Outboard compression when recording

rooky wrote on 12/16/2003, 9:55 AM

Is it smart to lightly compress everything while recording using an outboard compressor? Or do you all record straight from the pre-amp. I use two focusrite ISA 428's for preamp and A to D.
--- Pros: --- I could see that outboard compression may sound better than Waves C1 or Renassaince, and by doing it prior to going digital, perhaps you are providing your DAW with a higher resolution track. It also may make it easier to set recording volume.
--- Cons: --- Cost. Maybe an economical analog compressor is not better than Waves C1. I may not want all my tracks compressed. I may get the initial compression settings wrong. How expensive do you go? Aphex 8 channels for $400, Prosonus 8 for $800, or focusrite red 2 channels for $3000?

Comments

bgc wrote on 12/16/2003, 10:42 AM

I record all highly dynamic material (vocals, drums, etc.) going through a compressor to make sure I don't clip the inputs. I try to make it as light as possible (unless it's vocals and then I will use more with a very good outboard compressor) and then use the Waves RComp (excellent in my opinion) or the Universal Audio 1176 or LA2A plugins (excellent as well) for final compression. These internal plugins are top notch and you're not aiming low with them.

As for external compressors, you could try and look for compressors that help mostly with limiting (avoiding clipping) and use the good internal compressors for actual compression processing.

B.

zemlin wrote on 12/18/2003, 2:04 PM

I rather agree - focus on getting a quiet signal chain, record as hot as you can without clipping and compress later - if you want to have a safety net, add some external limiting - but don't plan to use it much.