Stereo Preamp and compressor suggestion in the 1500-2000$ range

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philboy

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In my quest for a good quality recording chain, i have narrowed my choice to the Great-River MP-2NV, the Chandler TG2 or maybe the ADL600. Actually what i'm mostly looking for is a pre with lots of gain (70 dB +) and VERY quiet at the same time, which can also be transparent or a bit colored if needed (versatile). I' also read good comments about the new A-Designs Pacifica preamp...

It seems that the more i read about pres the more i get confused ... but anyway it will be one of these.

Also, i want a good compressor to complement one of these pres. I was thinking about the TLaudio 5021 which i read lots of good things about, or maybe a pair of DBX 160A. I'm looking for smooth and transparent compression. I have a budget of 750-1000$ for the compressor.


I'm mostly recording acoustic instruments (guitar, percs, bass, etc) and sometimes guitar amps, voice and synths. I will also use the compressor for global mixes and to even levels while tracking.

My current microphones :

Rode Nt2
AT4041 (2)
MD-441
SM57

Any suggestion or ideas ?

Thanks
Phil
 
2NV is good, in that price range you might look at a Portico 5012 as well.

If I had $1000 for a compressor I would get a used LA3A. You can go the DBX route but they are not as versatile.
 
There are lots of very good preamp choices in your price range. All the units you mentioned are very nice. If you are primarily doing acoustic stuff, you might also consider a Pendulum MDP-1. Really great very high quality two channel tube preamp. You could pick up a used one in your price range. It's not 70db of gain (63db), but I don't know that you really need that with the mics you have - unless you plan to get a ribbon or an SM7 in the future. The Pacifica is also well worth considering. I have the P-1 which is the lunchbox version of that pre and it is really great. If you only want 2 channels, a Pacifica is more economical than buying a lunchbox and modules.

You have more limited choices in your price range for compressors. I assume you want two channels if you want to use it on the two buss. DBX 160a is good for some things (like instruments) but not the best all around comp. The FMR RNC and RNLA are very good comps and quite useful. More useful for vocals than the DBX IMHO. Not particularly good on bass however. They are stereo boxes, but are not dual mono. If you can find the extra $$, I'd look for a used Drawmer 1968. They run @ $1400 to $1600 used. Great 2 channel compressor with wide applicability and can be used on 2 buss. The Toft DC-2 might be decent - it is in your price range and Mercenary carries it, but I've never tried it. An LA3A would be great, but you would only get one channel for your budget. If you want a good opto compressor without diving into major money, a Peavey VC/L-2 would be good if you can find one. They are only available used, but run @$800-1000 for 2 channels. If you want you could probably get a used pair of DBX 160as ($175-200 each) and a used RNC ($125) and RNLA ($175) for your comp budget which would cover a lot of bases pretty well except for 2 buss.
 
I'd stay away from the TLA 5021. I used to own one and while it is good, it is not great. I'm also not a fan of the RNC or RNLA.

Indeed, that $750-1,000 price range is a tough one. You are pretty much destined to buy used, and even then the better units are a little above that. If you can get it to $1,500 to $2,000 you'll open up a LOT more choices for yourself.

But in that range a unit to consider (used) would be the Aphex Compellor. Not a typical compressor, but quite transparent.

For a little more money you might want to look at the TFPro P38.
 
A Compellor would be an interesting choice. I've got an older one and Albert is correct in that is different. It is very transparent. Not for serious squashing or using as an audible effect. It is different enough that I'd research it first and hopefully try one before you buy. Unfortunately, in your stated price range, I can't think of a particularly good all around comp. All the ususal suspects that come to mind have various shortcomings.
 
Thanks evryone for your suggestions. Very helpful, there's actually a lot of compressor i didn't know about, but i will take a serious look at those. Yes, indeed i was talking about a dual channel compressor (and not mono) and ideally one that can do dual-mono as well. It could also be two separate mono units... because obviously the idea is to to match the dual preamps. I understand what you mean regarding the price ... the 750-1000$ range is tough because it's kind of between the cheapo and pricey units. Logically i should spend the same bucks for the compressor... I feel it wouldn't make sense to throw a 200$ compressor to go along with a 2500$ pre like a MP-2NV... but i could be wrong.

