Hey Fletcher! I Got Some Questions About Drawmer Comp/Limiters

[c7sus]

Hey Fletcher, I gotta couple questions about compression and limiting.

I'm recording a couple Martins (D-35L and D45L-Custom) with NT2, NTV, and a BLUE Cactus in various combinations and positions, through a Davisound TB-10 pre, direct to a Darla20. I know, I know. I need to win Megabucks before I can upgrade to Lucid...........

Anyway, I'm trying to assemble a stereo "golden channel" from front to back.

I wanna maintain as much dynamic range as possible, but would really like some limiting. Both the guitars are cannons, especially the D-45. Even strung with lights it's got bass that doesn't quit. I don't expect "transparent" limiting, but the closer I can get the better.

What is your opinion of the Drawmer DL241, DL251, and the MX30???

Is the "enhancement" feature on the DL 251 really worth $300??? I'm primarily recording the Dreadnaughts, a 74 SG through a 71 Twin, and P-Bass, and my hideous vocals. The idea of being able to tame the low-end on the acoustics is really a main goal, at least at this point.

I also checked out the SPL Transient Designer4 and the idea behind it sounds pretty cool. In my limited experience I never thought about a compressor doing spatial processing. It seems most are geared for dynamic processing. The blurb on your site mentions panoramic FX possibilities when used with loops. Would that idea translate well to a mono-recorded acoustic track? Maybe it would translate better in an electric guitar solo. Seems like it could do some very weird processing to a stereo track processed through all 4 channels. I also see it's not being pushed as a limiter, but it seems like it could do that function to a certain degree with manipulation of the Attack. or am I completely on the wrong track?

I also realize the DL241 and the SPL TD4 are very different animals. Is the SPL a box that does a few things VERY cool, and something I might want to use a lot, or is the 241 more applicable for sparse arrangements and possibly a more versatile choice???

Also, the 241 sounds like it would be an excellant mixdown choice as well, while the SPL manual specifically recommends against that application.

Sorry for all the questions. Looking at these pieces has really opened up my eyes to some possibilites I hadn't before thought about.

Thanks.