LOUDNESS WARS - aka- super huge post time

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by McLean

In the recordings that I make for myself and my clients, I try really hard not to use a compressor (or any effects) at all. This goes espcially when doing the main or original tracks. If there is any processing involved I like to do it post so I have more control over the whole project. I prefer to not use a compressor when tracking vocals and other instruments. It makes me have to work hard to get a good sound an still keep from peeking. I think processors muddy up the nice natural sound of the vocals and or instruments. In my opinion, why buy super expensive mics to just dirty up the sound with all of that processing. Well, maybe that is the justification for the super expensive mics in big budget studios. Use that mic and poop on the sound with a processor just to make it end up sounding like a SM57.

i like a tidy signal path myself. though i still think some tastefull use of compression, and effects while recording can sometimes aid in the performance for the artist. it can help some tracks stand out; though some people think that piling it on and squashing all the life out of it is the answer.

[Whoopysnorp]

Originally Posted by McLean

In the recordings that I make for myself and my clients, I try really hard not to use a compressor (or any effects) at all. This goes espcially when doing the main or original tracks. If there is any processing involved I like to do it post so I have more control over the whole project. I prefer to not use a compressor when tracking vocals and other instruments. It makes me have to work hard to get a good sound an still keep from peeking. I think processors muddy up the nice natural sound of the vocals and or instruments. In my opinion, why buy super expensive mics to just dirty up the sound with all of that processing. Well, maybe that is the justification for the super expensive mics in big budget studios. Use that mic and poop on the sound with a processor just to make it end up sounding like a SM57.

I wouldn't go that far; now that I have a hardware compressor (sort of; it's the one built into the Presonus Eureka) I like to apply a little compression during tracking to instruments that are going to need it anyway kick drum, bass guitar, vocals, sometimes the snare). I certainly use it lightly but that makes it easier when mixing because I only wind up needing a hair more compression to make everything work.

[mikegee]

Originally Posted by McLean

In the recordings that I make for myself and my clients, I try really hard not to use a compressor (or any effects) at all. This goes espcially when doing the main or original tracks. If there is any processing involved I like to do it post so I have more control over the whole project. I prefer to not use a compressor when tracking vocals and other instruments. It makes me have to work hard to get a good sound an still keep from peeking. I think processors muddy up the nice natural sound of the vocals and or instruments. In my opinion, why buy super expensive mics to just dirty up the sound with all of that processing. Well, maybe that is the justification for the super expensive mics in big budget studios. Use that mic and poop on the sound with a processor just to make it end up sounding like a SM57.

great points! i like experimenting with different combinations of effects (or no effects) when recording tracks. thats the great thing about recording on a computer, because you can record with plugin effects, or, add effects to any (or every) channel later, and then turn off or adjust them (some or all) to hear the different qualities of all, some or no effects being used.

I guess what i'm trying to say is, its best to consider all effect options, and use what sounds best for that particular track.

[Bellringer]

The competition that goes on includes a lot of television commercials also. You can be watching a show with excellent depth. Where the placement of music, voices, and effects are all balanced and do not distract from the show. Then the commercials start and it's like they squished all the dynamics out and pushed everything up a few dB's. It has to be a mix of lazyness and their trying to grab your attention with the use of volume. In most cases, you end up turning it down and hating the commercial.
It is a shame that there are so many songs/CD's out there that would benefit from dynamics but are ruined to make the race for radio domination. Maybe this is just one of those transitional periods you have when people are learning how to best use their somewhat new gear. Maybe....Hopefully.

[dolivas]

Originally Posted by Bellringer

The competition that goes on includes a lot of television commercials also. You can be watching a show with excellent depth. Where the placement of music, voices, and effects are all balanced and do not distract from the show. Then the commercials start and it's like they squished all the dynamics out and pushed everything up a few dB's. It has to be a mix of lazyness and their trying to grab your attention with the use of volume. In most cases, you end up turning it down and hating the commercial.
It is a shame that there are so many songs/CD's out there that would benefit from dynamics but are ruined to make the race for radio domination. Maybe this is just one of those transitional periods you have when people are learning how to best use their somewhat new gear. Maybe....Hopefully.

Great point! I think labels are taking a cue from advertisers and ramping up the volume and lowering dynamics to make music a distraction you have to pay attention to. Over saturation of music like that just ramps up people expecting music to sound loud on their sound system, their car, their boom boxes what have you. Their wouldn't be a market for silly 500 watt ghetto speaker systems if it wasn't that's what they're marketing it to. What best way to complement some over priced and over juiced system than a tie in with a sale priced Diddy cd...

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by dolivas

Their wouldn't be a market for silly 500 watt ghetto speaker systems if it wasn't that's what they're marketing it to. What best way to complement some over priced and over juiced system than a tie in with a sale priced Diddy cd...

say what you will, but those people with the overly loud systerms you can hear from over 70 feet away don't care about the music anyways. it's just some stupid status symbol; who has the loudest, most obnoxious, and bass-heavy car imaginable. i can't wait till we are all approaching middle age, and they are all deaf!