for commercial recording production, how would you rate these four compressors? GML, Manley, Avalon and Weiss?

have to choose one for the studio I am working in. looking forward to some professional opinion from here. thanx.

I would use a multi-channel compressor, preferably 6, 8, or 10 channels. This is a hobby, so price is a factor-- less than a grand please! :)

Size is also a factor, as is knobbage. I need a good balance between smallish size and immediate control. One knob per basic function per channel is optimal.

I know these are relatively low end comps, but Im just a humble aumatuer noise-maker, looking for professional advice. These will be used for taking care of toms, mostly. Or, perhaps youve heard better results on other instruments. There is also Drawmer's DL241 which is a bit more, but still in my range. I talked to Fletcher about this, and he raved about the RNC as being very clear.

I would love some feedback on whats the difference between the 1176 silverface LN and the blackface LN. Their seems to be a higher price on the blackface. Do they sound different? Why do most people prefer the blackface? Lastly would the blackface be a better investment?
Thanks,
Bruce

Hi guys,

I have noticed that side-chain inputs are not common on the more traditional compressor designs. I understand why they would not exist on an exacting "reissue" model, like the "new" UA LA-2A & 1176 models - if the original model didn't have the feature, the reissue won't have it either.

Hi I currently use a RNC compressor for overall mixes. Would an LA-2a either alone or after the RNC be a good second compressor to purchase for overall mixes?

I was wondering when people who use mix compression patch it in. I've tried early and later, but haven't determined a method. I don't often use mix compression; I had some bad experiences, with cheap gear, and tended to leave it for mastering. Now that I have nicer units available, I'm going to try again.

Thanks for the advice :D

OK, I decided to wait and get something that I will not outgrow (damn the peer pressure). For all around (but particularly vocals), would I be better off going in the LA-2 (ex. Universal Audio) type or the 1176 type (ex. Purple Audio)? If money were no object. The only other compressors I have are the RNC and I will probably get the Avalon 737. For rock music, not heavy metal.

Just picked up a FMR :"RNC" compressor, "Burnin'House of Jam" recommended this one. understand why it is used, but have a bit of trouble hearing the difference when used or not used. how about the "supernice" mode? If I just set it at 12 o'clock positions, will I reap any of the benefits on vocals? thanks in advance!