I think you can pick up the Pro VLA for about $200 now. The original, not the VLA II. Check ebay. I picked one up and swapped the tube for the AT series instead of the AX series. Nice comp for the bux.
Not sure about $$$, but the RNC is another to look at. Don't have one but have read some good stuff about them.
A search will give ya more options.
Hope it helps.......
Just Looking For Something For My Home Studio. Im Not Big Into Engineering But Just Looking For Something That Will Give Me A Strong Compression For Vocals. Id Simply Be Running Compressor>mixer>computer.. Anything Under 200 If Possible!
Any Suggestions?
Ace I'm a recording artist as well and I can tell you beforehand that if you don't have too much experience with using stuff like compressors, EQs, etc., then it's a good idea to hire a mixing engineer for this task. I was given that advice from an actual engineer with PLENTY of studio mixing experience and he said not to add EQ, reverb, effects. Compression, he said I can use a little if I know what I'm doing. So instead of possibly screwing up my track, I'ma just send him my raw vocals. So that is what I suggest you do.
Peace
And maybe to clarify a bit...
If you track something hot...like right below clip... the headroom is almost gone. What the headroom is for would be stuff like EQ. I use subtractive eq mostly. Like I'll cut certain frequencys on certain tracks before I'll boost. When I boost EQ it starts eating up the headroom leaving less room for the ME (be it you or a pro)
Think of it this way...you have a glass (your DAW) and you're going to make a drink. If you fill it up with with Jack right off the bat, ther's no room for the coke or ice cubes. Kind of a lame analogy but you get the gist.
Hope it helps mang...