Venturing above the master compressor?

[Aosta]

Just a little question for my curiosity, how many of you actually use the initial input gains and signal paths for channels right at the top of the SSL and which paths do they find work the best?

[dvdrtldg]

I'll up the input into the compressor sometimes, if I want to really get the signal nice and squashed (on a snare for example). Sometimes I'll invert phase if I'm running an instance of Scream in tape mode on a parallel channel

Other than that, I don't think I've ever messed with the signal path. I'm a compressor before EQ kinda guy

[selig]

Other than that, I don't think I've ever messed with the signal path. I'm a compressor before EQ kinda guy

But if you use a compressor in the insert, the only way to get it before the built in EQ is to change the signal path. Meaning, you can both be a "compressor before EQ" guy AND use the signal path buttons.

I don't tend to need the Input Gain knob because my audio levels are already set from the rack. Occasionally I'll use Input Gain to drop channels by 6 dB when using Parallel Channels.

[Jackjackdaw]

I set all my tracks to have the inserts before dynamics and eq.

[Electric-Metal]

I set all my tracks to have the inserts before dynamics and eq.

Same here, as I typically have my EQs and Comps in the insert section. I barely ever touch the channel comp but use the channel EQ for some gentle boosts or dips at the end of the chain.

[selig]

I set all my tracks to have the inserts before dynamics and eq.

Same here, as I typically have my EQs and Comps in the insert section. I barely ever touch the channel comp but use the channel EQ for some gentle boosts or dips at the end of the chain.

Channel comp is my "go to" for drums/percussive instruments, anything I want to punch up the attack. Start with the default, Ratio to Max and Release to Min and 1-2 LEDs of gain reduction works like a charm (just like it does on the original SSL).

[Electric-Metal]

Same here, as I typically have my EQs and Comps in the insert section. I barely ever touch the channel comp but use the channel EQ for some gentle boosts or dips at the end of the chain.

Channel comp is my "go to" for drums/percussive instruments, anything I want to punch up the attack. Start with the default, Ratio to Max and Release to Min and 1-2 LEDs of gain reduction works like a charm (just like it does on the original SSL).

Thanks Selig, maybe I've just done it all wrong until now (still leaning proper use of compressors anyway ). Definitely gonna take another look at this tonight.