Once a week I do the live sound for a jazz cabaret. I previously did not have access to any compressors, and it has been a tad bit of a headache dealing with dymanics between the four singers.

I love compressors and compression and how it can make or break a track. I like how it takes finesse to do, that aspect appeals to me. But there is one thing I don't fully understand. Attack time. Release is easy enough to understand. Set it so that it releases gradually enough that you don't hear it, but not so long that it's like a clingy girlfriend.

can someone please tell me a good description of what a compressor does? mainly for guitar and drums

thank you

I have been reading this forum for a while, and have also searched on this issue, so am aware of previous recommendations (well the ones I could find anyway)

The shortlist I seem to have come up with looks something like this :

What are your opinions on these three compressors, and in what capacity are they used in different stages of recording?

Foundry Track Compressor (bundled in with Sonar)

Blockfish (from digitalphishphones)

Endorphin (also from digitalphishphones)

Are their any glaring omissions of popular compressors used for specific purposes?

Thank you!

Which tracking or mixing comp/limiters are out there that can still be had at a decent price . That have good performance and cool character to them.

Ok, i finally have money coming in so i can buy some more recording equipment. Im after selling my Mbox2 so all i have is an sm57 and a stereo pair of t bone em800. I'v decided on getting the PreSonus firepod for the interface but cant decide on if i need a preamp with an eq and compressor or a separate eq and compressor.

I'm making the switch from PC to Mac on my laptop, although I'll still be using PC in my studio. I use Cubase 4 in the studio and Cubase Studio 4 on my laptop. I've used freeware plugins like Kjaerhus Classics and Pushtec on my laptop and installed the same plugs in the studio, that way I can transfer projects without any hassle.

What are your favorite of each, for maybe around $100 each? I don't have a problem with Behringer and I don't want to go too crazy especially because I'll be having this in my dorm room.

I already have -> Firepod, SM57, and AT2020 for microphones. I want just one more mic and a vocal compressor so I can play + sing at the same time and have a more leveled out vocal track.

I recently purchased a digi 002, and am working towards creating a small demo quality home studio. What mic preamps and compressors are out there that yield the most bang for the buck?