If you only had one compressor.....

[Wireneck]

I don't do any mixing outside of the box anymore. I am slowly selling my misc outboard gear. I am down to three outboard comps (2 Dbx 163x and one Presonus Blue Max). I would like to sell these and replace with just one unit.
So if you only had one unit to use for taming/limiting peaks on the way in what would it be? Lets say in the under $500.00 range.
I am thinking RNC but just curious if there is something else you guys recommend.

 

[MOFO Pro]

Distressor... save up

 

[mamm7215]

Or Drawmer 1968ME

 

[mixsit]

Distressor... save up

Since we've already cracked the multi-use, multi-style $1200 range..
Used TFPro P38. 4-in one, clean or character, stereo.

In the other range the RNC is very clean and versatile. (Haven't heard the newer FMR's.

 

[Simman]

Since we've already cracked the multi-use, multi-style $1200 range..
Used TFPro P38. 4-in one, clean or character, stereo.

In the other range the RNC is very clean and versatile. (Haven't heard the newer FMR's.

Since we've now broken the 1200 range....Urie 1176 is my choice. Which version is a different story. In the 500 range... my DIY 1176.

 

[MOFO Pro]

Looks like it's the RNC

 

[Simman]

Looks like it's the RNC

You won't be disappointed, it is a very transparent & useful compressor.

 

[mixsit]

You won't be disappointed, it is a very transparent & useful compressor.

Everyone says go SuperMice mode but fun's in 'WYSIWYG.

 

[Massive Master]

[EDIT]

Sorry - Re-read the post.

Nothing on the way in. If you need something to "tame peaks" then you're tracking too hot and you're risking overdriving the input stage (well, likely that you're already overdriving the input stage but now you can make it even worse because you're compressing it also). Not worth it.

 

[mixsit]

.. If you need something to "tame peaks" then you're tracking too hot and you're risking overdriving the input stage (well, likely that you're already overdriving the input stage but now you can make it even worse because you're compressing it also). Not worth it.

Agreeing- A 'one tracking comp' would be the one that adds to the sound, that gets you 'closer to finished' or can't get later, and versatile enough to hang there in ten different ways.

 

[Massive Master]

Amen. Something like a Variable Mu, LA3A, Trakker - Something that adds a particular character - use for character (not "taming peaks").

Peaks are what makes recordings wonderful - You can always decimate them later - In the context of the mix.

 

[Fishmed]

I don't do any mixing outside of the box anymore. I am slowly selling my misc outboard gear. I am down to three outboard comps (2 Dbx 163x and one Presonus Blue Max). I would like to sell these and replace with just one unit.
So if you only had one unit to use for taming/limiting peaks on the way in what would it be? Lets say in the under $500.00 range.
I am thinking RNC but just curious if there is something else you guys recommend.

Around $500 I would go with a UREI LA-12.

 

[MOFO Pro]

[EDIT]

Sorry - Re-read the post.

Nothing on the way in. If you need something to "tame peaks" then you're tracking too hot and you're risking overdriving the input stage (well, likely that you're already overdriving the input stage but now you can make it even worse because you're compressing it also). Not worth it.

Listen up folks- This man makes his living trying to breath life back into tracks that were compressed on the way in

 

[Weasel9992]

No compression on the way in mostly, but if you really want one and one only...DBX160.

Frank

 

[rsolinski]

I will be buried with my LA2a if that is any clue to my favorite

Ray