Live Sound Vocal Compression

By bypassing and applying the compressor get the input gain same as without the compressor.

Live sound vocal compression.

The processor is ideal for use in practices and live performances. When used incorrectly compression can quickly ruin a good vocal recording and make your music sound amateur and over processed. But the truth is it s not that easy. Heck it d certainly save me a few keystrokes.

The lead vocals should be the center of your attention. 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. You can set the attack release to auto or go to 12 o clock on either one. It evens out the often erratic levels that a singer can produce and tames transients that can cause digital distortion.

Compression your best friend and your worst enemy. Many bloggers will tell you what the perfect vocal compression settings are. You can use compression on vocals to just even out the performance and to create an effect. If the vocal s volume drops down then adjust the makeup gain input.

I wish i could do that too. There are no magic settings that work 100 of the time. Live sound is largely correcting problems with subtractive eq. 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.

And i don t want to mislead you. Compression should be used sparingly. Now without soloing the vocal slowly turn down the threshold knob to adjust the amount of compression on the vocal. This tc helicon t1 vocal compression unit is perfect for any singer looking for a singular functioning effects pedal.

When used correctly compression is a key ingredient for vocals that sound professional modern and radio ready. For a vocal starting point set your threshold to 0db or 2db and a ratio of either 1 5 1 or 2 1. Lead vocals some recording engineers think compression is a must for vocals.