DBX ProVocal

TopherM

I recently picked up a DBX ProVocal on my local craigslist. I'm very technically proficient, but new to compression (which is mainly what I want to use this unit for). Could someone offer some baseline settings for Threshold, Ratio, Gain, Attack, Release for vocals? Thanks!

Gadget

Boy, compression is a very personal thing... ask 10 engineers and you'll get 10 different answers...I personally am of the "Less is more" camp...that things are all too often compressed for no particular reason except "Because everybody does it" and that is not a good answer.

If a performance is all over the place then ..ya..but it's been a while since I have had bands that are less than polished and professional.

Is this for studio or live use?

Paul White has a pretty comprehensive "studio" compression guide here...
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_ar ... ssion.html
and this(scroll down to "understanding compressor settings)
http://tweakheadz.com/how_to_record_vocals.htm

Here is dbx compression 101
ftp://ftp.dbxpro.com/pub/PDFs/WhitePape ... %20101.pdf

Remember that live compression depends a lot on the setup, and a number of other factors.. note also that compression can CAUSE feedback as the compressor hunts for a weak signal...

gadget