I've been using a 4-track for years now but I've never used any sort of compression before. I've been looking for ways to 'improve' the quality. Would a guitar pedal compression unit applied to either individual tracks or the overall mix help me out? I can't afford a rack unit so a 'stomp-box' would be my only option. Thanks.

I suspect that the guitar compressors aren't ideal for two reasons:

1) They're likely to be optimised for guitar usage w.r.t. the level of signal they expect and the range of their controls. Stomp box compressors are usually used to funk up rhythm parts or increase lead guitar sustain.

2) They'll be mono, and your overall mix will be stereo.

Personally, if budget is really tight and you just want to see what difference you can make, I'd have a look on eBay for an Alesis nanocompressor, really cheap stereo compressor but pretty versatile. Make sure you get one with a PSU because the Alesis PSUs are AC and can't easily be replaced with a generic one from comet / radioshack / whatever.

If you want to spend a little more, there are lots of 19'' units in the £80 to £150 bracket. Rather than list any, look at the online retailers who advertise in SoS. It might be worth thinking about buying a cheapish channel strip instead if you record with microphones a lot, as these often have a (mono) compressor built in. The now discontinued Focusrite Penta was unusual but well regarded stereo compressor with a mono mic channel.

If it's a tape based unit, there's a little bit of compression already if you record at a high level.

If you're handy with a soldering iron, there are several DIY compressors for guitar or studio usage that can be built for about £10 - £20 parts, plus a power supply and a case to put it in.

for example-
http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=21
http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=10
http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=5
http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=9
http://hamptone.com/tapeop2005.htm
http://1176neve.tripod.com/id5.html
http://www.gyraf.dk/gy_pd/1176/1176.htm

I can't vouch for any of these, i've not yet built any myself.

As a compete alternative, you could look at using some cheap / free software on your computer to see if you like the difference that compression makes.

There are loads of Alesis 3630s on eBay going for much less than a new Boss pedal compressor. Full rack-sized unit, dual mono (for 2 individual tracks) or linked stereo operation. It's got loads of knobs and LEDs, which lets you try things, see what they're doing and so learn the subtle art of compression.

It's not the best compressor in the world, but it's certainly up to the sound quality you have with a 4-track.

You can pick up Behringer and Alesis compressors for little as has already been said.

Something like this would do:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Behringer-Compser-MDX-2100_W0QQitemZ7366138858QQcate goryZ23793QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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Roddy Bell
BBC / Siemens

Fantastic advice, Thanks everyone

PSUs suitable for Nano Comps can be bought from Maplin for a tenner.

which compresor is the best for vocal recording.i have been finding problems how to master a song. CAN ANY BODY HELP ME OUT

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xconzy