Preamp/Compressor

[eliot1171]

I have always recorded from mic through mixer to my computer. I would like to get my sound to sound a little better. I believe I need, correct me if I'm wrong, a preamp and a compressor. This ART preamp has a Output Protection Limiter, and I was wondering if this feature is the same or similar to a compressor? If anyone uses this or any others I would a preciate it. Looking to spend around $100 per piece of equipment.

[mangold]

if you have a mixer there should be no need for any other equipment, unless you want some effects or a complicated eq. i have not used a recording program that didnt offer every function of a basic preamp...

maybe re-word your question?

[thejoe]

you can always get better preamps than that which are on mixers, such as tubee preamps
that said, i have no suggestiosn

[dmb66]

Limiters are not the same as compressors. In general, limitors are designed to protect equipment and can be used to achieve interesting dymic effects. They simply cut off a signal when it reaches a certain decibel level, or they retard the signal from bypassing a certain decibel level, which can lead to distortion. Compressors are designed to even out the dynamic range of a signal. That is to say, they take a signal and make the loud parts softer, and the softer parts louder, so there is more dymanic balance. If you are looking to help your vocals, a compressor is the way to go. You'll have to play around with threshold and attack times to get the sound you want, but compressor is what you are looking for. Hope this helps.

-Nick

Edit: I reread your original post. THe output protection limitor is designed to limit the signal from crossing into a domain where it could damage your equipment and your sound in turn. It is a good idea to have, and will help a little in your signal processing, but it will not replace the benefit of a compressor at the same time.

[eliot1171]

Limiters are not the same as compressors. In general, limitors are designed to protect equipment and can be used to achieve interesting dymic effects. They simply cut off a signal when it reaches a certain decibel level, or they retard the signal from bypassing a certain decibel level, which can lead to distortion. Compressors are designed to even out the dynamic range of a signal. That is to say, they take a signal and make the loud parts softer, and the softer parts louder, so there is more dymanic balance. If you are looking to help your vocals, a compressor is the way to go. You'll have to play around with threshold and attack times to get the sound you want, but compressor is what you are looking for. Hope this helps.

-Nick

Edit: I reread your original post. THe output protection limitor is designed to limit the signal from crossing into a domain where it could damage your equipment and your sound in turn. It is a good idea to have, and will help a little in your signal processing, but it will not replace the benefit of a compressor at the same time.

Yea I read it on the site I wasn't sure whether it just cut it off or not allow it to go any higher.

Andy, I know its not a requirement to have any other equipment I just thought that a Tube Preamp would provide me with a better quality sound that my Bheringer mixer.