Live Sound Vocal Compression

And i don t want to mislead you.

Live sound vocal compression.

Compression your best friend and your worst enemy. If the vocal s volume drops down then adjust the makeup gain input. You can use compression on vocals to just even out the performance and to create an effect. It evens out the often erratic levels that a singer can produce and tames transients that can cause digital distortion.

For a vocal starting point set your threshold to 0db or 2db and a ratio of either 1 5 1 or 2 1. Compression should be used sparingly. This tc helicon t1 vocal compression unit is perfect for any singer looking for a singular functioning effects pedal. But the truth is it s not that easy.

Heck it d certainly save me a few keystrokes. Now without soloing the vocal slowly turn down the threshold knob to adjust the amount of compression on the vocal. 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. By bypassing and applying the compressor get the input gain same as without the compressor.

The processor is ideal for use in practices and live performances. Lead vocals some recording engineers think compression is a must for vocals. I wish i could do that too. You can set the attack release to auto or go to 12 o clock on either one.

This is a fine way to start with a comp on vocals and will let you actually hear much of whats happening as you dial it in and hear the way the compressor works with the voice. There is no one size fits all formula to vocal compression. Many bloggers will tell you what the perfect vocal compression settings are. When used incorrectly compression can quickly ruin a good vocal recording and make your music sound amateur and over processed.

This pedal s primary function is to help a singer control vocal dynamics and tone. When used correctly compression is a key ingredient for vocals that sound professional modern and radio ready. Live sound is largely correcting problems with subtractive eq.