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Hardware compressors - how to wire

Hi,

I was wondering what gear you would need if you wanted to process the final mix through a hardware compressor? Currently I use a single pc with the final mix processed from Cubase or Reason. Presumably you can't just have a hardware compressor as how would you wire that and play back etc?

I've heard hardware compressors give awesome results to the final mix.

Using cubase. Just set up an external effect (F4 shortcut) and choose 2 available inputs and outputs (stereo) for your converters. Connect the DA outputs (as selected in external instruments) from cubase to the comps inputs. The Comps outputs to AD as selected in external instruments. Go to cubases master buss and select the external effect that you just set up using inserts just as you would a normal plugin.

Cubase's external effects routings are awesome. The signal will also be automatically compensated for any delays caused by plugins etc.

When using several pieces of outboard equipment at once i would most definately reccomend a patchbay. It makes things so much quicker and more flexible.

Cheers for the advise. Can you recommend a decent compressor i.e. mid range market although I have no idea what these things cost but want to have an idea of what to look for on ebay .

Also, Hardware compressors wont give you any better results UNLESS you know what you are doing. this is especially important when pre-mastering or mastering.

Too many people just slap on a limiter on their master buss and think it sounds good because its loud. I wouldn't put anything on your master buss unless you know exactly what you are trying to achieve, unless of course its just for trial and error purposes and experimentation.

quote:

Originally posted by Reno Cheers for the advise. Can you recommend a decent compressor i.e. mid range market although I have no idea what these things cost but want to have an idea of what to look for on ebay .

I haven't done much research. I'd imagine if you're looking for a 'mastering' compressor you'd be looking at a couple of grand. I could be wrong, but anything less than that and you may as well go for a good software compressor.

I'd only recommend this sort of investment if you're already producing 'professional quality' songs (if not, then a good compressor over the master channel won't help), or if you have too much money.

quote:

Originally posted by derail or if you have too much money.

How much is too much?

Too much is never enough.

Too much is when you don't need to check how much you have

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