Best Vocal Compressor For Beginners

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Best Vocal Compressor For Beginners

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Getting started with recording music can feel massively overwhelming, especially when you consider the needed wealth of equipment.

However, things can be made far more straightforward when looking at some of the best equipment, such as vocal compressors, for beginners.

But don’t let the term beginner put you off; just because these pieces of equipment are easy to use, this doesn’t mean that their quality has been compromised. Quite the opposite is true.

When looking for a vocal compressor for a newbie, the equipment must be user-friendly and easy to understand.

In this article, we will be looking at some of the best vocal compressors for beginners and giving you an insight into why these pieces of equipment are so crucial to your music-making.

In a hurry? See our top picks

What Is A Vocal Compressor?

Vocal compression is the process of making all the lyrics consistent in terms of volume.

For example, if you record a song and are singing some parts louder than others, using a vocal compressor will help to make the difference less noticeable, giving a smoother listening experience.

The equipment allows you to set a threshold, and once this is met, the vocal compressor will react and lower the volume for that part of the song, making everything a little more even.

However, this is not the only advantage; using a vocal compressor will make the lyrics far easier to understand.

It is an excellent way to ensure that the music does not overtake the singing.

Some may say that a vocal compressor is unnecessary because one might turn up the vocals, making them louder than the backing track.

However, the problem comes for those more audible lyrics, which will sound out of place than everything else on the track.

Therefore, a vocal compressor is essential in modern music-making. Consider your listener – unless a piece of music is instrumental, it is usually the lyrics that

most people react to first. For this reason, they must be clear, understandable, and pleasant to listen to.

What To Consider When Buying A Vocal Compressor?

If you are new to the world of mixing, a vocal compressor may not be a piece of equipment you had considered until now. When purchasing this type of equipment, it is essential to factor in certain things; this will help ensure that you get the best equipment for your money and meet your needs.

● Is the product durable? Overheating is a common problem with studio equipment, but if you invest in a durable piece of kit, you won’t have to worry about this.

● You should consider the type of vocal compressor you need: desktop compressors, as their name suggests, sit on a desk. Rackmount compressors are mounted, and the channel strip is a far more sophisticated piece of equipment.

● It is also worth bearing in mind that there are compressor plugins, but these pieces of software are not nearly as effective as their hardware counterparts.

● Considering your budget is essential, but it is necessary to remember that a lower price could mean that the equipment is not up to par. Good audio equipment doesn’t come cheap, and each piece should be seen as an investment, even in the early stages of your recording career.

Best Vocal Compressor For Beginners

Now that we understand why a vocal compressor is so important, let’s look at some of the most superior products.

Warm Audio WA76 Discrete Compressor

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Warm Audio WA76 Single Channel Discrete Compressor, Black

Single channel discrete compressor
Custom CineMag USA Transformers
True to the Classic ‘76 compressor in design and performance

Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Beginners will need a reliable piece of equipment, which is why the Warm Audio compressor is excellent for newcomers.

This model is based on an older design that has been favored by many of the musical greats of recent times, so you can trust that it is reliable and will do the job it was designed for. Furthermore, the lightweight design and simple controls are ideal for someone who is just setting up a studio.

FMR Audio RNC1773

FMR Audio FMR AUDIO RNC1773 Compressor

Stereo Audio compressor
Compact, durable design
Adjustable Gain, Ratio, Threshold, Attack, and Release controls

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Widely recognized as one of the best vocal compressors for beginners, the FRM Audio RNC is a highly easy-to-use piece of equipment that delivers impeccable performance.

It features both mono and stereo operation and is super-quiet. But what is most impressive is the ‘super-nice feature that gives you an audio quality comparable to using multiple compressors.

Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Opto Compressor

Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Opto Compressor, Silver

Fully discrete signal path Utilizes custom USA made CineMag input and output transformers Utilizes USA made Kenetek opto attenuator Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes Variable Pre-emphasis, allows for compression high-pass filtering Stereo-link capability XLR and TRS balanced line level inputs – 600 ohms impedance XLR and TRS balanced line level outputs – 600 ohms impedance Frequency Response +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20kHz Gain 40 dB +/-1dB Input Level +16 dB max
True to its inspiration; the WA-2A boasts an all tube, completely discrete signal path with through-hole component topology
It also features custom, large-core Cinemag input and output transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell, considered by many to be the world’s finest

Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Going back to Warm Audio, we find this impressive piece of equipment boasts an optical-tube compressor and seriously delivers sound quality. It features CineMag input and output and uses a 2A circuit, which has long been favored in the music industry.

For those new to vocal compressors, starting with something this high-end will give you an excellent introduction, and the simple control dials make this a delight to use, no matter how little experience you have had in the past.

Conclusion

A vocal compressor can take a piece of music from something less than desirable to an incredible audio experience.

Using one of these devices allows you to even out the lyrics of your song, making them more understandable and preventing loud anomalies within the recording. There is a wealth of high-end vocal compressors out there, but when shopping for one for beginners, it is crucial to find one that is easy to use and effective.

Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )

Michael loves audio production. He especially enjoys the technical aspect of making music sound good! Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and enjoying parties.