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Submitted by Mumbles on

Hi there,

So I'm going to be filling up some compressor needs with a few less expensive units. I've got a Chandler LTD2 and a Summit TLA100-but I need a few more for mix down times.

The targets:

ART Pro Vla (dirty)

FMR RNC (clean)

CBS Audimax III

Symetrix 501

dbx 160x



So, out of these, I'll probably end up getting 3. Just wondering if anyone had any input on which 3 and why...



thanks!

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Mumbles

Well, the 2 comps that I have (Chandler LTD2, not TG2, though I have that also and it's great) are wonderful- I need some more for mixing. I'll be mix on a desk soon and I hate dynamics plugins... and I compress a lot... So I just needed a few to fill up some channels, you know? I've heard that all of these comps are anywhere from "useful" to "actually pretty damn good," but I'm a sucker for too many opinions.

Fri, 10/01/2004 - 11:36 Permalink
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Mumbles

:lol:

Of course I HAVE to!!!

Well, if I've got a 24 track mix going... chances are that I'm going to want more than 2 things compressed, you know?

Although, just buying 1 good one has it's merits, also...

but then I'll end up throwing that freaky little MOTU MW Limiter on something, because I won't have enough, telling myself, "just this one time..." and then it's down hill from there.

Fri, 10/01/2004 - 13:25 Permalink
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Mumbles

Well, I mean "dirty" in a colorful way. Not clean. You know it's there. I didn't say "filthy."

I have actually seen you stick up for ART before, Mr. Mastering. I have always felt pretty strongly about ART being on the bottom level ever since I made the discovery that my Tube MP wasn't the greatest thing ever, but you've made me second guess the quality of the vla, at least. It would be nice to have a linkable, dual mono comp.

I do mostly rock and roll stuff, acoustic, some fusion, some straight up jazz. My thinking of what the vla might be like, would suit my current and future set up. I should just try one out for a while. They're cheap enough to do that.

Sat, 10/02/2004 - 10:31 Permalink
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Cubase
KurtFoster

Mumbles,

The answer to your problem is to get another good compressor ... and then use what you have to do double duty ... by compressing track when you record. There is nothing wrong with doing this ... contrary to popular opinion. The whole idea of putting all decisions off until mix, is silly IMO. Use vision, make a plan ... have a concept of what the end product is going to be ..



Sure, you may make a few mistakes a few times but after a while you will learn what works and what doesn't .. Compress a little on the way in and the add more compression to the things that need it in mixing. Loading up on cheap dynamics processors (quantity vs. quality) is not the answer.

Sat, 10/02/2004 - 11:05 Permalink
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Mumbles

I do, actually, compress going to "tape" all the time. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that, as long as you know what you want by doing it.

Maybe I should just buy another Chandler LTD2 or get a Summit DCL200.

"Quantity vs quality..." Yeah... it's a trap, but I've been going with quality so far, so there's no reason to stop now.

Sun, 10/03/2004 - 07:46 Permalink
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jonyoung

Mumbles, I recently got a RNC and used it as a main mix bus compressor on a couple of quick mixes, it paid for itself right there. I also have good luck with it while tracking very dynamic vocals. It's very easy to dial in and the price is right. I have a 160x also, pretty nice but not great for everything. Wish it had adjustable attack & release.

Sun, 10/03/2004 - 08:08 Permalink