Compressors...

What about a 'fat man' compressor? I know someone who is selling his for £90 ($140ish), are they any good? I dont really know what im looking for in compressors, i should really learn more about them before i spend some cash on them. Being a student n all, thats never going to happen, so im putting my money and trust in you guys :)
 
The fatman imo is cool, but not as a compressor. Its good at being used as an effect since its very colored. I wouldn't use it as a compressor.
 
Tif - get the RNC from Thomann first, and then one of the new Joe Meeks (there's a new compressor coming out) to give you a totally different sound. If you don't like it, and you're living in Leeds, chances are I'll buy it off you.
 
Ok, im going to do that. Ill do a bit of overtime at work and get it ordered from Thomann. Thanks for everyones help :)
 
noisedude said:
a Drawmer one at uni, which sat next to an Alesis 3630 in the rack (I got to find out how bad that unit was too!).
Click to expand...

Should be noted, the 3630 can be made much much better. See www.blacklionaudio.com for information on the mod. You can pickup one of these on evilBay for $50. If you do the mod yourself total cost is less than the RNC. However, I don't have an RNC just yet, so I can't compare and contrast.

noisedude said:
Incidentally, there is one cheaper compressor I would buy (and am buying) but they're a bit more 'specialised' sound-wise, so I won't recommend them til you have something more neutral! ;)
Click to expand...

You've dropped one to many vague references to this unnamed compressor. Do tell!
 
Hmmmm ... interesting! Might be worth a shot if I get bored over the summer.
You've dropped one to many vague references to this unnamed compressor. Do tell!
Click to expand...
noisedude said:
Tif - get the RNC from Thomann first, and then one of the new Joe Meeks (there's a new compressor coming out) to give you a totally different sound. If you don't like it, and you're living in Leeds, chances are I'll buy it off you.
Click to expand...
I reckon the JoeMeek comps make a sound that I haven't heard in software. Certainly not suitable for every task, but mine will be used for aggressive vocals, kick, snare and anything that needs a really pumpy sound. They can be subtle too ... but that's not what I'm buying one for!

I didn't mention it specifically because I am a friend of the guys who make them. A lot of people seem to think I have some sort of business assocation ... which I don't ... but it means I find myself being moderated by self-appointed spam cops!
 
R-N-C!!

Really, I simply cannot hear it working in Really Nice mode.

It's the only hardware compressor you need (though there's some that'd be nice to have, of course.)
 
R-J-X said:
The RNC's are as great as everyone says and offers performance that rivals the compressors like the crane song trakker which costs almost $2000

If you could squeeze it, I would grab the RNC and a JBL/Urei 7110 for about $350 total.

The 7110 is a cool semi colored compressor that is cheap and can be compared to the Empirical Labs Distressor.

Somebody mentioned the DBX 160X /XT but its not nearly as versatile as the RNC and 7110. However, its a great compressor on kicks and snares and its used in mega budget recording studios. Its a good deal for the $200 they sell for, but not as you're only compressor.
Click to expand...

I just wanted chime in to agree with R-J-X's recommendations (apart from the bits about these comps sounding like Trakkers or Distressors...!?! That's like comparing plastic spoons to Swiss Army knives :D).

The RNC, the dbx 160xt (or 160x), the JBL/Urei 7110 are all excellent quality budget compressors. RNC is good as a mix bus comp (though not much else IMHO -- flame me if you like ;)). The 160xt is unbeatable for snare drum! And the 7110 is lovely on bass and vocals.

Also I really like the dirt cheap dbx 163 / 163x. Great for adding some "kick" to your kick.

It might be wise to think about where you want to use compression. Personally I never compress synths, so if I were in your shoes I would probably be asking: which tracks / buses do I want to compress? And go from there. If everything is going to go through a mix bus comp, I'd go with the RNC. Otherwise if you're looking to compress individual tracks, and maybe add some colour or warmth or grit to those tracks, I would think seriously about the other recommendations on this thread!

$0.02! Have fun with it Tifstorey!

Johann
 
jtienhaara said:
I just wanted chime in to agree with R-J-X's recommendations (apart from the bits about these comps sounding like Trakkers or Distressors...!?! That's like comparing plastic spoons to Swiss Army knives :D).

The RNC, the dbx 160xt (or 160x), the JBL/Urei 7110 are all excellent quality budget compressors. RNC is good as a mix bus comp (though not much else IMHO -- flame me if you like ;)). The 160xt is unbeatable for snare drum! And the 7110 is lovely on bass and vocals.

Also I really like the dirt cheap dbx 163 / 163x. Great for adding some "kick" to your kick.

It might be wise to think about where you want to use compression. Personally I never compress synths, so if I were in your shoes I would probably be asking: which tracks / buses do I want to compress? And go from there. If everything is going to go through a mix bus comp, I'd go with the RNC. Otherwise if you're looking to compress individual tracks, and maybe add some colour or warmth or grit to those tracks, I would think seriously about the other recommendations on this thread!

$0.02! Have fun with it Tifstorey!

Johann
Click to expand...

The only real thing i will need the compressor for is for bass and vocals, so its quite strange how you mentioned the 7110 above. Do you think thats the way to go? Thanks for your input :) As always, highly appreciated
 
The DBX 160X and 160XT get used on vocals a fair bit. They can also be really good on bass, snare and kick. Not always on bass, but sometimes it's just the right thing. I love the sound of those compressors and have four DBX 903 modules, which are basically 160XT's in a lunch box format.

A nice transparent compressor for vocals is the Aphex Expressor. You really can't hear it working.

The Empirical Labs Distressor is great on bass and drums, but I'm assuming that would be over budget.
 
Anybody use an MXR Dual Limiter? They can be had for cheap, and I see them on the equipment list of many well-stocked studios. Useful or not? :confused:
 
jtienhaara said:
I just wanted chime in to agree with R-J-X's recommendations (apart from the bits about these comps sounding like Trakkers or Distressors...!?!
Click to expand...
:D

Maybe what I should say is that the next best comp after a 7110 is a distressor and one of the next best steps up from the RNC is a trakker... :cool:
 
SonicAlbert said:
The DBX 160X and 160XT get used on vocals a fair bit. They can also be really good on bass, snare and kick. Not always on bass, but sometimes it's just the right thing.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm, I've never tried 160xt on vox... *jots in little black notebook*

But yeah the 160xt and the Distressor can both sound amazing on bass. I dunno though... Sometimes I find they make the bass sound grainy and harsh. It depends on the style of playing, not to mention type of bass etc and the mix that it has to sit in.

To my ears the 7110 is way creamier than the dbx or Distressor. It's not nearly as creamy as an 1176, but it's in a similar vein I think.

RNC would do well enough on vox, but bass?...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top