What kind of sound are you looking for ? what will you be compressing?

I am after something to add a little warmth to my digital recordings. Some punch to kicks and bass guitars. Something warm but still clear on vocals. Also something to run full mixes through

That's a tall order for a $1K compressor!!

You might want to look at the Drawmer line and some used dbx stuff. I've seen a 162SLs on ebay for around $1K.

Good luck.

J

Ha ha. Yes I know. I am asking for the world there.
Thanks for the advice.
I will have a look at the Drawmer line.
I am willing to stertch a little further for something special.
Anyone else ?

This one claims to have everything you're looking for:

"...tube preamp for adding warmth"
"...deep distortion for real punch"
"...signal retains its full impact resulting in clear, powerful tone"

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.activemu…"]Link[/]="http://www.activemu…"]Link[/]

patrick_like_static wrote: This one claims to have everything you're looking for:

"...tube preamp for adding warmth"
"...deep distortion for real punch"
"...signal retains its full impact resulting in clear, powerful tone"

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.activemu…"]Link[/]="http://www.activemu…"]Link[/]

Joke..... right?

I hope so !

Of course. Why would I sincerely recommend a product that only has 7 kinds of distortion?

Ha ha ha.

patrick_like_sarcasm

this might be to your likeing
http://proaudiomatrix.com/pro-audio-in-a-box-api-500-6b-slot-lunchbox-to-be-exact/

Joe Meek SC2 or even the SC2.2 stereo compressor - the Ted Fletcher models.

I would wait until you had another $500 to a $1000 because that opens up some more possibilities for you. It's also a purchase you are more likely to keep for the long haul rather than getting something mediocre. I would rather spend 2 g's on something solid than 1 g on something I won't really appreciate for the long haul.

I would get over the need for a Tube/Valve compressor. Most of the noted pro models are way out of your price range. For around $1500 you can get the new Rupert Neve Designs stereo compressor. I haven't used it yet ( i will be taking one for testing soon) but I have heard many great things about it so far.

You may also want to consider getting a single channel now and buying a second of the same unit when you have more dough. Some great single channel options to considerl Purple MC77, Daking FET II. If you had a lunch box you could get an API 525 for about $1000. Those are some options I would be looking.

Good Luck in your search

Thank you all.
I am thinking about buying something at the very low end of the market (something like a second hand TL audio 5021) for a small price. Something I can play around with and learn from whilst saving some money to get something very high end in 6 months or so.
Thanks for the advice