Suggestions for my first, real compressor

[Sayat Nova]

Hello everyone,

I have an Apogee Trak-2, Rosetta 800, matched pair of Neuman TLM103's, Mackie 1604VLZPRO (just for monitoring, not for much else), ADAMS-P11 monitors, and DP on a mac as my DAW.

I am at the end of an almost three year cycle of putting together my own home recording studio, and as soon as I pay-off this last round of gear I will be looking at finally getting a high quality compressor.

I will need to use it for both tracking and for mixing (and to be completely honest, self-mastering until I can afford to take it somewhere real...), so something that was flexible colour-wise would be a real benefit...I do mostly acoustic, folk instruments myself (winds and strings), but my fiancee is a singer and vocals truly need to be considered, as well...:-)

I was going to get a Manley "Vari-Mu" pretty much based on the reputation alone (something with tubes to compliment the Trak-2), but after scouring the web for the past few days it seems like I may be limited by the lack of being able to change the colour of the unit, especially since I will need to both track and mix with it. In addition, most mentions of it don't say whether or not it is ideally suited to accoustic material. (This may or may not be relevant, I just don't know but I mention it here, none the less).

I then looked to the Crane Song "STC-8" and I must say it seems like it would suite my needs pretty well: All Class A, musical, clean compression, and most interesting to me is the ability to add colour to it via the harmonic saturation pathway (tube qualities to compliment the Trak-2). All of the reviews That I found touch on this and say that it is like having many compressors in one...It seems like even though it is obviously aimed at mastering, it should also be good for tracking, as well?...It is expensive, but at this point if it will fulfill all of my needs then I can accept the higher price. The only negative things I have heard about it is that it isn't cheap, and that you can't be too agressive with the compression or it is not so happy. However, I am doing folk instruments, vocals and some hand drums, so how much will this affect me?...(the proverbial grain of salt here?).

The last contender here is the "Distresser" by Empirical Labs. It has a great reputation as a good compressor, and it also has the harmonic warmth/fat thing going on, as well. I don't wish to be provocative, but how does it stand up to the Crane Song STC-8?...(I am not sure if the Distresser is all class A, and if not how important is this)?


So, I guess what I am asking is between these three, which would be the best choice for my first (and for while, my only) real compressor? If you could only choose one of these, which would cover the most ground for the money spent (keeping in mind that at this level of gear I am sure it is hard to lose...)!


I'd love to hear anyones thoughts, suggestions, and/or experiences with any of these units and I thank you for your time.

I hope all is well, cheers.

sayatnova

[djui5]

HHB Radius 3 Fatman, Distresser, DBX 160A, or 160SL(Stereo) or the original 160, Mindprint T-Comp, Avalon AD2044, Focusrite Red 3, Summit Audio DCL200, TL-Audio C-1, TL-Audio Fat 1, And my personal favorite...the GML 8900. These are all adjustable compressor's. I don't personally know about the HHB, TL-Audio, or Mindprint compressors, but I do know the Avalon is ok, the GML is incredible, the focusrite is allright, and Summit is awesome. You might also look into the API compressers. They're really good compressors too.

[michaelhoddy]

For the kind of music you're doing, I'd look at the Crane Song. For rock, I'd look at the Distressor. I love Manley and all, but I'm not sure the Vari-Mu is quite the do-all that either of the above is, and I'm quite sure the ELOP is not. Still, excellent gear, just not on as many things.

[xstatic]

The Crane song is a wonderful compressor. In my opinion it will do your pristine super clean compression really well, but have heard that the saturation features on it just aren't as cool. The Distressor is just the opposite. When you want to fatten or warm up a sound the Distressor will do an amazing job. However, I feel like the Crane song will sound better on clean neutral compression settings. Personally, I would go the Distressor route first as i feel like it will be more versatile than the rest. You could probably buy a Distressor, 2 RNC's and a used DBX 160 VU or Urei LA-4 for about the same price as one Crane Song if I remember right. I agree with Randy on the GML compressor. But you could probably buy all of the other compas on his list for the price of a stereo GML comp

[Sayat Nova]

Hello everyone,

Well, thank you each for your responses. I do appreciate it.

I guess if the STC-8 wasn't as versatile colour-wise as I was hoping, maybe a pair of "Trakkers" for the compressioin and a "Fatso" for the warmth/colour would be a good alternative. It would run a little bit more than the STC-8, but maybe it would be the most versatile?...

Any thoughts?

Thanks again for your time,

sayatnova

[sdelsolray]

Many of the compressors listed are great. Nevertheless, no short list of quality compressors is complete without adding the Pendulum Audio products. I beleive there are three different stereo compressors offered by Pendulum, although 1 might not be in production anymore.

[djui5]

Go with the distressor. You'll be happy, they're insanely versatile and are quite adjustable. Plus they sound really good on lot's of instruments..including vocals. The "Nuke" is always fun too..haha

[dizzlano]

Two things-

The Fatso is great in itself, but you are definitely going to want more flexibility as far as ratios, attack etc.

I use my Fatso on a lot (bass, drums, guitars) but after I've done some initial processing.

I just got a stereo pair of disstressors, and I'll second Randy's response. These are definitely the most flexible, shapable, and consistent units available for the price.

Tracking, Mixing, even a nice stereo mix, put through these units and you really cant go wrong. They're virtually idiot proof, and believe me,,,,,,I can be quite an idiot at times !! lol

But seriously, they are worth it and you will not be dissapointed in their performance, fleixibility, and sound.

-dano

[TomM]

They are all awesome compressors. However for your situation, I think I would go with the cranesong STC-8/M. Get the mastering version since you'll be using it on your stereo mix. It has sooooo many options and different sounds. The mu is just very transparent and is excellent on the stereo mix, but sometimes you want to go with a different sound (especially with tracking). The distressor is probably the biggest bang for the buck but i'd prefer the cranesong for the stereo-mix. I'm awaiting my manley slam! mastering version for my stereo-mix! can't wait

[reignstorm]

I've got 2 distressors and they can do anything.....get them.