Compressor Nirvana

[Middleman]

I have finally heard and used the Fairchild compressor for the UAD-1 card. Folks, it doesn't get any better than this. Extremely realistic big iron sound.

I thought the LA2A was excellent, this thing is in another dimension.

Run, don't walk, to this plug in if you have a UAD1.

[Massive Master]

Let's do keep in mind that these (LA2A & Fairchild) are two completely different animals - Just like the real thing, sometimes the Fairchild is your best friend and most wonderful tool. Other times, it's an 80-pound space-heater. Certain tracks are going to beg for the smooth glossy mids of the FC, while others will only settle for the warmth and transparency that the LA2A delivers so well.

That being said, the UAD FC is undoubtedly a fine unit (and I bought mine 20 minutes after it went live on the site).

If you're a UAD user, download the demo and play with it. A lot. A/B it with your favorites and listen to the tonality differences (which are quite obvious between the units).

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[Middleman]

Let's do keep in mind that these (LA2A & Fairchild) are two completely different animals

No doubt. It's just another tool, albeit an excellent one.

[chessrock]

I think software comps and modeling technology is getting better, overall. You gotta' figure one of the major components of the distressor and the RNP is a DSP chip that serves as the compressor's brain, rather than something like a VCA, so it probably is only a matter of time before the software version has truly advanced and matured.

Honestly, I think it's almost a blessing to have all of that stuff you've got at your disposal.

I'd think an ideal setup would be to have all of your plugins available for when the occasion calls for them and when nothing else will do, basically. But still keep maybe one or two traditional racked comps around and track with those when the occasion calls for it. It really surprizes you after you go back from time to time, because you realize there's just something there that you can't put your finger on that's there with the hardware. Hard to describe.

Finding creative ways to combine both worlds can have a serious element of magic to it. It's a lot like layering guitar and combining a good amp tone with a complimentary POD tone. Both tracks can merge to create an entirely different tone.

[SonicAlbert]

I believe that both units you mention are digitally controlled analog. The fact that teh signal path remains analog is a major reason why they sound so good in my opinion. Of course, both those compressors have a well-designed analog signal path!

[Teacher]

the Fairchild just got stapled for all my 2 bus compression duties....real easy to make things sound good, but even easier to fuck things up though....