Just a though what is your opinion on the DBX 1066? I know it's even cheaper than the 160A but it seems to have a lot more features and read good things about it. I just noticed the 160a doen't have variable attack and decay, so it's probably not as versatile, but still better quality overall i guess...



Thanks again everyone, this is a great place!

Phil
 
philboy said:
Thanks evryone for your suggestions. Very helpful, there's actually a lot of compressor i didn't know about, but i will take a serious look at those. Yes, indeed i was talking about a dual channel compressor (and not mono) and ideally one that can do dual-mono as well. It could also be two separate mono units... because obviously the idea is to to match the dual preamps. I understand what you mean regarding the price ... the 750-1000$ range is tough because it's kind of between the cheapo and pricey units. Logically i should spend the same bucks for the compressor... I feel it wouldn't make sense to throw a 200$ compressor to go along with a 2500$ pre like a MP-2NV... but i could be wrong.

Just a though what is your opinion on the DBX 1066? I know it's even cheaper than the 160A but it seems to have a lot more features and read good things about it. I just noticed the 160a doen't have variable attack and decay, so it's probably not as versatile, but still better quality overall i guess...



Thanks again everyone, this is a great place!

Phil
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I'd stay away from the lower end DBX stuff. The new 162SL is supposed to be pretty great, although you'd have to increase your compressor budget.

You are right, it makes no sense to run a $2,500 preamp through a $200 compressor. Better to spend $1,500 on each in my opinion. So if your total budget is about $3,000-3,300 for both you could probably get (for example) the Neve Portico preamp and compressor together. At around $1,500 or so for each unit you can get some good stuff.

Or get the big preamp now and save up for a big compressor later.
 
SonicAlbert said:
If you can get it to $1,500 to $2,000 you'll open up a LOT more choices for yourself.
Click to expand...

Hey Sonic Albert what would be your recommandation for a great and versatile compressor in this price range?

Phil
 
Stretch your budget a bit.

For a preamp, go with something versatile: A-Designs MP-2, Pacifica, Sebatron VMP series, etc.

Get a Empirical Labs Distressor (with or without the mods) for your compressor.

Buy used and you can get the above for around $2200-2500.

Don't buy a mid range compressor. The Peavey VCL-2 is the only thing I'd consider in the $500-900 range for compressors.

Get a nice pre first. If you need compression, buy a used RNC for $150 while you can save up for a decent compressor.

Buy right, buy once.
 
Buy once, buy right. That's advice I agree with 100%. Wish I had done that from the start.

As far as compressors in the $1,500-2,000 price range, there are a few to choose from. A lot depends on what you are going for sound-wise.

Also, since this is going to be your one all-purpose go to compressor, I think you'll want a unit with the standard controls like Input and output levels, attack, release, ratio, etc.

I have a pair of Distressors and I'd recommend those except that they are well above your price range and are not great for the mix buss.

Here are some suggestions:

DBX 162SL
Neve Portico 5043
Drawmer 1968
TFPro P38

That list leaves out the Langevin ELOP for example, since it doesn't have the ratio, attack, release controls. Although the Langevin Dual Vocal Combo might be of some interest to you. It would give you two preamps, limiters and eq in one package that's within your budget.

However, for me the two top contenders on that compressor list are the DBX 162SL and the Neve, both of which I am considering for my own studio.

I think a preamp like the Great River or ADL600 into the Neve or DBX would sound superb. You'll get absolutely the most you can out of your mics.
 
I can't say that I've tried the other comp's on Albert's list (and all have good reps), but when I had to make this decision I went with a Drawmer 1968. Excellent comp on the mix buss and very good for tracking. Not as flexible as a Distressor for tracking, but I only make moderate to light use of compression anyway (I don't really need nuke mode). I also have a few other comps for individual track use so I do have more flexibility (API 525, RNC, Symetrix 501, Compellor, DBX 160xt and VC/L-2). But for a good all around comp, the 1968 fills the bill quite well. It is worth a look IMHO. They also show up used on the Gearslutz board from time to time going for between $1500-$1600 or so, which is, relatively speaking, a pretty good price for two channels of high quality compression. I bought mine off the GS board.

Edit: In fact, here's a GS ad from Dan Richards (who posts here periodically) for a Drawmer 1968 for $1400. A real deal and from a very reputable seller.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=98211
 
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You can get the 1968 new for under $1,700, so I don't find a used price of $1,400-1,600 to be all that compelling (no pun intended).

