Using an outboard compressor (not a plug-in) with 828

[johnedwardlow]

I just bought a new compressor (ART 2-channel PRO VLA) and want to be able to add it as an insert on my mixes.

I'm assuming two things:

1. This will enable me to not only put compression on live instruments but also on soft synth instruments as well.

2. When making a final mixdown I will be able to add stereo compression to the entire mix and print a version of my mix to "tape."

Is there a way to to do this using the original 828? If not, how would you go about accomplishing 1 and 2?

Thanks!

[therealbigd]

QUESTION 1 ) follow these steps it's easy!

1. connect an unused output on the back of the motu to the input of the compressor.
2. connect the output of the compressor to one of the inputs of the motu
3. route the instrument (say, an organ) that you want to compress to the output that's connected to the compressor.
4. create a new audio track, and set the input to the one connected to the the compressor. Ensure the output ISN'T going to the compressor!
5. Play the track, and set the compressor accordingly.
6. Record enable the new audio track, and just record the track. You dont need to press anything - the audio will come from the organ (example) and through the compressor, and back into the new track. This will record an audio track with the newly compressed signal.
7. Re-record the track til it sounds right!!

QUESTION 2) Yes, this is easily done, as a simple form of "mastering".

Send all the channel outputs to MOTU Outputs 1+2 (example! you could use 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 - whatever!, or the main outs), and connect outputs 1+2 (or whatever you use) to the 2 inputs of the compressor. Then plug headphones/monitors into the outboard recorder, and record-ready the recorder, so you can monitor the input signal. Set the compressor, then go ahead and record!!

this is a good way of doing it, if you are going to an analogue format such as tape; as you can keep your recording at 24-bit / 96kHz, higher than that of a CD, whereas a bounce will require you to down-sample it to 16-bit / 44.1


any questions, let me know!

Dave

[johnedwardlow]

Thanks for taking time to help answer my question Big D.

I don't think I phrased my second question properly though, so I am going to try again.

Is there a way to use my compressor on a DP mix back into DP? In other words, the recording device that I want to "print" to is DP. So I would have to output DP from my 828, into my compressor and then record that signal back into DP.

No tape. No DAT. Just DP, 828 and compressor.

Is that possible without creating some sort of feedback loop?