Ahhh yes....when to compress

soupking · 1st October 2006

When should somebody compress the dynamics of sound? During tracking, or mixing, both? I know there's a lot of controversy on compression after going cross-eyed from reading a Bruce Sweiden thread about it.

Even still, it seems there's a lot of technique invovled in what appears to be a rather simplistic and at sometimes even invisible science/art.

For example, I am setting a drum kit with say...6 channels of microphones. How does somebody approach the situation in forms of compression? During? Once tracked?

Knowing what's to consider without a incredible amount of trial and error would be helpful since I intend to do a thorough amount of charting, especially regarding mixing and EQ levels that work well.

Thanks everyone. I don't join forums. This one rocks, really. Thanks for all your help in the past.

Peace,
-soupking

RUSCO · 1st October 2006

You will have to set up some time to experiment and take some chances. It is the only way you will really know. Go to the records you like and work out what it is in the drum sound that you like. Everyone is different but the trend is to compress in the box and not on the way in. Kick and Snare sometimes could use a little on the way in.

NesNeedsGear · 1st October 2006

remember, how it sounds to you is what matters most.
with that said, a little compression going in never hurt anyone.

1st October 2006	#1
soupking Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,337 Thread Starter	Ahhh yes....when to compress When should somebody compress the dynamics of sound? During tracking, or mixing, both? I know there's a lot of controversy on compression after going cross-eyed from reading a Bruce Sweiden thread about it. Even still, it seems there's a lot of technique invovled in what appears to be a rather simplistic and at sometimes even invisible science/art. For example, I am setting a drum kit with say...6 channels of microphones. How does somebody approach the situation in forms of compression? During? Once tracked? Knowing what's to consider without a incredible amount of trial and error would be helpful since I intend to do a thorough amount of charting, especially regarding mixing and EQ levels that work well. Thanks everyone. I don't join forums. This one rocks, really. Thanks for all your help in the past. Peace, -soupking

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1st October 2006	#2
RUSCO Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 224	You will have to set up some time to experiment and take some chances. It is the only way you will really know. Go to the records you like and work out what it is in the drum sound that you like. Everyone is different but the trend is to compress in the box and not on the way in. Kick and Snare sometimes could use a little on the way in.

1st October 2006	#3
NesNeedsGear Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 833	remember, how it sounds to you is what matters most. with that said, a little compression going in never hurt anyone.