> I am used to other apps where you put a track effect
> inline and you can see it work as you feed line in.

Why ever would you want to do that ?

If you are trying to avoid 'overs', the software compressor is the wrong side of the AD for that. For that you need a hardware compressor.

The compressor in the track-fx chain works on playback, where it is relevant.

geoff

I get what you are saying . I was just used to using a Waves C1 gate to eleiminate Room noise while doing voice work. With this method It looks like i will have to set it up externally.

Nah mate - just record the track with the background noise in the PC and then apply the noise gate post recording (putting it in the Plug-in Chain) - it will still do it's job.

What apps are you using that allow effects to be applied to the input signal? I have used them all and I know of none that allow an effect to be applied prior to A/D conversion. Even the Waves C1 doesn't work this way?

Hardware is the only way to achieve this - in the signal chain before the file is created on the PC

"I was just used to using a Waves C1 gate to eleiminate Room noise while doing voice work"

Slight compression is the only thing I ever use on the input signal with an external hardware compressor. If you don't have a hardware compressor, then do nothing to the signal when you are recording. By adding a gate you are risking that something is going to get cut-off on record....and then you'll have to explain to the client..."sorry..can you do that take again...I f'ed up and didn't get it all because my gate shut and cut off the last words of the sentence". As mentioned all this processing can be handled post recording where it is more safe. When recording, stick to the golden rule of "The shortest path from the microphone to the recording media" (ie NOTHING inbetween) I thought I was being smart too once the first time I recorded drums and had gates on all the mics to help elliminate the bleed.....I then noticed when mixing the track down that all my cymbal tails where getting cut-off and I was loosing alot of my tom hit ring. That was the last time I added anything between the Mic and recording media....lesson learned the hard way.

I guess what I ment was I was able (in pro tools) to place the C1 inline to know the result by hearing it and making adjustments. I understand what you all are saying though.

my problem is i live on an unusually noisy corner. I do have an O1V and I have been trying out the compnader setting of its dynamics. I actually works ok but as was mentioned...its prone to cutting things off.

Anyone know good o1v settings for voice work? Or should I just pipe it in and process after?

If I process after as was mentioned, I suppose I could just throw the c1 on the voice track and it will clean up the noise in the render?

oddboy,

At my studio, we also can have occasional traffic (or aircraft) noise leak into a session but I simply use an effects chain (SF Noise Gate, Track EQ and usually the Waves L1) to process the VO after tracking is done. Listening to the RAW VO, it's noisier than hell but some quick processing with this chain makes it all clean and clear.

As far as your mic and settings go - just go with this - Get the best solid signal to the computer and don't worry too much about the noise going in. There is really no way (unless you record in a soundproof cube 90 feet underground)to keep extra noise from getting in the way sometimes. Proper acoustical shielding in your tracking room can really help too. I use a beautiful Rode NTV tube condenser and it is so sensitive, I can hear kids playing down the street through it. But I do my voiceover right thru all that and process afterward.

I used to really worry about processing the signal before the audio hit the computer but I have never had a client say "Wow...I can hear a car drive by in your voicetrack". This chain makes that all go away fast.

It's a matter of experimentation. The SF Noise Gate doesn't get much press but used properly, it's a killer tool in my kit for keeping my VO clean.

Cheers,

Cuzin B