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Here's the thing: I have a few compressors (2 RNC's and an Ashley SC-50), but from what I understand as the "definition" of a limiter, they're too slow for a limiting application. So what are some good quality options?

My intended use is I guess whenever one would typically use a limiter (maybe on a stereo mix, or on a snare,...). I'm budget-concious (less than $1000 would be nice), but I'm willing to save up for one as well.

Perhaps this opens up the field too much, but what are my options as far as transparent stereo limiters, and as far as single-channel special-effect-type limiters?

Thanks.
Jon
one_auslander@hotmail.com

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Dan Popp Thu, 05/24/2001 - 12:46

Dear Jon,
I don't know if you have access to any equipment catalogs or trade mags, but the answer is "a whole bunch." There are just too many to mention, and you haven't narrowed the field any. :D A good equipment dealer can help you. Also, about once a year or so, one of the trade magazines comes out with a "comprehensive" list of compressor/limiters, comparing features and prices. You may want to try to get ahold of that.

Yours,
Dan Popp
Colors Audio
USA

anonymous Thu, 05/24/2001 - 19:52

Originally posted by Auslander:
Perhaps this opens up the field too much, but what are my options as far as transparent stereo limiters, and as far as single-channel special-effect-type limiters?

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Manley Electro-optical Limiter; I'd say it's my most used piece, next to my Distressors. There are only two controls, "reduction" and "gain", so the chances of screwing anything up (with the limiter, at least) are greatly diminished.

They also make a solid-state version (under the Langevin name), but I've never tried it. If it's as well-done as most of Manley's other stuff, I'm sure it would be a fine investment.

Of course, YMMV. Best of luck.

mb
mb@theecholab.com

atlasproaudio Fri, 05/25/2001 - 20:09

I would recommend the Drawmer DL241 stereo Gate, compressor AND limiter (three seperate sections) The limiter is very fast and sounds great. See it here:
Link removed

You can get it with XLR i/o or 1/4" TRS balanced +4 i/o.

You would not be sacrificing quality by buying this unit, as it is a professional piece of gear. Obviously there are more expensive options that may have more features and sound shaping options, but there are gear solutions for all budgets. It is a simple, solid sounding unit that is as happy in the rack next to your RNC as it is a Distressor or 1176.

Nathan Eldred
Atlas Pro Audio, Inc.
http://www.atlasproaudio.com
813.662.5028

miketholen Sat, 05/26/2001 - 04:27

Nathan Eldred- you sound like a fucking salesman for atlas "pro" audio...

for me I use a bunch of old shit that when reworked smokes drawmers while warming up...
check into some Telefunken u73's or u373a's. they are an amazing limiter/compressor when setup correctly.
they can be very forgiving when "smashing" your program.
from what I understand the u373a was a solid state emulation of a tube push/pull circut. It does it with ease! sounds fucking glorious! I also use a pair of Helios 760's, WSW limiters,Pye compressors...
if you or anyone needs mo info/description of these units email me.-Mike ;)

atlasproaudio Sat, 05/26/2001 - 06:05

Thanks Mike, how observant of you. Maybe you dont think my advice fit what the guy was looking for. I'm sure the Telefunkens are good units, I haven't heard them, so I dont recommend them. The man said "under $1000" for a stereo limiter, thats what the DL241 is, and it sounds good. Or do you think that Drawmer needs improvement? :roll: While were at it Mike, lets eliminate the whole dealer network and only buy used gear, what a glorious world it will be for you.

Nathan Eldred
Atlas Pro Audio, Inc.
http://www.atlasproaudio.com

Auslander Sat, 05/26/2001 - 20:02

Originally posted by hiraga:
And they'll go well ith your VS machine, digital in/out (Telefunkens won't go well, cause the VS is unbal out, bal in)

And yeah, we know each other Auslander!

Uhh, sorry, I don't think you know me. I don't have a "VS machine." Right now I'm doing what I can with a pair of Adats . Thanks everyone for the replies so far, I believe I have more research on my own to do... and I'll be saving in the meantime.
Jon