I am trying to set up a top front end - mic preamp/comp/eq etc. Mostly concerning the compressor and eq, how does one do this effectively? Through experience of my own and research it seems that one should comp/eq tracks in relation to other tracks, not on their own, which would mean to comp and eq after recording/tracking. But if you have only 1 top outboard unit, it makes it impossible to do this to all tracks at the same time. And if you did it after the fact, you'd also be going d/a a/d (how bad is this?) I guess after awhile with my same setup, I'd kind of know what settings I like and were safe, but still each song seems a bit different. Perhaps I should just use a great mic preamp, and eq/comp with my Waveseffects. Please advise
Greg
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Eqing and compressing tracks while going to "tape" is a thing th
Eqing and compressing tracks while going to "tape" is a thing that is learned ... it comes with experience. I have come to instinctively know what is needed as I track, especially when it comes to eq. I know what I want the kick and bass to sound like. I know how I like guitar and vocals to "sit" in the mix, before I record. It takes a sense of vision, an ability to visualize the finished recording in your mind, before you've recorded the first note.
As far as compressing, I usually do compress or limit as I record.. the trick with that is to not over do it and to only compress certain things like bass, vocals and guitars. Electronic keys don't need to be compressed ... they were already processed when sampled ... I never compress kick or snares until mix, if at all ... no way to restore those dynamics if needed .. over compressing or limiting drums can result in an unemotional mix that lacks dynamics.
I will usually use an opto type compressor like the LA2a, or a Manley EL OP when recording, applying only 3 or 4 dB of gain reduction. As long as you don't overdo, compressing can be a good thing. 3 dB can often be perceived as a doubling of volume ... so knocking 3 or 4 dB off and then bringing up the gain make up can make some things sound twice as loud.
What Waves bundle do you have? I have the Gold set(all registere
What Waves bundle do you have? I have the Gold set(all registered users can upgrade to Platinum for 25% off until the end of march!) that I think is really good. Compressing and EQ'ing is different for everyone. I personally record a lot of heavier bands and like to compress a little going in just to control levels from clipping. EQ'ing on a channel strip is less accurate than using an EQ with high pass/low pass filters where you can manipulate certain frequencies. I don't see anything wrong with EQ'ing a bit with the channel strip to get a good sound going in. And yes, you can EQ and tweak to get a great sound from the guitar, but it may sound like garbage when the bass, drums, whatever come in(usually my guitars sound a little thin by themselves, leaving a lot of room for fat bass). If you have good outboard gear, there's nothing wrong with using it as an insert in your DAW. Hope this helps