using compression

[kidboy]

Can somebody help me out with a compression question. I'm recording a Harp, (not harmoinca, an actual harp) and was wondering if I should use a compressor and what I should be looking for.

Since I have a shoe-string budget, my only compressor's are plug in based, I have the Joemeek Compressor plugin as well as the Bomb Factory.

Please give me your thoughts, thanks I appreciate any advice...

kidboy

[Smithcok]

Well, I guess it depends on a lot of things.

One would be genre and playing style. I would say you are more likely to use compression with a harp part in a pop song than say a classical harp recording.

The JoeMeek plugs sound pretty good, I would just use that, but only if you need it. For me, classical music thrives on its dynamic changes, so squishing those is counter-intuitive

[djui5]

No, you should record it with high quality mics in a great sounding room, and leave compression out of it. Record it as it sits in the room.

[mikelava]

Try it both ways. Use the one that sounds best to YOU.