@ Sharp:

I think it's the same way as if you didn't have hardware controller access (I do not), so this definitely applies to me.

Just automate within the software. Danny mentioned in his video where DIY'ers will take the loudest part and simply turn it down. However, he says not to do this because you lose audio information. This would be where you are applying and manipulating nodes. That's how I arrange now instead of cropping clips because what you may take away, you might want back. Leave the entire thing there and automate it accordingly. You will have to be very meticulous though if the automation is sudden and not gradual. (ie: > sfz on sheet music = gradual node decline, then a very sharp incline)


I also think the automation comment was also said in a arrangement/composition context because if the entire composition/arrangement is loud (meaning everybody, all the time - no dynamics), then what exactly is the loudest part of the song?

This was the biggest critique I got on another forum regarding a "signature" track. It needed to breathe. It wasn't loud, but nobody stopped playing and being roughly 7 mins, you get the picture.  Of course, it breathes now and has been for some time. (I'll do this for my other tracks, too when I get away from this one.)

From a production standpoint, dips in volume if/when compression is applied allows the compressor to breathe which is why he, Jeff, Bit and Bats have made such posts/threads regarding correct - er, better use of compression among other things (EQ, etc.)

Take the Classic Compressor plug: you don't want the indicator light on all the time - only on the loudest parts. Some have said to get it center around BPM if it's a rhythm track (Snare, Hat, Kick, etc.) It took me awhile to grasp what was happening and I still may be using it incorrectly, but experimenting is how you learn alongside tips from knowledgeable sources.

But back to the automation comment. It really helps the music breathe and the tools used to manipulate it. (ie: Automation takes the stress off them pushing so hard). As he said though, just because you've got dynamics in a track allowing your arrangement/composition/plugs to breathe, this doesn't license you to strangle them - especially the plugs.

As far as your other question, I'll let Danny have that one.

So basically, track automation is not something you do DURING the recording process. 
Rather it's done like in Danny's video.

Thanks Bit! 

So if a limiter is a type of compressor and my SPS-66 Firewire Interface has a limiter, can I use my SPS-66 Firewire Interface as some sort of compression? 

sharpdion23

"From there, track automation and a little compression done the right way should have you in great shape. :) "

How would you use track automation during recording? Also I have a SPS-66 Firewire Interface that has a "peak/limiter" LED. Does that only show if my signal is clipping?

No the automation comes after you record, not during the recording process. Hmm I don't know how trsutworthy the peak limiter thing may be in your interface. It's defintiely worth experimenting with though to see if it gives you a nice signal. Just listen for artifacts though.
 
Like...un-even parts of your playing that may get loud and low. If you hear that, the limiter may be working too hard or you may have your signal going in to your interface too loud. I'd be careful with any limiter function that just has an on/off instead of a means to control how it reacts to signals. So try a few tests with and without....listen close to your recroding to see if you can hear any differences first and foremost, and then look at the wave forms to see how different they look.
 
If with the limiter on, it sounds good and looks good, you have a nice little tool there that you can use as you record, but you'll still need to test it on a few different instruments to see how it reacts on them.
 
With the limiter on....if the signal looks good but the sound isn't good, it's best not to use the limiter because your sound you record needs to breathe and can't have artifacts from excessive limiting like I mentioned above. :)
 
-Danny

Thanks Danny. I have been recording for a while now with the limiter on and everything seemed fine to me. I haven't been hearing any un-even parts during or after recording. I try to record with -6db as peak to give enough headroom. With hardware limiters like mine that does not have any other settings other than on/off, does it only start limiting when my signal reaches 0db?

Thanks Danny, I'll run a couple of tests to see when the limiter kicks in.