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jeffontheleft jeffontheleft is offline
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Default Pre-amp/compressor chaining question

So I've somewhat close-mic'ed my drum overheads with NT5's through an
RNP chained to an RNC. This is my first time using this setup so i'm
not sure what the most conventional approach would be. It seems like
one advantage to using pre-recording compression is that you can boost
the level feeding into the compressor really hot and then use the
compressor to attenuate its peaks just below threshold. Is this
common practice, or is that more a job for a limiter? Also, should I
ever turn the RNP up above the level that if the output signal were
unprocessed it would be clipping? I plan on doing alot of
experimenting but any constructive advice you have to offer would
certainly be appreciated. Thanks.

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Mark Mark is offline
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Default Pre-amp/compressor chaining question

On Mar 16, 8:13 pm, "jeffontheleft" wrote:
So I've somewhat close-mic'ed my drum overheads with NT5's through an
RNP chained to an RNC. This is my first time using this setup so i'm
not sure what the most conventional approach would be. It seems like
one advantage to using pre-recording compression is that you can boost
the level feeding into the compressor really hot and then use the
compressor to attenuate its peaks just below threshold. Is this
common practice, or is that more a job for a limiter? Also, should I
ever turn the RNP up above the level that if the output signal were
unprocessed it would be clipping? I plan on doing alot of
experimenting but any constructive advice you have to offer would
certainly be appreciated. Thanks.


I'm a beginner so take it for what it is worth but...
my 2 cents says ...if you are using a digital recorder with at least
16 bits, then you have enough dymanic range to record without any
compression. Then you can play with the compression during playback
and mixing. The big advantage of this is that you can change the
compression without doing another take...
If you are using an analog recorder, then you may need to compress
going into the recorder...
Mark

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RD Jones RD Jones is offline
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Location: Nashville
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Default Pre-amp/compressor chaining question

"jeffontheleft" wrote:

So I've somewhat close-mic'ed my drum overheads with NT5's through an
RNP chained to an RNC. This is my first time using this setup so i'm
not sure what the most conventional approach would be.


The conventional approach is to track "clean" and use compression
during mixdown. There's nothing patently wrong with using an(y)
effect during tracking, just use caution not to overdo it. There's
plenty of ways to screw up a take and too much effect is one that's
easy to avoid.

It seems like
one advantage to using pre-recording compression is that you can boost
the level feeding into the compressor really hot and then use the
compressor to attenuate its peaks just below threshold. Is this
common practice, or is that more a job for a limiter?


This is the easiest way to ruin a take.
I'd not usually hard limit drums during tracking or mixing.
Drums need headroom to sound natural to me.

The distinction between compression and limiting can be
a bit fuzzy depending on how it's set and used.

Also, should I
ever turn the RNP up above the level that if the output signal were
unprocessed it would be clipping? I plan on doing alot of
experimenting but any constructive advice you have to offer would
certainly be appreciated. Thanks.


Well, you don't ever want to intentionally clip at the inputs of any
device, but additional gain can add to the effect of compression
like shifting the threshhold level. Just be careful about actually
clipping.

rd

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Ian Bell Ian Bell is offline
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Default Pre-amp/compressor chaining question

jeffontheleft wrote:

So I've somewhat close-mic'ed my drum overheads with NT5's through an
RNP chained to an RNC. This is my first time using this setup so i'm
not sure what the most conventional approach would be. It seems like
one advantage to using pre-recording compression is that you can boost
the level feeding into the compressor really hot and then use the
compressor to attenuate its peaks just below threshold. Is this
common practice, or is that more a job for a limiter? Also, should I
ever turn the RNP up above the level that if the output signal were
unprocessed it would be clipping? I plan on doing alot of
experimenting but any constructive advice you have to offer would
certainly be appreciated. Thanks.


Depends. Conventional wisdom in these days of digital is to record clan and
process in the mix as this gives the greatest flexibility.

However, back in the days when the Beatles were recording, just about
everything when through a Fairchild limiter before being recorded and many
FX were added whilst recording. The disadvantage of this approach is that
you have to think carefully about the sound you want to achieve before
recording it. The advantage of this approach is that you have to think
about the the sound you want to achieve before you record it.

IMHO there is too little composition and arrangement in today's music. A lot
is beautifully recorded greyness.

Ian

Ian
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