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Is it possible to use a compressor in BIAB for recording the voice track?. Sometimes the singer wears the vu-meter in the red zone while singing.
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BIAB uses the computer sound card or USB to record audio direct. So, the answer depends on where the source of the vocals comes into the software from. Some Audio Interfaces allow effects to be included with the vocal audio.
Regardless how the vocals are imported into BIAB or any DAW, the gain should be set so the recording does not go into the red. Once the vocal is recorded, a compressor is available in BIAB as a plug in as one option to bring up the gain to proper levels.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 12/17/17 08:06 AM.
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Where I find the plugin compressor available in BIAB ?
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Where I find the plugin compressor available in BIAB ?
In the Dx Plug-ins - PG Dynamics is the PGMusic compressor.
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Personally, I don't use a compressor on the input. I record the track straight and then after the fact apply a bit of compression.
I can see the advantage to compressing the incoming signal especially if the singer is having problems with singing technique.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Guitarhaker... I am newbie in recording.
How do you really happen? What tools do you use (sw or hw) to do what you said?
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Hi cubalibre,
I never use a compressor when recording live. Like Herb may I use one after the vocals have been recording.
I would suggest not recording in BiaB and record your vocals in a DAW. If you are using the Windows version of BiaB you already have a DAW in RealBand. Use it if you don't already have a favorite DAW. Using a DAW gives you a lot more options then recording in BiaB. Note if you are using the Mac version of BiaB then other Mac users should suggest a DAW for you to use.
Record your vocals making sure that the singers does not put the meters into the red. That is the louder they sing either have them stand away from the mic and/or lower your recording volume. Once you have recorded the track you can use a manually raise and lower vocal sections (automation) and/or use a compressor and/or use a limiter. Some compressors also can function as a limiter.
This may sound confusing to the beginner but it isn't that hard and with practice you can accomplish your goals.
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MarioD Hi,
but I have beautiful Rualtrack in Biab and only to record the voice I have to move everything in a DAW?
Suppose I move it all in DAW ..Realband (I have Win 10) ... How I apply the compression of the voice AFTER the recording? Do I have to load any plugins?
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You would record the voice onto its OWN track, so now it is on its own independent track just like each Realtrack you are using. and just like any other audio (WAV, wma, .. etc.) or MIDI tracks you have in your song.
so at this point you have your voice AS RECORDED, pure and untouched by any effect. This is good because you never have to try and figure out how to REMOVE any effects that you over-applied, applied wrong, etc. during the recording process (or maybe you simply don't like that effect now - a year later).
Yes, NOW using plugins (VST's and DX's - like PG's compressor, or reverb, or delay or whatever) you can apply compression, reverb, chorus, EQ, delay, or ANY effect or combination of effects when you PLAY the song.
Once you have the effects (FX) the way you like them (during a playback with the effects applied) you can RENDER (simply means to re-record all the music that's playing to the NEW .WAV file or new .MP3 file or..)
Good luck
Larry
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I always compress vocals going in. A little light compression and a good tube mic let's the singer sing, rather than watching meters. Plenty of headroom, good gain staging techniques, and Bob's your uncle.
Regards,
Bob
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There you go
Bob is someone who records WITH compression. Since I never record any VOCALS, I never worry about it and hence have ZERO recent experience with vox recording.
But Bob, it sounds like you are might be using external HW to do that "light" compression? or do you use only "plugins" compression?
Larry
I DO USE external HW compression when recording (dbx) on all electric/piezo guitars (but it's probably less than you use on vocals - LOL)
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There you go
Bob is someone who records WITH compression. Since I never record any VOCALS, I never worry about it and hence have ZERO recent experience with vox recording.
But Bob, it sounds like you are might be using external HW to do that "light" compression? or do you use only "plugins" compression?
Larry
I DO USE external HW compression when recording (dbx) on all electric/piezo guitars (but it's probably less than you use on vocals - LOL) Hey Larry, I usually just throw a Sonitus comp on a vocal, it's included in Sonar. It's in the Effects Menu, so I can "print" it or not. I don't understand this problem. There really is no "noise floor" with digital anyway. If it's too hot and you're pegging meters, that's the least of your problems! Merry Christmas! Regards, Bob
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Compression on a vocal while you're recording a vocal MAY or may not be best. It depends on the singer, the song, you, your equipment and everybody's level of experience with recording.
If recording levels bounce all over the place no matter where you set the initial recording level then maybe you can have someone move the volume level up and down as needed during the recording. If not then you likely want to use a hardware or software compressor on the incoming signal
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Bob Are talking to me or OP or? I don't have a problem (unless you're talking about my drinking, weight, age, eyesight, cholesterol, tinnitus, angina, A1C, prostate,...) I use compression, on guitar, for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with levels or gain staging. I do it for feel and tone when recording via my rack gear. I use a Lexicon Signature 284 amp in a my rack and you would think that you'd get actual natural tube compression out of those EL84's, and you do, but when recorded it's just a little too "un-amp" like, so a "very SMALL touch of this and a TINY dab of that (Brylcreem anyone?  )" makes all the difference. I don't find I need to add compression when mic'ing amps (using a standard run-of-the-mill 'ol SM57) for more "conventional amps" (e.g., Juke 1210, GA RVT19, etc. or, ironically, even something like a solid state Cube 80GX). Larry
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"Compression on a vocal while you're recording a vocal MAY or may not be best. It depends on the singer, the song, you, your equipment and everybody's level of experience with recording."
And your point?
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To OP,
VST and DX plugins can be used either way; during the recording or after.
I prefer after myself, as I'm OK with setting the levels and monitoring them as I record. You do not need a hot signal, give yourself some room.
In PGMusic products it is called Input Monitoring, and is an option, but it's a bit more complicated to do as you record.
I would definitely try it after to start with.
In Realband there a button on the track in some views called FX, just put what you want in there.
In BiaB I think it works kind of the same way but you'll find it in the mixer area.
Also, in addition to PGDynamcs compressor there are many free ones available and many you can buy.
ReaComp (from Reaper/Cockos) is an easy one to learn on, as is Classic Compressor, which I happen to like for vocals. Both are free.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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The quality of the op's recording can help the op decide if compression is needed during the recording process or applied later, if at all.
I also pointed out that the op may be able to get someone to control the track fader during the recording process.
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The quality of the op's recording can help the op decide if compression is needed during the recording process or applied later, if at all.
I also pointed out that the op may be able to get someone to control the track fader during the recording process.
Or, he might just learn to set gain stages properly. It's really that simple.  Regards, Bob
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The quality of the op's recording can help the op decide if compression is needed during the recording process or applied later, if at all.
I also pointed out that the op may be able to get someone to control the track fader during the recording process.
Or, he might just learn to set gain stages properly. It's really that simple. Regards, Bob Definitely agree there's a learning opportunity. I figure that's why the op asked the question.
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I don't know if it's possible to compress on the way in using BIAB. But, if you have to use a high compression ratio, say, 4:1 and higher to control the singer it is going to start sounding squashed and unnatural. A low ratio, 2:1 or so will probably not mess up the take but is not likely to tame the input VU meter enough either.
If it were me, I would have the singer review some microphone techniques and practice with the microphone and headphones. Then redo the take/s. He'she may even appreciate the improvements he/she makes as a singer.
Also, it's okay to record with quite low input levels. Just so long as the noise in the room is also very low.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
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