PA Compression?

[ChasBass]

Dumb question maybe, but I have to ask.

Is it practical to use a compressor on the main PA output?

Or do you have to compress each channel individually?

Either way, what units do you recommend?

 

[MuzikMan]

A compressor is a versitile tool, much like a hammer is to a carpenter. Compressors are used in both cases that you mention, but for different reasons. May I ask why you believe you need one?

 

[ChasBass]

I'm looking to get a solid, punchy low end with no wild spikes on the high end.
Vocals clearly on top of the mix. I am used to running everything through the PA - Mics or DI's on everything with a sound man that can get a good mix.
Clean Hi-fi definition with a minimum of mud.

 

[Hactar]

If possible, it might be better to run a the signals that require compression to a submix and then add your compressor as a submix insert.
That way you can choose which channels to run to the compressor.

Just my HMO.

 

[gnjpowell]

As a general rule is it an advantage to have compression available as needed on every input to the console as well as on the overall mix. This is one of the many advantages of these awesome new digital consoles such as the Presonus StudioLive. Compression on every input aids in getting a good mix and also on the output to the amps for limiting and speaker/amp protection.

 

[Vinny D]

Only use it when and where needed.
I never would run a compressor on the entire mix.

 

[Barisaxman]

Only use it when and where needed.
I never would run a compressor on the entire mix.

+1...this will probably do more damage than good. Compress channels as necessary. I usually limit it to vocals and bass...occassionaly I'll use some on acoustic guitar to even out a player who has wild changes in volume that are tough to mix without riding the faders all night.

 

[JohnMCA72]

Instead of just compressing what needs compression, putting it on the mains will attenuate everything when it's triggered, not just the offending signal. For example, do you really want your vocals cut back when the drummer hits his kick hard?

 

[lowfreq33]

It can be a very good idea, provided that you actually know how to use a compressor properly, and you have a pre-fader insert on the master bus. However, I would only do it if you have compression on a few individual elements as well, namely kick and snare.

 

[georgestrings]

+1...this will probably do more damage than good. Compress channels as necessary. I usually limit it to vocals and bass...occassionaly I'll use some on acoustic guitar to even out a player who has wild changes in volume that are tough to mix without riding the faders all night.

Yeah, I don't believe in using compression on mains - I use it on "screamers", bassists with erratic attacks, kick drums, and sometimes gate toms that are ringing too much - in channel inserts, only... I probably have 8-10 channels of comps in my PA rack, but have never used all of them...


- georgestrings

 

[4Mal]

On my ipad so I'm top posting...

I run a dbx 166XL after my crossover, before the amps. It is set per dbx's manual for 'brick wall limiting'. I consider it an essential tool for driver protection...

I have a couple of other 166XLs and an Aphex 06 that I use on channel inserts if necessary. I'm migrating to the Presonus digital board for the next outdoor season. One of the big reasons is the per channel compression, noise gate and eq options. I love the idea of 4 rack spaces and a board doing the job of 12 and a board...

A compressor is a tool. You can use it badly or not depending on the time you spend learming how to use it...

Only use it when and where needed.
I never would run a compressor on the entire mix.

+1...this will probably do more damage than good. Compress channels as necessary. I usually limit it to vocals and bass...occassionaly I'll use some on acoustic guitar to even out a player who has wild changes in volume that are tough to mix without riding the faders all night.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Since no-one today seems to care about constant levels, especially the singers/vocalists/babblers/whatever, I feel that compressing both the mains and individual channels is a necessity, not an option. And the crappy musicians have learned to take advantage of the ever present compressors, they rely on the heavy compression and the competent engineer to mask their incompetence.

That unfortunately sometimes mean sacrificing the tone/sound a bit in order to making it passable to the audience.

I've found that even the cheapest compressors work wonders, but as always, a quality product tends to allow better control.

It's been said before, and it's been repeatedly said in this thread, but learning how to compress is absolutely essential for good sound.

Regards
Sam

 

[walterw]

compress the errant vocalist, then!

if you comp everything, every time that vocalist screams or whatever, you'll hear the whole band drop in volume behind him.

 

[MNAirHead]

Are you sure we're not reallly asking for a limiter vs compressor?

Some auto-managment gadgets do crossover, compressor, etc.

This sounds more like a band management than live sound issue (people dynamics)

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

compress the errant vocalist, then!

If it was just the vocalist, perhaps it'd work, but IMLE the "condition" isn't limited to just the vocalists, they're just the most "visible" group of the lazies.

if you comp everything, every time that vocalist screams or whatever, you'll hear the whole band drop in volume behind him.

Not in the way I tend to compress the mains, I wouldn't, even though I can see why someone would think that way.

It wasn't my intention to write an essay on how a part time hobbyist uses budget compressors to make a crappy band sound passable, but just to express my humble opinion on the direction the small scale entertainment is going to. Based on some experience, of course.

Regards
Sam