What does over compressed audio sound like? An over-compressed track looks like a rectangular block in meter/graphs. The waveform has no peaks and valleys like a natural sound wave would. Instead, it’s a smooth block.
What does over compressed audio sound like?
An over-compressed track looks like a rectangular block in meter/graphs. The waveform has no peaks and valleys like a natural sound wave would. Instead, it’s a smooth block. Often this shows the compressor has worked so hard on the track the waveform has started to even out.
How compressed should vocals be?
A good starting point for a rock vocal would be a 4:1 ratio with a medium-fast attack and a medium release. Then, set the threshold for around 4 to 6dB of gain reduction. Increase or decrease the attack time until you get the right level of forwardness for the mix.
How do you make vocals in punchy?
Start with a medium attack time around 15ms and adjust to taste. A fast attack (5ms) will make your vocals sound thick and heavy. A slow attack (30ms) will make your vocals sound punchy and aggressive. Dial in a medium release time of 40ms and adjust from there.
Should you compress vocals on the way in?
Recording vocals with compression saves time and effort, but it ultimately limits your possibilities in post-production. For convenience, the answer is yes. However, if you want more flexibility when mixing your vocals later on, then it should be avoided.
Why is music so compressed?
Compression boosts the quieter parts and tamps down louder ones to create a narrower range. Historically, compression was usually applied during the mastering stage, the final steps through which a finished recording becomes a commercial release.
Does compressed music sound better?
Compression keeps the vocal at the right level throughout the tune, or lets them jump out of the mix a little better without being louder; just the right type of compression might make the drums more exciting or intentionally weird. It’s all about using the available tools to make great-sounding music.
Should you compress live vocals?
Live sound is largely correcting problems with subtractive EQ. Sure, it’s fun to roll off some of the top-end on your hall reverb, but don’t let that distract you from the things that actually need attention. Compression should be used sparingly. The lead vocals should be the center of your attention.
Should vocals be louder than the beat?
Every vocal is different and every song is different as well. But generally speaking, lead vocal should be moderately loud or the loudest element next to your drums in your mix.
How to compress vocals like a…?
Split the compression over two compressors in series, one to hit the peaks with roughly -4dB reduction and the second for a more gentle, overall compression of -2 to -3dB. The result is a more natural yet fully present sound.
When to use compression in a vocal recording?
As discussed earlier, applying compression in stages sounds more natural and can help you avoid over-compression. So, a round of compression here can save you time down the road and also add some character to the vocal. Plus, using compression when recording can help the vocalist perform better, too.
Can you record your vocals without EQ or compression?
The answer is very simple, yes and no. A lot of engineers out there record their vocals or any other types of sources without any processing. Without the EQ, without compression, just because once everything is recorded, there’s no way back.
What kind of compressor do I use for vocals?
The Drawmer 1960, which is a tube compressor and also the Tegeler Creme, that is a stereo bus compressor to start with, but works pretty well on vocals as well. Those are the two hardware compressors that I own on my end, that’s why I love to use them when recording.