compressors

[Rip]

Just interested in what everybody is using to tame dynamics! We just talked about vocal compression not too long ago, but what about everything else? What type of circuitry? Which models? And for what applications? I prefer Joe Meek stuff (SC2, SC2.2) on percussion, especially snare and sometimes kick, although I really like the punch that a Bellari RP583 can give a kick drum. I even get out my Alesis 3630 for drum overheads ....I really like the unit's transparency, especially for high freq material. For bass guitar, I dig the Distressor, and even the 1176N, although I'm finding that the 1176 can be a little too warm at times. I don't think that is the intention with its design, so maybe I've got a long way to go before mastering the 1176! Wish I could get my hands on the LA-2A, or some Millenia-Media gear, but for now I like the ART tube stuff for vocals. What about Aphex 651's or dbx 165's on guitar? Anybody with experience on Avalon gear? I'd love some input.

[David Klausner]

As readers of this forum may know, I tend to use compressors as creative tools and not just for dynamics management. For pure gain control, it is hard to beat the Aphex Compellor/Dominator boxes, but I'm usually looking for some character.

Aggressive sounding units like the 1176 and Distressor etc. are great on rock drums, I usually use an 1176 or Summit on bass, and for vocals, I probably use the greatest variety of both pre's and compressors to really shape the tone, depending on what's needed for the vocalist/track.

What are some other folks' preferences for different applications?

Rip, if you find the 1176 is too warm on bass, I wonder what the rest of the chain is - what kind of DI and what pre?

[Rip]

Actually, I usually use either a Whirlwind Hotbox or Countryman DI, run through the mic-pre's on the Series 75 Trident console. I'm not particularly fond of the Hotbox, but the current engineering gig offers me little options. In fact, the Hotbox is particularly brittle, which contradicts the warmth I'm getting out of the 1176. For miking I use either the C414, or the Neumann 170 if (warmth is the goal).

[David Klausner]

I'm not a big fan of the Hot Box either. I like the Countryman, the BSS and the Klark Teknik for the "won't break the bank" units. The Avalon U5 is hard to beat though if you've got the $$. 1176's are great compressors, but if you've got the old ones, they can get temperamental at times. I've found that the meter ballistics tend to vary a lot from unit to unit (among other things), so it's very much a "trust your ears not your eyes" kind of thing to get the best results.

It's funny, yesterday I was saying how I dig aggressive compressors for bass, and last night I recorded a sweet little piece with a fretless, and the only compressor that sounded any good was an LA4. I think it's good for everyone reading these forums for tips to remember that there really aren't any rules, just suggestions, and often thinking outside of our usual habits can produce cool results.

[blue_sky]

I tried an 1176; warm is not what came to mind.

it seemed bright and edgey, aggressive. I didn't like it at all.

a tubetech cl1b is warm; probably an la2a also though i've never heard one.

[recordingpro]

I love the la2a when i'm recording a good "classic rock" type of sound on a guitar amp. It seems to give it a nice "smeared" sound. For everyones benefit who may not know, there is some great information and advice on using compression and limiting on the tips and tricks portion of the Waves plugin site. www.waves.com

[Ernest828]

Speaking of compressors, do any of you use or have any of you even heard of FmrAudio`s
"Real Nice Compressor"?

I`ve heard some good things about this piece and it goes for $199. I`m wondering if its worth
checking out. Any feedback on this piece is appreciated.