Topic: Need help compressing a show...

[Swampy]

Hey. So I taped Bela Fleck a few weeks ago from the first row in the balcony. Its sounds pretty good, but I really think it could be a lot better with a little bit of compression. You know, the claping tends to be a little loud, music a little soft since its from the balcony. So I need help from some people that have used compression on a show. I know how to use compression on instruments for a mix, but I've never used it on a show. Can anyone tell me a good starting point? I really have no idea where to set for a whole show. Any help would be awsome, thanks!

[Scooter]

a starting point:

ratio 3:1 or 4:1
attack 30-50 ms
release 70-100 ms
set it so you get around 4 maybe 6dB (use your ears) gain reduction on the meters.  If you hear it start to "pump" or "breathe", back off.

If you have Waves plugs, try L1 or L2 using same gain reduction as above.

[jkoch]

while on the subject, what's the best way to get the volume level up (aside from just telling it to raise the volume or normalizing)? what exactly does the difference in attack and release do?

[Scooter]

the "best" way is pretty subjective.  Attack controls how fast the compressor reduces gain, release controls how fast it "lets go" of the aforementioned gain reduction, or, how fast it returns to no gain reduction.

[AlphaQuam]

I would add the C4 to Scooter's suggestion if you've got Waves.  I almost always run that in front of the L2 when I post-process.  I love the fact that it's multiband... can help with levels and sometimes obviates the need for EQing.

To add to Scooter's tips... try setting the threshold near or just above the average peak during the songs.  You can also soften the knee (if your compressor has that option) if you want to make it a bit more transparent.