jrfrogers
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The "sound" of a compressor
In reading about compressors, I see that some engineers have used certain compressors for their "sound". Does anyone know, even if the compressor is "not working" (low input/high threshold - nothing being compressed), does it still have the "sound" because the audio is routed through it's electronics (or software), OR does the "sound" come only when compression is taking place?
I don't have an engineer's ears yet, so I have to ask.
Thanks,
Sam
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Middleman
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/16 23:10:13
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Yes, most definitely for hardware. Plugins vary widely as to their approach, some do, some don't.
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AT
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/17 00:10:26
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Hardware definately has a sound to it. Putting a signal through good electronics tends to make it more 3D. Transformers tend to round off the sound and add a bit of fullness. And the harder you hit good hardware, the more effect and saturation you will get (as a general rule).
Plugs are getting better, I've noticed. Not in their control, for the most part, but in the way the handle the "sound" part. A lot of older "tube" etc. plugs added a sheen or haze over the sound however hard it was hit. Newer plugs, like the PC SSL stuff are much more dynamic.
Of course, the above is unscientific and I may be crazy, too, so take the above with a grain of salt.
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Guitarhacker
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/17 08:31:07
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theoretically.... a compressor should not be heard.
However, the hardware variety will generally impart some coloration in the sound due to the circuitry which will affect the signal going through it.
I believe the generally accepted rule of thumb is that if you can hear a compressor in the music , it's being used improperly.
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batsbrew
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/17 11:17:57
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any circuit you route thru, can , and often does, impart some kind of change to the sound.
in the case of outboard compressors, the best ones are used BECAUSE of their sound.
i have a favorite compressor that i like to use, a lot, because i really dig the SOUND of it.
the changes, it imparts on my tracks.
after years of using it, i know how hard or light to go with it, to get what i want out of it.
no software plug, can do what it does.
but, you have to remember-
some people, only want compressors to COMPRESS, and leave the tones and overall sonic signature alone, except for what obviously changes from messing with the dynamics of the original signal.
others use compressors SPECIFICALLY to CHANGE the sound.
almost like an EQ
it's a subtle thing.
that's why it takes so long to get good at it.
and you need to study lots of pro mixes, and at the same time, learn what equipment they used, and train your ears to pick up on it.
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Tap
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/17 11:18:00
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As a rule, in DAW as Herb pointed out, the compressor shouldn't color the sound, unless the compressor plug-in also has other effects included to do just that, ie tube warmth or tape saturation or eq.
The coloration from distortion units are greatly effected by the signal levels driving them. Many guitarists use a compressor prior to their distortion units to minimize the change in signal levels driving their fuzz-boxes. This can result in some mighty hefty sustain levels ala Hendrix.
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Middleman
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Re:The "sound" of a compressor
2012/02/17 12:04:19
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Guitarhacker
I believe the generally accepted rule of thumb is that if you can hear a compressor in the music , it's being used improperly.
Except when you want it slamming which is a lot of music over the last 20 years.
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