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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 10:20:00 GMT -6
Considering new hardware, a fast dynamic processor just for shaving peaks, like loud rimshot transients on snare or to control peaks on vocals before smooth opto.
Not really transparent limiting, but with the right saturation curve that calms the pokey timbre as well, but transparent enough overall/in release that it doesn't really mess with the body of the sound if you keep GR in 2-4db range and faster release.
Thinking 1176s like Splice, Mohog, a FET alternative like Overstayer SFE, FC526, or maybe Distressor.
At the top of the range, is the Chandler RS124 fast enough for these kinds of jobs, or does it not pair well with an opto on vocals, for example? Or being a vari mu does it do both jobs well all on its own?
Can the FC526 get nonlinear/grainy enough on pokey things? I'm concerned how exactly the design deviates in transparency from the 1176 for transient handling.
Or put another way is there something currently made that has the initial transient handling of an 1176 but with a more transparent fast release?
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Post by noah shain on Jun 9, 2016 11:00:29 GMT -6
FWIW I do that job with distressors. That and ultra smash. They are really flexible.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 11:50:53 GMT -6
Yeah, I've been really considering the Distressor.
I've used 1176s in the past for this, and now there are so many options with different tones, like the Mohog switchable transformer or Splice circuits and HPF.
I want something hands on and simple with the transient/saturation control of the Distressor but ideally with a slicker tone for vocals, and more controllable than 1176 on snare.
That's why I was considering the Overstayer SFE, because it has the harmonics control and parallel blend.
The Arousor plugin is nice, but psychologically it's hard for me to precede an expensive hardware opto or bus compressor with a plugin.
Then again, I use dynamic eqs for really peaky resonances in vocals sometimes.
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Post by drbill on Jun 9, 2016 11:59:16 GMT -6
Splice on "A" mode NAILS what you describe. Personally not a distressor fan, but they are certainly a pro option. The 526 is too clean for what you describe. Doesn't feel like an 1176 to me. Haven't tried it, but I don't thing the 124 is what you're looking for. The classic sound you describe is an 1176. I've heard great things about the overstayer, but have not had the opportunity to try one.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 12:11:55 GMT -6
Thanks for the input!
I guess I do want a better 1176. Distressor is kinda boring tone-wise to me now with all these other options but it does get the job done.
Yeah Splice was in top spot for me yesterday. Seems like great vocal compressor in its own right.
Overstayer obviously nice because of 2 channels, but from the demos around, not sure how it would sound on vocals. Would seem great for drum bus and parallel harmonics.
Roundbadge and Rob S have been gushing about it for this.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2016 12:14:26 GMT -6
I haven't used the Splice - which I'm sure is excellent - but I would think the FC526 would be fantastic in that role. It's the fastest comp I've used Doesn't pinch like some 1176s I've used.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 12:28:39 GMT -6
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2016 12:31:08 GMT -6
Sure. I'll do it when I get back. What settings on an 1176 would you use? I would prob go 4:1 slowest attack fastest release...but you tell me.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 12:38:50 GMT -6
Thanks so much,
Hmm maybe that as the standard with 4-6db and one with faster attack 12:1, 2-4db. If you don't mind. I'm thinking one of the two will bring out more sustain and even out the poke.
Much appreciated.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2016 12:40:49 GMT -6
gotcha
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Post by Ward on Jun 9, 2016 14:11:01 GMT -6
The Mohog isn't fast enough. You;d think, wouldn't you? But it's not. At least mine aren't. The Warm tends to not know when to stop, hence overkill. The UA 1176s are much more controllable and quick enough... But I think you should also really consider the Daking FET2/FET3 as well.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 15:04:19 GMT -6
Yeah, I think the Warm is a little too distorted in the release on snare, and the switches and meter on mine have problems which need to be fixed. Sounds thicker than other 1176s, which can work well on vocals. But I need something more reliable.
