Another Firepod question

[meister]

I am interested to know if the Firepod could be used with a multichannel compressor/gate (more then 2) for recording.

I currently use channels 1 and 2 that are routed to a compressor/gate. I can't think of a way to use an 8 channel compressor without having to use a mixing board or using the channels 1 and 2 on the Firepod and 6 mic preamps before the Firepod.

I would like to be able to record a drum set with 8 mics applying compression/gating while recording instead of having to apply them after the fact.

Am I stuck do to the limited in line effects capabilities of the Firepod?

[ricknaqvi]

In the analog domain, the only way to insert a comp before hitting the A/D converters is using the balanced send/return jacks on channels 1 and 2 as you are currently doing.

The other way is to use an external mic preamp and compressor and then coming in on LINE inputs 3-8.

What some people like to do is to track with no compression and then use 'hardware inserts' to process the tracks after they have been recorded. I do this a lot using Nuendo. Cubase SX3 is also capable of this.

Really, you can do it in any DAW but Cubase/Nuendo have built in delay compensation for hardware inserts which is really cool.

Regards,
Rick

rnaqvi@presonus.com
800.750.0323 x0641

[meister]

I thought that was the case.

After I posted the question I did some digging and most of the information I received was to track drums without using compression the apply it within the computer.

Other people I connected with online say their multi channel compressors are just collecting dust. They really only use them in a live venue.

[ricknaqvi]

Honestly, there are two main opinions on this (neither is right or wrong).

1. Some people like to track with compression, EQ, etc... and get as close to a final 'mixed' sound from the get go.

2. Others like to track flat and do all of the processing later. That way, you do not 'over process' your tracks and you leave your options open.

Here's my two cents:
Regarding compressing drums - I have found that the only time compression is needed is when the drummer is not very good and doesn't hit the drums consistantly. In these circumstances you need to make the dynamic range smaller so that you can place the kick or snare in the mix. However, if the drummer knows how to hit solidly and consistantly, I typically don't compress until I'm mixing.

Kind Regards,
Rick
rnaqvi@presonus.com
800.750.0323 x0641

[drumur]

what about plugins?:confused:

[Audiodude]

I think meister was looking for a way to compress in the analog domain, before hitting the A/D converter. Plugins would certainly do the job, but only after the conversion to digital.