I've gotten quite soured on buying used gear, too many bad experiences. The used discount has to be *substantial* for me to take the risk of buying without a warranty, in the 40-50% range off the new *street* price. That seller on Gearslutz is most likely going to be fine, but I would still spend the extra few hundred bucks to get a new one.
 
I have the Portico 5043. Very nice for tracking and the mix buss.
 
SonicAlbert said:
You can get the 1968 new for under $1,700, so I don't find a used price of $1,400-1,600 to be all that compelling (no pun intended).

I've gotten quite soured on buying used gear, too many bad experiences. The used discount has to be *substantial* for me to take the risk of buying without a warranty, in the 40-50% range off the new *street* price. That seller on Gearslutz is most likely going to be fine, but I would still spend the extra few hundred bucks to get a new one.
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I'd be interested in knowing who has them new at that price. Most vendors want at least $1799. I've never seen a used 1968 offerred for 40-50% off of street. Interestingly, I've had virtually no problem with used audio gear and most of my gear has been bought used. Now cameras -- that's a different story. Sigh. But you are certainly right in that if a couple hundred bucks for a warranty helps you sleep better at night, it is a worthwhile thing to do. :D
 
You can get the 1968 here for under $1,700:

http://www.soundpure.com/

Buying new has nothing to do about sleeping well at night. It's about buying gear that works out of the box. If you buy enough used gear sooner or later you'll have some bad luck or a string of bad luck. I've had enough of it that I'm avoiding used in all but the most exceptional of cases. I recently bought a used TC Electronic Intonator for $400, the same price as the Auto-Tune plugin. It works fine, from a seller I trust, and that's the kind of discount that I think is appropriate for used gear.

Also, you won't see a used 1968 at 40-50% off street. It's still too new and is a "hot" item right now. It may be a long time before a used 1968 sells that low--if ever, as good audio electronics hold their value better than the cheap stuff.

Oh, and another compressor I'm considering at the moment is a pair of Summit TLA-50's. You might want to look into that a bit as well.

If I can't get my vintage DBX 162 fixed (see what I mean) then I'll probably get either a new 162SL or Portico and the TLA-50's as well. The TLA-50's are basically an upgrade from my ART PRO VLA. I *love* the vintage 162, but it's an example of being sold gear that wasn't working right and is in need of repair. If you are just trying to work and need to get things done on a deadline or when you are being paid for your time, used gear that's not 100% just has no place in a studio.
 
That's a great price for a new 1968. Prices have apparently come down on that unit in the last year or two. Since they have it advertised on the web, I'd expect that at least some other vendors would match that price. I suspect Full Compass would if you called and asked for a price. I think that what you get with a new item (cosmetics aside) is a somewhat higher likelihood that it will work right out of the box and a warranty to fix it if it doesn't and to cover you for whatever limited period of time the warranty lasts. It's just a cost/risk equation. What are you willing to pay for that assurance? At least in the case of the unit Dan Richards is selling, I'd be pretty comfortable with the risk. BTW, he works for/with SoundPure.
 
Thanks guys. Pretty much appreciated!

The Drawmer and distressor looks like a very fine piece of gear. So does the DBX 162 and Rupert neve...

Another thought... Joemeek... i konw it's much cheaper... but what do you think honestly ??? Some people say the older units are better than the newer, specially for the preamp section ...

What do you think?



Thanks!
 
philboy said:
Thanks guys. Pretty much appreciated!

The Drawmer and distressor looks like a very fine piece of gear. So does the DBX 162 and Rupert neve...

Another thought... Joemeek... i konw it's much cheaper... but what do you think honestly ??? Some people say the older units are better than the newer, specially for the preamp section ...

What do you think?



Thanks!
Click to expand...

Ted Fletcher does some decent work. I've not been a big fan of his preamp circuits. Other people design superior preamps. The P38 compressor (and it's P8 predecessor) is one of the best compressors ever and to my mind one of the best two or three of current vintage.

If you want a top end pre, then you can't go wrong with the Great River NV series.
 
I own a Meek SC 2.2 that I love, but it's definitely has a distinct sonic signature and style of compression. For your one compressor, or first expensive compressor it might be best to go with a unit that is a little more all-purpose.
 
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