So since ive bought the SP404SX the thing that always was a kind of matter of luck was compression on the full track on a resampled beat.

with the OG404 doing this is quite easy since the vinyl sim is subtle.

My method with the 404SX has always been to kind of "preview" the beat with compression on, then resample the parts together with it off. Then resample it again with compression. Even then this doesnt always work out with the nicest results.

Any 404sx users got master compression tips on resampled beats?
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I guess i'm lazy, I compress the whole thing in one shot, the beat and main samples and then, add one shots uncompressed on top. Well, I don't always compress everything, mostly a track or two(or resample). But i'm getting an FMR rnc for real sidechaining capabilities. A thing that I now do though, so I don't get that fast attack compression sound you get in the beginning, is, I'll play the sample at a certain speed than cut up until I don't hear it. I love that compressor, but it's limited. And you mostly have to eq after you've compressed since you lose loudness.

the main thing that seems to be a problem for me. is that i get unwanted spikes in certain track elements like snares or hats.

Im pretty sure ive heard tracks from 404sx users though who utilize compression properly with their hi hats kind of gently ducking in and out.

don't know what to say. I get spikes when I do fake sidechaining, well, pumping caused by low frequencies. I'll get spikes in less busy parts, with less bass. I like to exploit that actually. Sample a kick from a tape and compress it to boost the tape hiss in between hits. A lot of people do that actually. But I get what you mean though, unwanted spikes that seem random but that are not. It's just the way this compressor works, there's no threshold unfortunately. I guess someome could explain it to you in more depth, I wish I could but I'm not a good teacher.

If you lower your hats to begin with, they won't spike as much. If you know where the 'lonely' hat is, you can also create a lower volume variation to play in that specific instance. While you're making the beat, it'll sound weird, but then you add the compression at the end, it'll sound good.

You just have to think about how the compression works as you drop in elements to your track, knowing that it won't sound the best now, but it will later. You can preview how it'll sound each step of the way and make adjustments. It's monotonous sometimes, but if you're going all-in-the-box, it's necessary if you're worried about these spikes.

The OTHER option is more organic...keep your hand on the output knob and turn it down when you suspect a spike, then crank it back up when all the other elements kick back in. This is best when those spikes are few and far between as you can't really get a good sound doing this for a rhythmic element through an entire track.

Hey thanks this is a helpful way to look at it. I actually thought it was just something i was doing wrong as far as knob position or effect limit but that does seem to be exactly what it is. These empty slots of sound that get really loud. i need to fill in these spots.

Also thanks for the kick + tape hiss tip. going to try it.





thanks for the tip i never thought of replacing the "lonely" hat. the manually controlled spike is something i do every once in a while when its possible.