High End Compressor Dilemma!

[rene-lemieux]

So, I'm about to invest in my first ACTUAL hardware compressor, no more of this "in-the-box" stuff... WHERE DO I BEGIN!

I've been reading up a lot on stuff, and apparently the Distressor is a very popular pic, however, I don't think I will be sold on it. My approach to recording has always been a little more archaic than your average joe, I'd say im of the school that actually "chases" the sound of pre 1970's records. The distressor I hear to be a very in your face (although very versatile) compressor, but I feel that I'm gravitating more towards mor basic and limiting (not refering to "limiter") stuff like the 1176, and LA2A stuff, even the Chandler TG1!

Which brings me to my next dilemma, I'm reading up a lot on the TG1, and people are saying that It's merely a one trick pony, a great sounding one none the less. Maybe it's just my comparatively low level of experience at this time in my life, but I use the plug-in version of the TG1 all the time! I throw it on pretty much all my tracks that need compression in my sound projects, and I come out happy... Maybe I'm crazy and I should be using more different compressors...

So, should I be trusting my ears, because I really like it, or should I be trusting the audio geeks? I found a used TG1 on craigslist and am in contact with the seller... THE TIME IS NIGH!

 

[MOFO Pro]

but I use the plug-in version of the TG1 all the time! I throw it on pretty much all my tracks that need compression in my sound projects, and I come out happy...

So you're looking to spend money on a hardware compressor because??

And trust your ears... hardware comes in and out of favor (depending on the popular model that month/year)... what sounds good, not so much...

In the end, it's all about the sound...

 

[Massive Master]

IMHO (maybe NSHO), if you're looking for a very flexible 'color' compressor (that has a wonderfully transparency about it if needed) look at Crane Song's Trakker.

Not that the TG is a bad unit -- But it's not really what I'd consider a "keystone" unit (for lack of a better term). Nice as part of a collection of compressors, but not the 'everyday' piece the Trakker would surely become.

 

[rene-lemieux]

So you're looking to spend money on a hardware compressor because??

The hardware version has more options, and c'mon, it's HARDWARE! yipee.

IMHO (maybe NSHO), if you're looking for a very flexible 'color' compressor (that has a wonderfully transparency about it if needed) look at Crane Song's Trakker.

Not that the TG is a bad unit -- But it's not really what I'd consider a "keystone" unit (for lack of a better term). Nice as part of a collection of compressors, but not the 'everyday' piece the Trakker would surely become.

Yeah, for sure, I'll look into that... The TG1 is just so tempting for it's cool factor, paired with its attractive sound...

The thing is this though. I really don't feel I, do, nor have a desire to, engineer inline with the absolute industry standard... not to say I want bad sounding recordings, but very into having noticably different recordings...

There are 2 outcomes with the so called "keystone" compressor:
A. might just get frustrated using a compressor that cant do the job, or...
B. frustrated because the compressor wont do the job LIKE enough like the "standard" method...

And what I'm saying is, category B is not a category I'd feel id be afraid to be in... did that make any sense?

 

[Farview]

The only reason I can think of for not getting the TG1 is that you already have the plugin version. That color is covered, find a different one to add to the pallet.

I don't think there is a bad choice in any of the compressors mentioned.

 

[dintymoore]

I bought two Summit TLA-100A's 20 years ago and those are fantastic units. The owner Mike answers the phone. They just simply sound right. I have not heard their 1/2 version, the TLA-50 but I would look at it if I was in the market for one. I see them pretty cheap on eBay.

The Summits sound soft, you cannot get radical squashing compressor effects. It's subtle and expensive sounding is how I'd describe it.

 

[rene-lemieux]

I bought two Summit TLA-100A's 20 years ago and those are fantastic units. The owner Mike answers the phone. They just simply sound right. I have not heard their 1/2 version, the TLA-50 but I would look at it if I was in the market for one. I see them pretty cheap on eBay.

The Summits sound soft, you cannot get radical squashing compressor effects. It's subtle and expensive sounding is how I'd describe it.

Those TLA-100A's look sleek as ever... I'm just worried about there lower tweakablity. I'm not afraid it'll sound bad, just nervous to invest in such a simple piece... but I'll look into it for sure, it's very attractive.

 

[Supercreep]

distressor is pretty versatile. You can get a very good 1176ish sound out of it, and a fair approximation of electro-optical units like the LA2A and TLA-50.

See if you can rent one for a couple of days.

Little Purple Circles is definitely a "retro" sounding act, and we use the distressor all over our recordings. Links below.