eddies.....

i cannot emphasize this enough.... you need to LISTEN!

if your local gear-pusher isn't OK with lending you several devices to compare look for another supplier!

you cannot buy equipment of this quality on reputation alone...

don't be scared.... it's not rocket science 8-)

On top of that, one compressor is rarely enough.

That being said, if I could only have one, it'd be the STC8. Probably the most transparent and flexible unit I've ever heard, and options for a little "flava" when needed.

iznogood wrote: eddies.....

i cannot emphasize this enough.... you need to LISTEN!

if your local gear-pusher isn't OK with lending you several devices to compare look for another supplier!

you cannot buy equipment of this quality on reputation alone...

don't be scared.... it's not rocket science 8-)

Its not that Im scared-------I just wanna be well informed---------------------Id rather look like an ass by asking too many questions,than feel like an idiot , by not asking.
I realize I cant have all of them,but I just feel inclined to pay attention to guys who have used the comps before.
Thanks dude 8-)

Massive Mastering wrote: On top of that, one compressor is rarely enough.

That being said, if I could only have one, it'd be the STC8. Probably the most transparent and flexible unit I've ever heard, and options for a little "flava" when needed.

Thanks for the advise,----be as it may,looks like the STC 8 is the ticket

eddies880 wrote: [quote=Massive Mastering]On top of that, one compressor is rarely enough.

That being said, if I could only have one, it'd be the STC8. Probably the most transparent and flexible unit I've ever heard, and options for a little "flava" when needed.

Thanks for the advise,----be as it may,looks like the STC 8 is the ticket

Not necessarely, but a heck of great gear. You might look for something else also... if the money permits it :wink:

The 3 compressors that I use most often are:

The Weiss DS1
Chandler LTD-2
Crane Song STC-8

Of these the Weiss is the most transparent, STC-8 second, and Chandler 3rd.

However transparency can be boring. I find it a bit odd that many are looking for that "fat, warm, punchy" sound but would choose something that's transparent. Particularly if recording digitally.

If you're mastering Jazz or classical you're very likely going to go for transparency. Rock on the other hand usually favors a comp with a bit of character.

Since most of the material I master is Alt Rock, I usually use a combination of the Chandler and Weiss, Chandler for punch (and a GREAT rock character), Weiss to get things up in level a bit more without very many artifacts.