Low cost compressor/limiter for mixdown?

[nuemes]

Here's what I'm looking for: a compressor/limiter around $200 that I can send an entire pop/rock mix through from an analog mixer's stereo outputs to a CD burner's inputs that will allow maximum audio volume before allowing the CD burner to clip - all while keeping the signal clean/uncolored (well, as clean & uncolored as $200 will afford, eh?)

Currently using a RNC, Joe Meek M2 & Presonus BlueMax but find that they function better doing the job of compression than as hard limiters for this particular purpose.

I've read in Tape Op(?) or EM(?) that the BBE MaxCom is supposed to be excellent for this purpose but both those mags have had occasional four star reviews of dead fish before so whatever you can offer in experience would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Massive Master]

I honestly don't think you're going to find a buss compressor fro $200 that'll give you much of anything... I'd suggest an Art Pro VLA, but that's pretty thick. Great when you need it, crap when you don't.

RNC's RNLA was recently released though... That might be more of what you're looking for... Haven't heard it or know anyone that's really given it a ride yet...

 

[SonicAlbert]

I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but it seems to me a limiter plugin would be an ideal choice for what you need. Is there any way you can route the signal through a computer DAW and then digitally to the recorder? I've become a real fan of the WaveArts FinalPlug.

As far as hardware, that's really a tough call when you are talking about analog limiters. There's virtually nothing worth mentioning that's around $200. Especially since you've already tried the RNC.

 

[nuemes]

I checked out the WaveArts FinalPlug online demo and it sounds very good. I just got up and running with ProTools LE on a G5 last week with Digi 002rack. So far I've used ProTools strictly for recording (no effects) and run the outputs to a Soundcraft M8 for outboard effects returns, then RNC set to limit and then outboard CD burner. I'm new to computer based recording and wasn't sure what to think of software-based compression but WaveArts FinalPlug does seem to get very good reviews; plus it's cheaper than a new outboard limiter... looks like it's pretty hard to beat.

 

[SonicAlbert]

WaveArts FinalPlug does seem to get very good reviews; plus it's cheaper than a new outboard limiter... looks like it's pretty hard to beat.

For what you want to do it's the right tool. No need to go out of the box to a $200 compressor, the results just won't be as good.

The only hardware box I can think of that might be close to the right price range (used) is the TC Electronic Triple C stereo version. It has digital I/O as well, so you wouldn't lose anything in the translation. But if you are already in software a good plugin like the FinalPlug would be a very nice way to go.

I use a lot of outboard hardware, but I do use a few plugins that I've carefully selected based on listening.