what compressors are worth buying?

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:31 am

My question is...what are some of the best compressors to use for tracking, mixing, or mastering? Out of these compressors which ones are worth buying? Behringer Tube Composer, Art Vla Pro, Avalon, Aphex, Jomeek, Dbx 160's, Focusrites, etc... If I didn't mention some great compressors...please name some :p .

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:23 am

Have a look HERE and select compressors for the gear type to see what some good comps are. I find that it often takes over $1000 to get a single channel of good worth while compression. Search the archives for compressor and you should find many interesting postings on the subject.

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 4:09 am

Quote:

Originally posted by scottmcclure777:
Out of these compressors which ones are worth buying? Behringer Tube Composer, Art Vla Pro, Avalon, Aphex, Jomeek, Dbx 160's, Focusrites, etc... If I didn't mention some great compressors...please name some :p .

Out of those? The Avalons and the DBX160s if you mean DBX160Xt's and DBX 160X's (i'm not a fan of the 160 vu's like most people).

This is a baited question anyway because it depends on your situation. For example I love the LA2A's for a lot of applications, but I've never buy one because almost every studio I work at has at least one in the rack.

I'd more likely consider Crane Song STC-8's Crane Song Trakkers, Distressors, Pendulum Optos, FMC RNC's (sometimes I hate it, but it's definately got it's money's worth), etc

BTW, Jim Williams at Audio Upgrades got my DBX160X's effin' screaming. They keep the twack character, but sound less smeared and more powerful. When I run kick mults through them, they are less boxey. The mod runs around $150 per unit but HIGHLY recomended on my end. I had 2 done and will get 2 more of mine done (and leave 2 stock for recalls if needed).

Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:04 pm

say no to behringer

Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:37 am

Thanks guys... I will definately check out the crane song's, dbx 160's, avalon's, and the other kool compressors and eq's on mercenary.com. Thanks for the kool link. Smile

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 3:14 pm

Hey e-cue, can you post a link for that mod. I have a few XT's that I wouldn't mind modding.

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 3:18 pm

sm777, I recommend a Distressor. They sound great and are very versatile.

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:53 pm

Quote:

Originally posted by groove guru:
Hey e-cue, can you post a link for that mod. I have a few XT's that I wouldn't mind modding.

http://www.audioupgrades.com/

He's got some of my reverbs whisper quiet too.

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:02 am

Distressors are great.

I have 2 & my only complaint is I wish I had 6 more.

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:35 am

I have two distressors as well, and appreciate what they do, but I have to put my vote in for the GML 8900. Some people don't like it because they claim it has no "personality", but I think it's f-ing brilliant (to paraphrase Bono). Definitely something to look at if you want to compress, not distress.

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:21 am

The Joemeek units add some control but are more notable for their non-transparent sound. They employ a photo-optical compressor. I use the much celebrated RNC when I need tight control of a signal during tracking. The RNC can operate as a hard knee compressor but has a mode called "really nice" (hence the RN in RNC) which works well for things like acoustic guitar or vocals.

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:49 am

if I was to choose only one comp for the rest of my life it would be the manley vari-mu!! brilliant for both mixing and mastering

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:35 pm

I love la-2a's on guitar and vocs, but I don't really think they are worth the money. It seems like somebody should be able to do an la2a for cheaper.

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 1:15 pm

Well you can build one for the cost of parts.... @ $600 I believe. Check in the DIY section

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:35 pm

Anybody ever tried a dBx 566? I might have a chance to pick one up kind of cheap, but I don't need anymore mediocre gear right now.

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