Buy HW compressor or stick with CEP's compressors

Just wanted to know who wether a HW compressor
would give me much added value over the SW compressors featured in CEP ?

I was kinda thinking in the line of an behringer vx2000 coz that thing is a mic preamp , comp , limiter and de-esser all in one ...

or should I go for a condensor mic (AT 3035) instead (allready got a EV mic (similar to a SM58 but a bit warmer) )

I have an audiotrack inca88 and pluggin my mic in straight and using CEP's noice reduction has given an acceptable SNR

in other words what investment would give me the best bang for the buck with my current recording chain ...

There's also DirectX plugins you might want to consider (Waves, Ozone, etc.)

I would somehow think, that in theoretical terms, any digital process would be a better solution than hardware. After all, analog hardware is just a collection of hard-wired op-amps etc. to perform a fixed fucnction. But with the power of a PC, you should be able to do some very spiffy things such as:
- linear prediction
- bi-directional process (forward/backward)
- pre-analysis to assign weighting
- process based on adaptive dynamic trends
- relational action to other pre-recorded tracks
- spectral analysis based process
- etc.

BUT ... the big question ... Does CEP do any of this post-process?

I would somehow think, that in theoretical terms, any digital process would be a better solution than hardware. After all, analog hardware is just a collection of hard-wired op-amps etc. to perform a fixed fucnction.

I would say that most modern 'hardware' works in the digital domain (if only internally).  In that respect, they are still 'computers', under software control - just dedicated ones which can't be called upon to do the odd bit of wordprocessing.  The features they do contain are simply those chosen by the manufacturer with respect to his price point and target market.

As far as the original question is concerned, a hardware compressor only offers one advantage over the existing setup - it would be possible to compress, in realtime, the incoming signal.  Whether or not this is desireable, or even necessary, rather depends on what the system is being used for.

I have an audiotrack inca88 and pluggin my mic in straight and using CEP's noice reduction has given an acceptable SNR

Based on this comment, I would say the last thing he should be looking at is a compressor.  What he really needs is a quieter signal path.  There is absolutely no justification for having to use NR on an original recording!  

Therefore, if 'upgrading' is really what _ronin75_ wants to do, he should consider a mic pre-amp or small mixer.  I'd plump for the latter, as its pre-amps will still be a lot better than the Inca88's and it's a more versatile bit of kit to have around anyway.

[TROGDOR!!!]

Therefore, if 'upgrading' is really what _ronin75_ wants to do, he should consider a mic pre-amp or small mixer.  I'd plump for the latter, as its pre-amps will still be a lot better than the Inca88's and it's a more versatile bit of kit to have around anyway.

Agreed.  A good mixer (like a good monitoring system) is invaluable.  I'd also look at trying to rearrange your recording environment and/or add some sound proofing/acoustic treatment.  I worked out of an untreated bedroom with my computer in the same room for quite a while.  When I moved to my new office with a seperate, foamed recording room I was amazed to find that my recordings improved 100%.

Josh

Indeed, the3jsgrve has hit on an important point - what's the monitoring like?  

There's a lot of talk about the record chain, but the replay chain is just as important - more so, in fact, since if you can't hear it properly, you have no idea what you are recording to start with.  If the replay is not up to scratch, it also needs to be carefully considered.

*stares at his shoes in shame* headphones ..

thats what Im using to do the tracking ...
I know I know ....

perhaps a couple of monitors could do miracles for mixdowns etc ...
but I want to make my rec chain to be as good as it can (without having to drain my banmk account that is ....)

[TROGDOR!!!]

_ronin75_,

I know this probably sounds like it is becoming insurmountable (or at least intimidating) to get into a decent recording setup, but let me encourage you to stick with it.  Be pacient, do your research, and check eBay often!  Buy what you can as you can.  You already have a good sound card and a great piece of software!  Get yourself a decent set of monitors (look at a used Alesis Monitor One pair), a small sound board (look for direct-outs), and then go mic shopping.  I recommend looking at MXL condenser mics on eBay.  They are made by the same company who makes Mogami cables, so they are fairly high quality, and they are very affordable.  In the mean time, there is a good deal of acoustic treatment and sound proofing that you can do with heavy blankets, pillows, and other things you have laying around the house already.

You'll get there.  Please don't feel preached at or anything.  We're just trying to help you get a good setup.  Your recordings will never be right until you do.

Best of luck!
Josh