Plug-In's Plug-In's Plug-ins (and updates)

           Hi Everybody! So I know I promised a video walkthrough of the Kramer PIE compressor, but due to some time constraints and technical difficulties I am unable to do so. But rest assured dear reader that you will get your video walkthrough by no later than Saturday, February 1^st, at 11:59pm central time. But enough with the past, lets get to the now. I figured the best use of our time would be having a discussion about plug-ins in general. When I first started my audio education I was completely against the over use of plug-ins (I still am) and thus, I never really took the time to take the time to figure how useful and more importantly musical plug-ins can be. Now mind you, plug-ins aren’t perfect but with a little self control and patience, plug-ins can be your best friend.

Given that our current topic of discussion is highlighting the Kramer PIE Compressor, I’m going to use that as an example. Most times when people think of uses for a compressor they think “Hey, lets make something louder or quieter!” and yes… Compressors can most certainly do that, that’s not all they do. I just want to quickly share with you my new favorite use for a compressor plug-in. (I don’t get enough chances to play with real compressors and am accepting all donations to my don’t have a compressor fund, email phillip.pobanz@gmail.com for more details). My new favorite way to use compressors is to give things prominence within a mix, I’ve found that adjusting a compressor ever so slightly (low ratio, moderate threshold, medium-long release time) in addition to a slight bit of equalization really make things pop within a mix even if the sound source is at low volumes. Go out and give it a try, and again I promise to have a video up before Saturday demoing the Kramer plug-in as well as a new topic I’ve been itching to get to. As always please drop a line with any comments, questions, or concerns and happy hunting.