Home Recording Tips

by Jay Morcombe
8.08 V1.2

In the modern digital world, it is becoming easier and more economical for musicians and bands to turn to DIY methods of recording. The days of reel to reel tape recording are nearly gone, and making even the most amateur of artists sound larger than life is only a mouse click away. While manufacturers like TASCAM and KORG make digital recording consoles, there is a plethora of software companies producing programs that push the limits of what the average Joe can do with a PC or Mac. Programs like PRO TOOLS, and CUBASE have given musicians the cut-copy-and-paste option, as well as an almost endless supply of tracks, effects, and production tools. Many professionals in the recording industry frown at the thought of their job being made obsolete by a machine. However, while recording may be becoming easier to do, crafting a truly professional quality track is not as simple as it may seem. This month's Recording Tips subject is about compression; when, why, where, and how to use it.

Q.) When should I use compression?

A.) Compression is used to limit, level, and smooth out sound that would otherwise be weak, clipping, or unfriendly to the ears. Particularly, sharp, bassy, and louder tones can be controlled with a compressor or limiter. Compression is very important when recording vocals, drums and other percussion instruments. It is also used on guitar, and bass, but should be applied very lightly if at all to avoid squashing the output gain levels of the recording.

Q.) What does compression do?

A.) Compression takes your input signal (from your microphone or instrument/auxiliary) and applies attack, threshold, and ratio to the sound. Threshold controls the main output level of compression that is used on the signal. Attack shapes the initial punch or volume of the signal. Ratio depicts how wide of a tonal range the compression is applied to. There are no absolute ways of setting compression levels, however, many people will use presets that have worked well in the past for them as a basis for new recordings. For example, if you used a Shure Beta 58 with a 2;1 ratio last time, you might find the tone you are looking for by using that same ratio setting, and tweaking it according to your taste.

Q.) Where is compression used?

A.) Compression is usually applied prior to recording, if it is needed. This prevents any clipping, and smoothes out the sound so as to make mixing and mastering easier. It is important however, not to 'squash' a track too much. While some things may sound better with a lot of compression, do not forget that compression will also be used in the mastering process, therefore, adding to much could give you a weak sounding recording. This is often the reason that many amateur recordings are over-compressed, and not loud enough, while others still, are gritty and too loud; a very unpleasant sound to the ears no matter what the genre.

Q.) What compressor should I use?

A.) There are several brands and types of compressors. Some compressors employ tube technology, while others operate completely solid-state. Professionally, tube compression is the preferred method, but other compressors are also used. For those on a budget (everyone), ALESIS, as well as DBX both offer a very affordable line of compressors that will suffice for anything from recording drums, to vocals, to even brass instruments. Some software-based compressors are now beginning to prove that computer based software is making great bounds in the recording world as well. But for the most part, rack-mounted compression modules seem to be the industry standard.

Q.) How do I make my drums sound like (insert drummer here)?

A.) Compression has a huge effect on what your drums, vocals, and bass will sound like, but many other things must be taken into consideration when sculpting the compression and tone that you want. Something important to remember is that compressors and pre-amps work hand in hand. A pre-amp without a compressor; vice-versa; is very unconventional and will make finding a particular setting hard to find. Also, microphone placement, tuning, room acoustics as well as several other things make up the combinations that give certain drummers and vocalists their 'signature' tone. The more you know about the conditions that they were recorded in, the easier it will be for you to dial in, and emulate their sound.

Q.) How much compression should I use for the final mix, and mastering?

A.) Generally, the mixing process involves none, or very little adding of compression. Equalizers, effects, and volumes are set on each track/channel. During the mastering process, an engineer might prefer to use a barely noticeable amount of compression over the entire song. Another engineer may prefer a very saturated compression tone, and use sonic maximizers, or additional equalization to finalize a recording. In the end, compression should always be used lightly, and should always correspond with gain, and input levels. The rest is trial and error.

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