Karaoke Forums

Yes, thank you Lonman. I did order the correct insert cable now. (Sheepish smile.) I should have realized something was radically wrong when the software compression sounded so much better than the hardware.

Turns out for recording, I probably won't use the hardware compressor. But it will be nice to have for a live show!

To close the book on this thread, I got the proper cable and all is well. My Behringer MDX1600 works great, and I have no trouble adjusting it to find good combinations.

That's great news!  Thanks for the update.  Happy recording!

Hi All,  
 
I don't claim to be a master engineer, but I suggest learning the dynamic range of the person being recorded before you mess with compression at all. Compression should be used to tame the dynamic range of your voice. This is not only different for each person, but different for each song you sing. Learn the loudest passages. Learn the softest passages. Then if you feel the need to compress, make sure you preserve the dynamic range you worked so hard at discovering. Your compressor should not have to work continuously to control your dynamics.    
As far as proximity to the mic, I like to pick a sweet spot and stay there if I can. The problem with changing mic positions is that your mic exhibits different characteristics based on proximity to the mic. I suggest letting your compressor handle these subtleties.  
 
Another suggestion, don't buy cheep if you can help it. Anything in your input chain should stretch your wallet a little bit. Don't pinch on your mic, preamp, compressor, etc.  
 
That's my 2 1/2 cents  :)    
 
The Crooner

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Diplomacy: The art of letting someone have it your way!
The Crooner

I am it, and I appear to have a pretty large one as I am a bass-baritone. My base notes can be quite soft in level, and some of my higher ones quite loud.

I started using compression on the input in a small way (2:1).


Yes, I have turned it off for some songs that are relatively stable.


I wouldn't even have know about compression, but I have a friend that is a recording engineer. He asked how my mic technique was, and I said that I pulled away on higer and loud notes. He said that wasn't what he was talking about -- he said I should stay on the mic and let the compression handle it. So he agrees with you.


As a beginner and amateur, cheap is all I can justify. But the reviews I have seen say the Behringer stuff I have is not too bad for the price, and my mics (Sennheiser e935 and AKG condenser) are supposed to be pretty fair.

Later this year, I will go down to Nashville and my friend will record a couple of songs for me in a million-dollar studio. I don't know if he can make a silk purse from a sow's ear, but he will try.

Thanks for your words -- I value them as I am really impressed with your singing.