compression dropouts

[buterfly7x7]

Hi studioheads, I downloaded a VST pluggin compressor for my vocals and no matter how low I set it I get vocal dropout every so often - is it a bad program maybe? It drops out in random places - not necessarily peaks in volume.
Thanks for your help!

[brandondrury]

If you are getting dropouts that are clearly not part of the intended compression, it sounds like you either have a demo version of the software, a non-functional hacked copy, or you have major issues with your recording computer.

So get back to us and verify that the problem isn't the first 2 issues.

Also, what software and plugins are you using?

Brandon

[buterfly7x7]

I am using cubaseLE4, and yes this pluggin was free. I'd be happy to pay for one but as strange as it sounds, I couldn't find a place that sold them.It sounds like that would probably solve the problem. Any referrals?

[buterfly7x7]

P.S. you rock! If I'm ever in your neighbor hood I will buy you a beer!

Kristina

[brandondrury]

I'll take it!

What compressor was it, by the way?

Brandon

[buterfly7x7]

the compresser was chrunchessor. Do you know where I can buy a good one?

K

[brandondrury]

What is your budget?

There are some pretty decent ones for free. I'd take a look at this one:
Free Kjaerhus VST Compressor Plugin Great For Parallel Compression

I'm really liking the Waves API 2500 compressor, but that thing ain't cheap.

Brandon

[buterfly7x7]

what are we talkin here - should I be selling my furniture? I'll try the free one first and see what I get.

thanks!

Kristina

[buterfly7x7]

once again you rock. the free compression works like a charm. now I have great sounding vocals on crappy little recordings...hmmm better work on that.

thanks again,

kristina

[brandondrury]

should I be selling my furniture?

I've got a section in my upcoming home recording book entitled "The Problem With Upgrades". Basically, it points out that a $2,000 product almost never sounds 20 times better than a $100 product. In some cases the $2,000 product only sounds 1-2% better.

The robo pros like to argue with me, but for creating as good of recordings as possible on a budget, there are tremendous possibilities by going with free plugins and relatively inexpensive gear. Even worse, the benefits of shelling out the big bucks are seldom worth it to a person who doesn't have money to throw away.

Brandon