When to use saturator and when the compressor?

maze23a · Post by **maze23a** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 5:46 pm

I guess there is no answer like:always when you do this use a compressor
and always when you do this use the saturator
and it depends on different cases but maybe some tips for the right use
would be nice!
Also which compressor model for which use!

Thanks in advance

morerecords · Post by **morerecords** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:13 pm

no there are no rules or even guidelines for that combo- It really isn't an either/or situation. Use 'em both at the same time if you want

There are some basics on compressors, google "tutorials" and "compressors" or do a search on Gearslutz

Nick the Zombie · Post by **Nick the Zombie** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:24 pm

This probably isn't the answer that you want, but it's all a matter of taste. These are two different tools that color your sound in interesting ways, and it's up to you to figure out what you want through trial and error. Just trust your ears, and take a look at an oscilloscope and spectral analyzer occasionally to confirm what your ears are picking up.

Winston · Post by **Winston** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:41 pm

generally just when you want overdrive/distortion or if you want to squash the dynamic range. So you want to dirty it up, use saturator. You want it to sound louder and reduce peaks, or add a sharper attack or some compressor-like thing, then use compressor. The different models have a very different sound. I is the weirder one that can really turn your sound into something else. II is a pretty safe transparent one I find, good for most things. FB is supposed to have a vintage character, adding a bit of grunge to the sound, slight distortion when pushed. Works well for some things, some not. Saturator can also be used as a sort of limiter with soft clip on. Different though because it preserves a sharp attack by letting it clip. You can get some really cool results using a compressor and then saturator. I don't like to use much or any drive with saturator though, just not that much a fan of the overdrive character.

Lo-Fi Massahkah · Post by **Lo-Fi Massahkah** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:03 pm

When should i use a reverb?

.m

Meef Chaloin · Post by **Meef Chaloin** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:19 pm

Lo-Fi Massahkah wrote:When should i use a reverb?

.m

all the time, on every instrument, as an insert

Khazul · Post by **Khazul** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:08 am

Erm - whenever you want to?

Its easy - stick it in, tweak - if it sounds better - keep it, else junk it and try something else...

evon · Post by **evon** » Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:01 pm

My newest "when to use" is : actually this is a why do I need a bit scope?