Compressorsettings on the guitarbus?

DrHans

Member
Jun 21, 2007
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Hi!

I often put a compressor on the guitarbus with just a few db´s reduction to hold the tracks together.

Doesanyone have tips on compressorsettings for the guitarbuss ( metallguitars )

Thanks
 
GTRs often dont need much compression, considering that you are compressing the 2buss later probably.
Sometimes you have to listen first and then decide. If just the palm-muting stuff is getting louder, probably set the compressor to the point it only reduces a few dbs when that part is played only. Or just compress the low end maybe.
That Mr Sneap uses his C4 setting doest mean everybody should use it as well as a rule. Use your judgement first and try what works.

But in conclution, IMO you don't need to compress them much, except for the loudest bits, if any (will depend on the playing, the cabinet, the mic etc)
 
just the standard HPF/LPF EQ....C4 if I went a little crazy with the chuggs...that's it.

My aim when recording is too get a perfect sound that requires no post processing.
 
i do use a compressor on the guitarbus, to give the guitars more impact. it also helps to give leads there place in the mix as they push the rhythms down a bit when they come in. same goes for rhythms, when it's just 1 guitar playing (or 2 when quad tracked) the guitars pull up slightly, when the others kick in they duck a bit, especially with not too fast attack time this creates a feel of impact in my opinion.
i also use a C4 on the bus most of the time and not on individual tracks, keeps the overall guitartone more controlled in the low end range in my opinion.

my settings for the wide band compressor are usually something like this:

Rcomp
attack: 20 ms
ratio: 1:4
release: auto

make up to compensate the reduction, usually about 1 - 1,5 db with just rhythms, 2-3 db's when the leads kick in.

C4 settings are usually somewhat andy's style, tweaked to taste ofcourse
 
Ill use a multiband to clean up the lows if they get chuggy, and sometimes i use a compressor on the rhythm guitar bus with a key send from the snare to duck them underneath it and bring it through on the mix more