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RE: Frequencies and Compression

On a per/song basis(not my overall sound):

After a few hours/days/weeks with my EQ, once I've found the frequencies my individual instruments are happy in, and I somehow get them to have their own space; do I need to - or would I Want to, do the following: >>>>> -
Compress each instrument an appropriate amount to make it really distinct?
Or is that a totally weird idea, no reason to do that if I've already EQ'd....

Because, I was reading something by a big buy that talked about the "compressors for each instrument", like every single instrument just went through its own compressor no matter what. That made me wonder if he was compressing every instrument according to its frequency and its character. Which led me back to wondering about EQ..

If you get the EQ right for each instrument will it be helped by just a little compression to make it stand out (without more volume)?

I'm not looking for any kind of "sound" but there have been a few bands I've heard in the last couple years who's instruments you can hear perfectly/distinctly, while they keep the levels up high for each instrument. And no one is lost. I want to do That....

Thanks for any opinions...

Well it depends on how you want it. The only real steadfast rule in recording is that if it sounds good it doesnt matter how you did it. Yes you could compress each thing or just one or two. All that is left is if at the end of the day does it sound good and is it the way you want. Listen to it and compare and try different variations. This is what part of engineering is about. Trying things just to see what it will sound like. Good luck...

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Chris Musgrave
www.brokenmic.com
www.fullblownrecords.com
1-941-371-6021

I agree 100%. If it sounds good, it IS good. Some engineers compress everything, others compress nothing or very little. Try it both ways and see which one you like better.

What the "big guy" may have been talking about is that some compressors are very popular for certain instruments. You may want an 1176 on bass and a Distressor on the guitar, and a Manley or a George Massenburg on the vocal. Plugin compressors also have their own character or sound that might be better suited for a particular instrument or just for a particular song with that instrument. Consider it the selection of various spices for your favorite dish.



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Larry
www.audibleresponse.com

Thanks guys. Indeed this is what I was hoping to hear. The last thing I need right now is to automatically put FX on everything from the start.

Thanks