Recording and Voice Processing, Volume 2

1Processing Hardware and Software

In this chapter, I will detail all the tools that can be used during a sound recording or during the mixing of a vocal part, whether it is a voice-over, dubbing or singing.

There are a multitude of devices that can be used to shape, modify and improve the sound of the voice. In Chapters 2 and 3 of Volume 2, we will see how to make the best use of the possibilities of each of them.

1.1. The materials

In a recording studio, there are many electronic systems that are part of the audio chain that is necessary for mixing. A few years ago, they were all exclusively present in the form of electronic racks; today, they can also be found in the form of software plugins¹, as can the mixing console, which can also be entirely virtual, in the form of a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation²).

1.1.1. The compressor

As its name indicates, the compressor generates compression, one of the most popular and effective treatments used by sound engineers. Its principle is simple; it brings the level of a sound signal to a predefined value without the operator having to intervene to adapt it to the desired value according to its volume variations.

Compression modifies the quality and the perception that we can have of a sound signal; this is due to its essential action on the attack and release.

It is used in practically all areas of the music production chain, whether it be during sound recording, mixing or even broadcasting.

Before the advent of compressors, the ...