vocal compression to tape?

[Riq from New York]

Hi all,

I've been using a dbx compression on vocals after recording (with a
little tape compression). Do y'all have better experience using a
compressor to tape 1st? I will listen to see what it sounds like, but
advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank.

--Riq
Bay Of Pigs

[Kevin J. O'Conner]

Riq from New York wrote:

> I've been using a dbx compression on vocals after recording (with a
> little tape compression). Do y'all have better experience using a
> compressor to tape 1st? I will listen to see what it sounds like, but
> advice is greatly appreciated.

A lot is going to depend on the vocalist, and on the quality &
circumstances
of the recording. Generally speaking, though, the difference is something

like this:

1. compression while tracking - compression can help you even out the
level of the signal (assuming this is desired - for most pop/rock
material,
it often is), enabling you to record a hotter signal to tape. This will
give
you a better signal-to-noise ratio. However, you want to be careful not
to over-compress, since you will not be able to reverse the effects of
compression once the track is committed to tape.

2. compression while mixing - compression can help you even out the
level of the signal, enabling the vocals to stand out better in the mix.
However, you'll want to be careful about how much compression you
apply, since you may also achieve the unwanted result of making the
background tape hiss more present as well.

Try using both methods. Use light compression (2:1) going to tape, then
use light compression again when mixing.

--
Kevin J. O'Conner/Tinty Music
P.O. Box 85363, Seattle, WA 98145-1363 USA
tntm...@halcyon.com
http://www.halcyon.com/tntmusic/welcome.htm