To Compress or Not to Compress?

[Marinblues]

Here's the same clip with the guitar mixed (post-processed) in 2 different ways. The playing is so so since I improvised over an unknown chord change. I like the tone though (Telecaster through Engl Screamer - first gain channel).

During the final mix I added a final bit of compression (to the guitar only) and it sounded "fuller", but it lost it's "sparkle" and "single coil vibe" (it's a Tele). So, I was listening to both tracks for about half an hour and couldn't work our which I liked better: the "Fuller Sound" (to compress) or the "Sparkly Sound" (not to compress).

The difference is very subtle, but which one sounds better?

To Compress


or


Not To Compress



thanks

[RushOfBlood]

Re: To Compress or Not to Compress?

you could double the track, one compressed and one not. you could even pan them apart to fill it out even more

i like the noncompressed tone though. you can tell it's a tele then.

[Russ]

Re: To Compress or Not to Compress?

Not To Compress

..I like the 'Not To Compress'. ..Very pretty, keep up the good work brother! ..The other one lost some of the soul.

[StrangeSound]

Re: To Compress or Not to Compress?

Through monitoring headphones there were several more dynamic parts that were a little bit piercing to my ears. That's why I've voted for the compressed clip. Although the uncompressed one sounded more lively, I feel that the nature and atmosphere of this backing track suggests a compressed solo. But that's only my taste.

+1.

Completely my opinion. This backing is very synthetic so, this compressed fits better imho although this sound lacks of directness.

Very tasteful playing. This so cool to me everytime.

[Marinblues]

Re: To Compress or Not to Compress?

you could double the track, one compressed and one not. you could even pan them apart to fill it out even more

i like the noncompressed tone though. you can tell it's a tele then.

I do that but I've never panned them over different channel. I mainly record the guitar in mono. I'll certainly try, thank for the tip!


M.

[Marinblues]

Re: To Compress or Not to Compress?

thanks for the feedback, guys. I am often undecided between to versions of a mix since they both sound ok but yet, they are different. Compression, in particular, if used sparingly is a fantastic aid and tool, however it kills some of the nature of the original sound which some of us (especially the older pharts ) like. On the other hand, it does render the guitar more "recordable" and make the sound "bigger".