Compressor Suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Phosphene
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Phosphene

Phosphene

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I've been wanting to get a new compressor, since all I have is one RNC and the compression in my Avalon 737, and the ones in my Roland VS1880 (do they count?, haha). I've read that the Joe Meeks are good, say for drums and such. What are any suggestions on what I could start looking at?

I know I will probably get another RNC maybe, but aside from the Joe Meeks, I was wondering about the UA compressors. Can someone tell me a little about them and how much I might have to spend on them.
 
Hmmmm....I know the question is boring, but someone please....please

What are the worthwhile JoeMeek compressors for the money? I'm throwin gthem out there because I have not read too much negative about them, but I know there are alot of choices. Are the pres good as well? Im in the $1000 and less catagory...but if the UA stuff is REALLY worth it, I could save more. In the meantime, I am researching and all that...ha!

Let me know what pertinant info I forgot to include to help with suggestions. I do want to use it mainly for vocals...and drums would be nice too.
 
take a look at the dbx range.the earlier the better . also have a look at symetrix. on the classic side you might want to chase up an 1176 or la 2a .
the meeks i find a bit narrow.
 
That's the cream baby, the cream I tell Ya!
By reputation, I have a pair of 160A's and i really love what they do to vox and drums and oh's. I'm sure at three times the price the others you mentioned are even better, but until I can hear it ain't makin' it, I'm happy with what I have.
 
There are also some Good Software Compressor Plugins that are Pretty good and at least you can get some of them for Free....

I have Been useing a Cheapo Yahama Comprssor and Didn"t like it at all so I went looking for a Good Plugin compressor as all my Plugins in my Software Sucked (FL compressor,Waves Compressor,Mackie Compressor ect) so i did a Google search for some Freeware Plugins and Found a couple really nice sounding Compressor plugins for free which really Bring out the Punch of my Drums and Guitar sounds....

Cheers
 
The only way I can use plug-ins is if I buy a $300 card for my VS1880 and then pay more for the limited amount of plug-ins that are available.

After more thought, I want a colored compressor, and I do think I will use it mainly for vocals.

Any opinions on the EL Distressor or the 1176LN. I guess you get what you pay for, but im no PRO, so could I even use these to my advantage? I wish there was a "listening sessions" for compressors :( There are so many!!!
 
There are lots of compressors out there. Most go in the one trick pony category such as the Drawmer 1968 or the Roll Super Stereo (I really want this one, BTW).

There are a few who do a few different things in way that you can use and that includes the tfpro Edward the Compressor (got, would never sell) and the Empirical Labs Distressor (want).
 
Phosphene said:
After more thought, I want a colored compressor, and I do think I will use it mainly for vocals.
Click to expand...

Try the Art Pro VLA. It exhibits some subtle coloration that works on a variety of sources.
 
ozraves said:
There are lots of compressors out there. Most go in the one trick pony category such as the Drawmer 1968 or the Roll Super Stereo (I really want this one, BTW).

There are a few who do a few different things in way that you can use and that includes the tfpro Edward the Compressor (got, would never sell) and the Empirical Labs Distressor (want).
Click to expand...
Hey Oz,
Tell me a little more about "Eddy"
 
Phosphene said:
Any opinions on the EL Distressor or the 1176LN.
Click to expand...

Both are "studio standards", and both kick serious ass. Plus, they will hold their value very well.
 
if your using the 1880 as yourain recorder why not get the universal plugs. even if they are 90% close to of the real deal its close enough for me.
 
someone told me that since my 1880 doesnt record at 56bit or something, that the expansion cards won't sound like they should.....
 
Big Kenny said:
Hey Oz,
Tell me a little more about "Eddy"
Click to expand...

It's got a stereo optical compressor that aspires to possess the characteristics (selectable) of four classic compressors. In the end it doesn't necessarily sound like three of them but you get four different sounds.

It contains a stereo imaging control section that lets you manipulate the stereo width.

I've got the older version which is the P8. The newer version is the P38 and no longer calls itself the Edward.

I liked it a lot when I got it but I wasn't like floored by it or anything. However, I've had some expensive slutty compressors come through and I think it beats them on the versatility thing. I always used it in tracking or on individual tracks up until about five months ago when I started putting it on the mix buss. It's like audio crack on the mix buss. You keep wanting to take another hit.

I'd like to get another one of the originals or maybe try the newer version. Ideally, you'd want two so you can put one on the mix buss and one on the drum mix buss.
 
I would say that a Distressor should be your next comp purchase if you are going to spend good money. The Distressor is very capable, and extremely versatile. Like mentioned above, it holds its value very well. Based on past price changes, you could own it for 5 years and still sell it for 75% of what you paid for it.

The DBX 160 VU, and 165's are also a great value. They are a lot more versatile in tonality than you would think and have a very thick punchy tone to them. I have racks of 160 a's and x's, as well as four 165a's. I would say there is a very large difference between them. The newer cheaper 160's are great little compressors, but they don't do that vintage magic slam you thing very well. They are fairly transparent with a little depth. The older 160's though are kind of one of those magic bullets. Then again, they are considerably pricier, so they should be better. If you really want the vintage 160 (165) sound, I may be seeling two of my 165a's and I even have the stereo link strap for 2 buss aplications.

1176's are also one those "magic" compressors. It is amazing what a change a good punchy compressor can make to a sound. The old DBX and 1176 is not what I would use for dynamic control (fader automation is what I would use their unless I had some really nice clean comps), but will kick ass on tonal shaping and thickening of tracks. They also work well for adding sustain and changing attack envelopes of tracks for punchiness.

If you are interested in 1176's, I do not currently own any. I do however have some vintage Spectrasonics 610's. I have three of them and will seel one or two of them. They are kind of like an 1176 on steroids. They do the really heavy full on compression very well, but are not as versatile as the 1176's because they don't do the gentle pretty stuff as well. I also have some Urei LA4's I may sell. I really do not want to sell any of my comps because I love them all, but I really want to get the rackmount API compressor, or maybe the Alan Smart C2 for a 2 buss comp, and sellling some of my "extra's" is the only way I can justify that expenditure right now.
 
Thank you all very much for your input.

BTW, has anyone heard from Harvey or Fletcher lately?
 
I think I might go ahead and get the Roland expansion card so I can get the 1176 and L2A2 plug-ins AND have money to buy a Distressor. I have always kinda wanted that one from what I've read. I think I can get one for around $1000. I will also keep an eye out for a DBX. Any last thoughts on the comparisons between the DBX and Distressor? I'm guessing the Distressor is more versitile, which may be good for me.

Can you take an regular Distressor one and get the british mod done to it?
 
I would call Fletcher about getting the mod done aftermarket, or just call or email Emperical Labs. Yes the Distressor is a little more versatile than the DBX, but the old 160VU and 165's are also pretty versaitle. The distressor just offers more options which is why I feel like the Distressor is one of the best buys for a first real compressor:)
 
xstatic said:
I would call Fletcher about getting the mod done aftermarket, or just call or email Emperical Labs. Yes the Distressor is a little more versatile than the DBX, but the old 160VU and 165's are also pretty versaitle. The distressor just offers more options which is why I feel like the Distressor is one of the best buys for a first real compressor:)
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I see on your myspace page..."outboard....I love compressors". I also added you. You have alot of really nice stuff. Nice drums too.
 
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