precise compressor

DamagedTrax

i have a multi track guitar to do here and im trying to get the comp right. without compression it doesnt sound right at all but with an api2500 its a touch too much. since im not about to run out and buy a new comp tonight can anyone recomend my a very precise plug in compressor thats a good price too?

DamagedTrax

sorry, shoulda been clearer on the sound

its a rhythm part on an overdriven les paul, quite bassy, thru a marshall stack.

tweeky

Roll off "some" bottom as the boom on a marshall drives compressors nuts.

DamagedTrax

have done, it was a mixture of that and the stepped knobs on the API not being precise enough. sorted it with the sonalksis plug-in comp. cheers.

teamdresch

Is that the Waves API2500?
Man, I made the mistake of demoing the API Bundle, and now I think I'm gonna have to buy the bastard.
That compressor really is pretty cool.

trackmixstudio

The should be the solution to your problem:
Use a multiband compressor with just one active band from 100 to 500 Hz centred on 250Hz. Fast attack and release with about 4:1 ratio and threshold to about 5db reduction. This will take the mud out without sucking the high end attack.
Sometimes this is the only processing I will use on distorted guitar. It keeps the low end punch and high end clarity/attack but leaves space for the bass guitar and kick drum.

Seziertisch

Using a de-esser to tone down some of the problem frequencies before hitting the comp might work ok as well.

DamagedTrax

trackmixstudio wrote: »

The should be the solution to your problem:
Use a multiband compressor with just one active band from 100 to 500 Hz centred on 250Hz. Fast attack and release with about 4:1 ratio and threshold to about 5db reduction. This will take the mud out without sucking the high end attack.
Sometimes this is the only processing I will use on distorted guitar. It keeps the low end punch and high end clarity/attack but leaves space for the bass guitar and kick drum.

thanks. tried this and it now sounds awesome. great advice.

trackmixstudio

Glad that worked for you. It is a great way to get distorted guitars to fit in a mix without messing with the pick attack.
Now don't forget to mention me in the "best producer/engineer you've worked with?" thread:D:p

trackmixstudio

trackmixstudio wrote: »

The should be the solution to your problem:
Use a multiband compressor with just one active band from 100 to 500 Hz centred on 250Hz. Fast attack and release with about 4:1 ratio and threshold to about 5db reduction. This will take the mud out without sucking the high end attack.
Sometimes this is the only processing I will use on distorted guitar. It keeps the low end punch and high end clarity/attack but leaves space for the bass guitar and kick drum.

Yeah, nice tip..ill be giving this a go myself at some stage..