Compressor round up!
 

OK as a few of you know I'm gunna be updating the PC and I thought while I'm in the process of spending money, why not spend more money.

So the outboard rack will be getting a make over with a few new compressors.

A DBX160a is a definite (really like what it does for bass, and I've wanted one for ages), but I'm not sure about which stereo compressor will meet my needs. I don't have a heap of cash and I will be buying used (buying used puts Fmr's RNC out of the running as I never see them second hand here).

I'm after something that can remain relatively transparent, but still add a certain "punch" and "characture" (specially to drum tracks) when pushed hard enough.

The choices are:
Focusrite Compounder.
DBX 166xl.
PreSonus ACP 22.
PreSonus BlueMax - seems a bit gimiky though.

Do any of you guys have any experience with any of these? Or is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance. :D

Will get back to you HC...

Im off now for a Japanese dinner, any recommendations?

On the menu tonight is Pork Maki, Wafu steak, and Terriyaki fish, with some green tea and Miso soup. YUM!!!!!

I will say though, that I dont think any of the compressors you listed (except the 160) will give you the results you are after.

Jase

:)

Ok....

DBX? They are owned by the Harman group now.....I think. I found most DBX compressors are used in Live rigs, especially ones manufactured within the last 10 years. I have the 266XL, and all I will say about that is that it compresses. I use it when I mix live, and occasionally use it to get my levels to digital nice and healthy. it is basically crap though.

The original 160 is a classic, and used alot in live rigs of big time engineers, but the 160a is a different beast altogether. Seems like alot of people use it for their live bass rig. I dont know if it will be the same with synths.

Focusrite? Crap (Unless we are talking Red) All their new stuff is useless.

Presonus? Crap. Dont bother.

How about a Joe Meek optical compressor. Maybe a bit pricey, but then you could just fuck off the DBX 160a. Around $1500 AUD. Try:

MIXMASTERS

How about something from TL Audio? They are in the budget range, but probably better than Focusrite or Presonus. Something like a FATMAN 1. Probably around $1500 AUD NEW.

I know you know this, the whole might aswell buy something decent blah blah blah, and I know it is a different story when you just dont have the money. But yeah, you should just save more and buy one really nice stereo/dual mono compressor.

Good luck mate!

Mixmasters have a TL AUDIO C1. What do you think about that as a compressor Jase?

Thanks Jase.

Yeah, I kind of know about the whole hold out to get something better route - specially with compression. But I really don't have a heap of cash. I know where there is a great deal on 160s, but since the kid has popped out I can't spend the extra.

I looked at the TL and also FMR stuff, but I will be buying used and those two brands just don't show up here used. I'll be heading home in the next few weeks, so maybe I'll have a look there too.

Keep the comments coming though fellas.

EDIT:
I always get Agadashi-Tofu when I head out. :D

I have never used one, but I expect it would be alot nicer than the current Ivory range.

If I had the cash, I would probably buy it....

I think TL Audio was started with one of the old Neve designers, and the Classic series are in their High-end. If you are on the lookout for something that will add colour and warmth, then this would be a good buy.

$1300 AUD seems like an OK deal, and the Mixmasters guys are pretty trustworthy. You should give them a call.

Just for drool factor:

JLM Audio

Is there a reason you must buy used? The FMR is cheap enough that even new it's not gonna kill you. The sound is almost on par with my Focusrite Red, I think it definitely blows away anything until you get into the $1000+ category.

Yes, I have bought from them before - a Langevin Dual mono mic pre.
They even helped out with a broken switch by arranging the parts, labor and reshipping.

Ok this might come as a suprise.

What about buying software! 8O
UAD1 with clasic compressor and eq boundle,is it realy importent for you hollow to run everything in analog via your desk?

You have to put alot of money on an external hardware compressor to match the sound quality of UAD1's compressors. I have a cheap project pak + LA2A & Fairchild 670 and they sound great. Even the 1176SE sounds great and needs very little of dsp power. I am still going to invest on 1176LN and Roland Dimension D, when it comes out.

The main reasons are:
Latency.
Computer screens.
Mouse clicks.
Quick routing and effects chaining.

Having things in the real world relm for as long as possible is much more inspirational for me.

Another reason is I'm planning on doing some more "real band" recording and I'd rather deal with hardware when I'm dealing with other peoples time.

