexed. Is there a way to use just one compressor or will I need more for mixing? If so, how many? Also, once the mix is down to stereo, if I want to run that through compression, will one compressor be okay or do I need two. The internal compressor in the 788 DAW can operate on all 8 channels at the same time on mixdown, but I have no experience in using outboard compressors. Sorry if I am being a bother to you more experienced folks.

Well - it's one item - it can do one thing at a time. And it's mono - so no stereo.

[Snatchman]

Well..mixing with just one compressor will be next to or impossible if you are needing it on multible tracks at once. If maybe just a vocal or bass, guitar etc., that'll work. Only other way I see it, but will be risky ( I do it sometimes tho) is since you track one channel at the time, compress laying down the track. You have to make sure it's what you want, even tho you can re-track it if it doesn't sound right. Once you have tracked all your tracks that needs compressing, see how the mix sound as a whole. Re-track what's not working and you may even find that once the mix is going, some tracks may not need compression. Just be careful that the compressor you are using doesn't " signature " your mix.( same sonics on multible tracks) Very common in low end to some mid priced ones..Good luck..

[NathanEldred]

You can do it if you have the patience, but it's a bit of a pain.

For mixing specifically -

1. Open a blank track in the DAW.

2. Assign the track to be processed to send to one channel of D/A which will be connected in line to the compressor

3. Go line out of the comp into one channel of A/D

4. Print the processed track to the blank track you have ready

5. Time align the new track to the original unprocessed track. You can easily do this visually by zooming in on the original track and matching the waveforms. Sometimes this is ultra critical to phase relationships, where the source has multiple mics (like drums), so make sure you are accurate with re alignment.

Then for every track or every change you have to do this again and again, which is the pain in the arse part. But again if you have the patience and time you can do this until it's the way you want it to sound.

For stereo work, it seems like there is a bit of a taboo against dual mono compression. I personally prefer it whenever possible. I find it sounds wider and more open. On a stereo bus (guitars, drums, vocals, master 2 bus), record one side at a time (left then right or vice versa), it should sound great. The setting of the compressor itself has more to do with the final product than if it's true stereo linked IMO.

I would suggest very lightly compressing your tracks on the way in (especially for vocals and bass guitar...I've had success with kick, snare, acoustic guitar, and lead electric as well), it makes things a bit easier during mix. If a compressor has to work less hard, it's usually a better thing, at least for the way I like to hear things.

[ronzie]

Or mix through 3 buss's. Hard L - Center- Hard R. Compression on the Center only.

Ron Allaire, Skyline