Hi everyone ! 
I am using Sonar X2 Producer for recording and mixing. I am using the USB focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with built in preamp. Normally, people would use a compressor during recording vocals to limit some loud part and quiet part can be heard as well. So I am wondering if I can use a compressor during my recording. And how can I do that ? By plugin? If I am using a 2 in 2 out with my focusrite 2i2, would I be able to buy a hardware compressor and use it with that audio interface ? 

What is the solutions you guys suggest me in my situation? 
Please help ! Thanks so much 

Unless your interface has an on board compressor you will need a separate hardware compressor in your signal path before the interface.  I think it is possible to use plugins during tracking for monitoring purposes but the effect doesn't actually get printed.    

Jimmyrage is quite right - you cannot record the effect of a plugin whilst tracking. You need external hardware for this.

But assuming you're recording at 24 bit, there's really no need to use a compressor on the way in. 24 bit gives you a huge amount of headroom which enables you to capture the entire dynamic of the vocal and stay well above the noise floor as well as avoiding clipping

Hi Stan,

Unless you compress the signal prior to hitting the A/D converters, you might as well just apply the compression non-destructively (in realtime) to the original "dry" signal.

Setup the compressor plugin in the EFX bin of the track you intend to record, then enable software based input monitoring while recording.
The compression effect won't be recorded, but you can hear it while you perform.


If your audio interface has hardware inserts, you can patch in a hardware compressor.
Otherwise, you'd have to use external preamps... patched into a hardware compressor... patched into your audio interface.

All good advice. Also, even if the plugin compressor DID print the effect, since it comes AFTER the interface in the signal chain, it's not helping you avoid clipping. It could be useful for the singer to be hearing a more compressed signal, but otherwise it's not helpful. May I suggest the ART Voice Channel as a subtle, musical, compressor that doesn't cost too much?

True that.

You shouldn't really need a compressor while recording since you don't need to maximize the signal to noise ratio like in the tape days.  You just need to set a sensible level.  DAW plugins don't make any difference since they happen after conversion and recording - you can do as well simply by using the comp during mixing.

However, a good analog comp inserted between the preamp and conversion step is useful for getting more steady signal, doing what compressers do - reducing the difference between the loudest and softest signal.  On bouncy recordings that can help the mix.  And a high-quality comp w/ all the sweet electronics associated with it can flavor your recorded signal to sound more like what you get in a real studio (same goes for the preamp, eq, etc.).  It is easier to get a good mix when the sounds already sound polished.

Two caveats - the difference in quality isn't "night and day", at least for me.  Not marginal but subtle.  One can get perfectly acceptable recordings for most modern preamp/converter interfaces.  It can also take time to develop your ear to differeniate the differences.  The second fact you are then hooked, which can be expensive.

@

Sonar's  FX are non destructive and after your audio passes the sound card's converters, its too late to avoid clipping beyond that point. If you feel the need to compress the audio before it hits sonar, you need hardware, not software FX.


Note, if you do use hardware effects, you will not be able to change the settings, like you would if you use non destructive Fx, like the ones in sonar. Non destructive is the way to go.

Normally, people would use a compressor during recording vocals to limit some loud part and quiet part can be heard as well.

That is not the norm anymore. We are not using analog and 16bit recording is fazed out,. we record in 24 bit and that gives you 256 times more than resolution than 16bit recording. You do not need to record hot in 24 bit. 

In 24bit recording, there is no need to record hot. So you do not need to use a compressor or limiter to avoid clipping. There is no need for it!! Anywhere form -24dB to -8dB is great for 24bit recording and this allows for peaks not to clip the converters in your sound card..

Cj