Yeah true Pan. I was just hoping to maximise my cash to pick some other stuff too. The way it's looking though, (and judging by opinions) I'll be better off buying the RNC than trying to save the money.

better just get a blinky box with lots of flashing lights and put a UV into it ,that would impress them even more :D
i heard of people buying huge broken desks exacly for that purpose even tho they run everything thru a convertor and into the computer.
"hmmm computer recording? that sounds amatuar...im not paying top dollars for that!" :wink:

Well i understand you HC. I hate messing around with the mouse trying to do something that can be done in less than half the time on hardware. If it?s really anoying it makes me do things "the easy way" instead of "the right way" :? Anyway i like the felling of actually getting something besides a CD-ROM :wink:
One exception though: I belive that software sequensers are far easier to work with than hardware sequensers...

you want contol and hw feel?
look at the new toy 303 bought... :)

Naahhh, i just got my Fantom X7 yesterday. That should be enough to satisfy my gear lust for a while :mrgreen: At least i?m broke now :wink:

OK, as far as compressors are concerned:

Is it not true that ONLY a hardware compressor placed in the signal path BEFORE a signal is recorded can prevent CLIPPING?

<Jase, help me out here!>

So, a software compressor can effectively act as a hardware compressor on a recorded signal that has not exceeded 0dB in the digital domain, BUT it cannot stop a vocal or clean guitar signal from clipping as it is recorded.

I have alwayse been led to believe (by a few sources) that it is best to record as such:

SOURCE->PREAMP->COMPRESSOR->Recording INTERFACE

Unless of course you are all digital...

Am I on the right track or full of shite?!

:wink:

-Alex

I think i read something semilar to what you?r saying in some guide on the internet...

few are the insrtuments which will clip doring recording...
maybe bass but usualy a good bass player cerfuly controls the timbre of his instrument.

Maybe so, I guess a hardware compressor can provide a sort of insurance that a software compressor cannot; but it can be lived without if one deals with musicians (and vocalists too :wink: ) that know what they are doing.

I'm interested to hear the experiences of others on this topic as I am sure there is quite a variance.

8)

-Alex

You really have no idea a lot of the time do you Tommer?

The idea behind have a compressor before the recording stage is not only to stop clipping, but also to get the most out of the sound.

Buy controlling the peaks (even slightly) of the signal before entering the computer you can in turn get a fuller sound recorded. 24bit depth can go some way to help when recording a signal with many highs and lows, as 24bit gives more range to process after the signal is recorded, but still.....

You have to remember if you are recording real instruments you are usually recording mic'ed up amps, not guitars plugged straight into the desk. Often different effects can be gained by doing things like placing a compressor before or after the amp stage ect....

When recording live bands/musos they don't really have the time to be fucking around with plugs, latency or menus navigation. You wanna route signals differently? - just press a few buttons on the desk and you're ready to go. The computer should be set up for instant mulittrack recording in my opinion.

You should really get into a half decent hardware studio Tommer. Either that or try recording a few diffrenent sorts or music.


Anyway back to the original topic.

Yes, I wanna hardware compressor! :roll:

So any more opinions? :D

One of the reasons for placing a compressor in the signal chain before hitting HD is that there is less quantisation error in the upper bits, and the compressor should bring up your level (as well as stop it hitting 0dBFS)

A limiter will help stop clipping.

Im not sure if you can place a compressor plug on an input channel.....I must check it out in SX

Also, like HC said, certain high end compressors add colour/character to signal.

I'm not sure if that can be done effectively either. One way may be to route a "real time" compressed by software signal to another output and record it back in that way - what a head fuck! PC internal routing like this isn't an option when recording multiple ins....Also I wonder how latency would effect this? Come to think about it, how could you run the comp before pedals, FX or amps - like I said, what a head fuck!

Anyway....

I think I've finally decided. I've read up heaps over the past few days and I'm settling into my choice.

I'm gunna go for the FMR RNC and still grab the DBX160a for bass. The RNC is raved about all over and for the cash nothing seems to come close. This should tide me over for the basics.

Thanks to all that spoke out! :D

You are more than welcome, HC!

Cheers!

-Alex

OK.... Bought an FMR RNC here in Ausi and took it round to a mates place to test out yesterday. Cheaper here in Ausi, but still more expensive than the US.

Damn fine units for the money!!! Can't believe how they keep the high end intact for a start. Went straight it compressor no-no teritory - masive gain reduction, pumping/breathing and generally pushing the thing hard straight off the mark. Could not trip it up at all!

For clean transparent stereo compression, definitely recomend it.

Nice one HC....

They also have a RNLA (Really nice levelling amplifier) in the same vain as LA2a etc...

I might look into something from FMR one day

Yeah, looked into those ones as well, but decided on the RNC - There are other things I'd like to get for "colour" instead of the RNLA. This time transparant seemed more important, so I went for the RNC.

For the money they are great units for sure Jase. Definitely worth a look/listen.