OK, as far as compressors are concerned:
Is it not true that
ONLY a hardware compressor placed in the signal path
BEFORE a signal is recorded can prevent
CLIPPING?
<Jase, help me out here!>
So, a software compressor can effectively act as a hardware compressor on a recorded signal that has not exceeded 0dB in the digital domain, BUT it cannot stop a vocal or clean guitar signal from clipping as it is recorded.
I have alwayse been led to believe (by a few sources) that it is best to record as such:
SOURCE->PREAMP->COMPRESSOR->Recording INTERFACE
Unless of course you are all digital...
Am I on the right track or full of shite?!
-Alex