The Daking I think would probably be too transparent. I want something that can do the 12:1 limiting thing, but that still has option to get a little color when pushed on vocals or guitars. Just not dominate the tone of the source too easily. Maybe an 1176 style with hpf design and 2:1 is enough to do this. I like how the Splice, FC526 and Overstayer all have lighter ratio options.
I don't know why the UA gets criticized so much when it does the job admirably. I guess the price and input attenuator thing turned people off and it doesn't sound like the old ones, but it still sounds smoother than the Purple.
Love the look of the Mohogs, but glad to know it didn't work for you for this sort of thing.
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Post by EmRR on Jun 9, 2016 15:11:28 GMT -6
There's no vari-mu I've heard that releases fast enough for this, unless special effect counts. When you shorten the release that much, they don't really grab so to get limiting you basically have to overdrive them somewhat into clipping, at least with all the classics I've used and modified. The RS124 is aimed at slow attack usage anyway.
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Post by Guitar on Jun 9, 2016 15:17:15 GMT -6
If you're looking for something cheap, check out the DBX 560A, in soft knee mode it's quite invisible for general leveling duties. Sorry I don't have experience with the more expensive options, although I hope to change that. I don't know if you're looking for transparency but the Aphex 651 Expressor is another good solution for not much $$.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 15:23:56 GMT -6
I've thought about springing for a 160x because they're pretty cheap and useful.
Currently I'm lacking a reliable FET option, which I like on snares and vocal into an opto. And standard 1176 I think is not as versatile as it could be.
I have a Cl1B which is stellar for bass and vocals and is pretty flexible overall. It can handle everything but percussion (except sometimes kick) and peaky vocals. On those vocals you sorta need serial compression.
I have GSSL which can get the job done but I prefer on buses, and 2 10DCs, which sound great for bus duties and a lot of things like thickening vocals but are not really fast enough for spikey transients and too thick at faster attack and high GR anyway for what i need.
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Post by joseph on Jun 9, 2016 18:01:24 GMT -6
There's also the Pete's Place BAC-500. hmmm
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Post by EmRR on Jun 9, 2016 18:02:43 GMT -6
I don't think of dbx as fast either, unless you get whichever one model has the non-linear timing circuit rather than the rms timing. Jim Williams has mentioned it somewhere.
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Post by sean on Jun 9, 2016 18:21:22 GMT -6
Elysia xpressor? Seems like a good choice for your needs. Maybe demo the plug in version and see if it does something you like
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Post by rowmat on Jun 9, 2016 18:23:29 GMT -6
Aphex Expressor. I also have a couple of FC526's and a pair of WA76's but for peak limiting the Expressors are our go to hardware processors.
Most recommend the 651 but I like the 661 (we have both).
The 661 has much better metering and is a little more flexible control wise.
The 'Tubessence' circuit is not such the gimmick as I thought it might be.
It does provide a little extra harmonic character if that's what you want.
The 'Tubessence' circuit can also be bypassed with an internal jumper if you want cleaner compression like a 651.
I recommend fitting a switch to the front so you can switch the tube circuit on or off depending on what you prefer.
The Expressors work exceptionally well as fast peak limiters. Really under appreciated and very cheap.
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Post by yotonic on Jun 9, 2016 21:12:53 GMT -6
UREI 1178
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Post by Ward on Jun 9, 2016 21:17:13 GMT -6
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Post by yotonic on Jun 9, 2016 21:21:06 GMT -6
Yeah that's Jean's auction. I've bought from him he's a good guy.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2016 22:32:48 GMT -6
In order: Slowest attack, fastest release (input low)-6ish GR on 4:1 4:1 12:1 ABI
slowest attack, fastest release (input med)-20 GR on 4:1 4:1 12:1 ABI
Fast-ish attack, fastest release (input med) -20 GR on 4:1 4:1 %0Ahttps%3A//soundcloud.com/johnandkris/snare526-1
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 9, 2016 22:36:55 GMT -6
No clue wtf is going on with soundcloud...
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Post by yotonic on Jun 9, 2016 22:43:59 GMT -6
Gotta love that waveform. It's how a Kanye song makes me feel.
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