Taming Vocals: Series Compression
The Tone Monster mixing section is off to a good start with an article on series compression of vocal tracks. Series compression is a technique where you use multiple compressors, one after another, to achieve higher gain reduction without the pumping that can typically be associated with extreme compression. Check out the technique in the new article about taming vocals with series compression.
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April 25th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Hey I just read your article about using two compressors, I agree! In fact, I am also using the renaissance compressor. Out of all the waves stuff I tried, its my favorite. For maximum flatness I actually used 4 compressors. First one was in my focusrite voicemaster rack preamp, from there the signal went into pro tools, then I added the renaissance channel to EQ and compress it, then I added two more renaissance comps after that. And let me tell you, it sounds KILLER! Keep in mind each compressor is only knocking the signal down no more then 3db. Sometimes 5db if I sing loud. And the ratios are light, about 2-3. I finally got rid of that “breathing” sound, or pump or whatever you call it when one compressor is working to hard. Anyways, just thought I would leave you a comment!
April 25th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Four compressors! That’s hardcore man. Cool to hear your story. Yeah, there really is no technical limit to the number of compressors you could string in series. The only limit is the number of compressors you feel like tweaking on any given track.