Massive Hardware Compressor Shootout (and some software too)
Jul 24, 2013 18:40:47 GMT -6
abecha024, tonycamphd, and 9 more like this
Post by littlesicily on Jul 24, 2013 18:40:47 GMT -6
I wanted to share some processed files I made by running thru a bunch of compressors I've had on hand over the past few years.
1) Retro Sta-Level (attack time set to double for all examples)
2) Retro 176 (added Aug. 8, 2012)
3) TubeTech CL1B
4) Purple Audio MC77
5) Purple Audio Action
6) Universal Audio 1176 (reissue)
7) Universal Audio 6176 (same setting as MC77 & 1176 even tho panel markings are different)
8) Urei 1176LN Revision F
9) Urei 1176 Blue Stripe Rev B (restored, calibrated for stock factory spec)
10) Emperical Labs Distressor EL8
11) Anamod AM660 ( Note: "TC" stands for time constant which is the attack and release setting.)
12) Urei BL-40
13) Urei La3a vintage
14) Universal Audio La3a
15) dbx 163 (old one from 70's freshly recap'ed)
16) Ashley SC-50 Blackface
17) Aphex Expressor 651 w/ Jim Williams Mod
18) JoeMeek VC1 (added Dec. 9, 2011)
19) Anamod ATS-1 ( I threw this one in for fun!)
___ Plugins___
20) Bomb Factory BF76 (1176 emulation)
21) Massey CT4
22) Waves CLA-76 Blacky Blackface (notated as ...CLA76Bk)
23) Waves CLA-76 Bluey Blue Stripe (notated as ...CLA76BS)
24) Waves CLA-3A La3a
I took a vocal file from the 3d Audio "Mic Pre CD" and ran it out of ProTools HD, thru a Lynx Aurora at 24 bit, 44.1khz, thru the compressor, then back thru the Lynx into PT again. I made several files for each comp with various settings.
I've also included a vocal file that I ran thru the D/A, A/D but without any compressor. This way you are hearing ONLY what the compressors are doing without any added changes from the conversion process.
The file labeling is pretty simple but here's a brief description:
ratio is listed as 2.1 rather than 2:1 b/c a colon was not allowed.
A= attack
R= release
GR= gain reduction. I listed what the MAX GR was (on the loudest section) per unit. I tried to hit the comps hard, as to reveal their sound a bit more obviously, based upon what I thought each unit could handle. For instance, the StaLevel can easily do 20db of GR and still sound great, actually better, while the Distressor can crap out at half that much.
I hope you find this helpful.
More on the file source:
The original recording is from the 3D Pre CD by 3D Audio, which showcases 30+ preamps on female voice and acoustic guitar. They are copyrighted and are only used by securing written permission from Lynn Fuston and 3D Audio. The original recordings are available for download at www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showth...-Vocal-Samples and the CD is available at osCommerce
I have purchased 3 of the various shootout CD's from 3d Audio and they are all great, IMO. Lynn is really making great products.
Download zip folder containing all files.
www.dropbox.com/s/mw62pqr0s3bvnsj/Little%20Sicily%20Comp%20Files.zip?dl=0
1) Retro Sta-Level (attack time set to double for all examples)
2) Retro 176 (added Aug. 8, 2012)
3) TubeTech CL1B
4) Purple Audio MC77
5) Purple Audio Action
6) Universal Audio 1176 (reissue)
7) Universal Audio 6176 (same setting as MC77 & 1176 even tho panel markings are different)
8) Urei 1176LN Revision F
9) Urei 1176 Blue Stripe Rev B (restored, calibrated for stock factory spec)
10) Emperical Labs Distressor EL8
11) Anamod AM660 ( Note: "TC" stands for time constant which is the attack and release setting.)
12) Urei BL-40
13) Urei La3a vintage
14) Universal Audio La3a
15) dbx 163 (old one from 70's freshly recap'ed)
16) Ashley SC-50 Blackface
17) Aphex Expressor 651 w/ Jim Williams Mod
18) JoeMeek VC1 (added Dec. 9, 2011)
19) Anamod ATS-1 ( I threw this one in for fun!)
___ Plugins___
20) Bomb Factory BF76 (1176 emulation)
21) Massey CT4
22) Waves CLA-76 Blacky Blackface (notated as ...CLA76Bk)
23) Waves CLA-76 Bluey Blue Stripe (notated as ...CLA76BS)
24) Waves CLA-3A La3a
I took a vocal file from the 3d Audio "Mic Pre CD" and ran it out of ProTools HD, thru a Lynx Aurora at 24 bit, 44.1khz, thru the compressor, then back thru the Lynx into PT again. I made several files for each comp with various settings.
I've also included a vocal file that I ran thru the D/A, A/D but without any compressor. This way you are hearing ONLY what the compressors are doing without any added changes from the conversion process.
The file labeling is pretty simple but here's a brief description:
ratio is listed as 2.1 rather than 2:1 b/c a colon was not allowed.
A= attack
R= release
GR= gain reduction. I listed what the MAX GR was (on the loudest section) per unit. I tried to hit the comps hard, as to reveal their sound a bit more obviously, based upon what I thought each unit could handle. For instance, the StaLevel can easily do 20db of GR and still sound great, actually better, while the Distressor can crap out at half that much.
I hope you find this helpful.
More on the file source:
The original recording is from the 3D Pre CD by 3D Audio, which showcases 30+ preamps on female voice and acoustic guitar. They are copyrighted and are only used by securing written permission from Lynn Fuston and 3D Audio. The original recordings are available for download at www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showth...-Vocal-Samples and the CD is available at osCommerce
I have purchased 3 of the various shootout CD's from 3d Audio and they are all great, IMO. Lynn is really making great products.
Download zip folder containing all files.
www.dropbox.com/s/mw62pqr0s3bvnsj/Little%20Sicily%20Comp%20Files.zip?dl=0