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anonymous 20 January 2004

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 .

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AudioGaff Tue, 01/20/2004 - 23:23

Have a look [url=(dead link removed)[/url] 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.

e-cue Wed, 01/21/2004 - 02:09

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).

anonymous Sun, 02/08/2004 - 02:35

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.

anonymous Sun, 02/08/2004 - 04:21

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.

ozraves Tue, 02/10/2004 - 08:42

I've been fairly impressed with the TFpro "Edward the Compressor." It's supposedly modeled after some classic units. However, I think the attack and release characteristics were the thing that got modeled rather than the actual sound. I wish Ted Fletcher would have labeled the different compressors as A, B, C, D rather than after the actual models. I think older guys might not like the wide latitude for adjustment. However, you can come up with some funky sounds. I usually just trust my ears and go with what I'm hearing rather than watching the settings.

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