VS-700 Drum Comprssion can any one offer a guide line to start with ?

Untill now I have always used my VS-700 with a Roland TD-20 and steven slate or Toontracks SD2.

So now I am learning from scratch the best way to work when recording drums.

Could some one please  tell me whats the best starting point to have the compressors in the VS-700 when recording Kick Snare Hi hat toms and over heads ?

What would be a good place to start and if you don't mind sharing your settings for me to try that is ? Perhaps a Screen Shot if you have one ?

Or do you not use compressors on the drums before the mixing stage ? I have heard a lot of people don't and until now nether have I

I hope you dont mind shareing your tips and tricks with me

I would really appreciate it

I just want to become better all the time and keep learning

Thanks to all in advance

Norrie

compressing drums is pretty wide open.  However, if you want to retain the initial pop of the drum head, use a slower attack.  The reason is this- if the compressor is set to a very fast attack, it will not allow that transient to go through.  Later in the mix you'll find the signal is 'loud' enough but you just can't get the snare drum to 'come out' in the mix as you'd like.  Of course there may be a reason to compress the transients but if you want the drums to sound 'natural' use slower attacks.

Yeah +1 to the above comments.

Norrie I have recently been tracking drums with two overhead pencils and a ribbon mic in the middle of the drum kit in front and away at a distance determined by the sound of the room. It has changed the way I do drums now as the overall balance (using good mics and pres) is excellent and there is enough sizzle along with detail. Really happy with the results.

As for the compression, no longer do I track with compression although it can be handy depending on the compressor and the conditions/drummer. The RNC is quite good for the dollar but even it sits idle at the tracking stage most times now.

Cheers!