|
Post by craigmorris74 on Mar 18, 2019 8:19:14 GMT -6
Hi Folks!
I'm looking at getting a new vari-mu compressor-something in the $1000 range. I have several compressors-2x 1176, 3 LA-3A, Urei Modulimiter, Spectra Sonics 610, 2 Neve 2254, and I already have one vari mu-an Altec 436, but it's pretty limited.
I'm looking at the following: Retro Double Wide (I or II) Weight Tank Compressor Audioscape V comp
Looking for any thoughts here. I'll use this on vocals, single drum overhead, and guitars mainly.
Thanks, Craig
|
|
|
Post by stormymondays on Mar 18, 2019 10:09:40 GMT -6
Weight Tank is fantastic. Do a search in the forum, there are one or two threads about it. For me, it shines on bass and vocals. I never thought to use it on drums, will try that!
|
|
|
Post by jcoutu1 on Mar 18, 2019 10:11:49 GMT -6
I owned a Doublewide before and preferred my Weight Tanks. Haven't used a Sta though.
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Mar 18, 2019 10:21:19 GMT -6
I love my IGS Audio Tubecore 3U Mastering Comp. IGS Audio also makes a 500 series mono version that is within your budget range.
Chad
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Mar 18, 2019 10:40:16 GMT -6
Ditto - Weight Tank (x2 here) are absolutely fantastic. Different from my Manley VariMu's but equally awesome.
|
|
|
Post by craigmorris74 on Mar 18, 2019 15:53:36 GMT -6
Thanks for all the replies! I need to listen to some samples and see which one best suits me. There's a bunch of of great stuff out there for cheap.
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Mar 18, 2019 16:44:53 GMT -6
I love my IGS Audio Tubecore 3U Mastering Comp. IGS Audio also makes a 500 series mono version that is within your budget range. Chad I’ve got the IGS Tubecore 3U as well. Great comp. Another I’d recommend is the Highland Dynamics BG2. Much more than $1K though.
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Mar 18, 2019 17:44:37 GMT -6
THe Manley Slam is pretty good . . . but not really my thing. I might sell it.
|
|
|
Post by dror520 on Mar 18, 2019 17:49:30 GMT -6
Ditto - Weight Tank (x2 here) are absolutely fantastic. Different from my Manley VariMu's but equally awesome. Would you consider the Weight Tank x2 as a stereo mix compressor as well? Like the Manley Vari-Mu?
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Mar 18, 2019 18:11:17 GMT -6
Ditto - Weight Tank (x2 here) are absolutely fantastic. Different from my Manley VariMu's but equally awesome. Would you consider the Weight Tank x2 as a stereo mix compressor as well? Like the Manley Vari-Mu? I answered this somewhere before....not sure if it was this thread or not. They are different than the Manley. I wouldn't consider them a Manley VariMu replacement. I have mostly used them in mono - in part due to the fact that they are in different racks, but I would have no problem trying them in stereo if I didn't already have the Manley. Over here, the Manley VMu usually ends up on the mix bus. I see them as a little more rough, more aggressive, more rock n roll than the Manley. Sorry I can't be of more help. Maybe someone else can comment.
|
|
|
Post by jeromemason on Mar 18, 2019 19:10:33 GMT -6
The Doublewide II is a heavy contender. Much more aggressive and more like a Vari-Mu should sound compared to the original Doublewide. Also gives a very nice meaty largness to what you put through it. I'd love to have one of the Weight Tanks, probably will grab one soon. I wonder if he's every going to release through dealers like Sweetwater and such?
|
|
|
Post by the other mark williams on Mar 19, 2019 3:11:16 GMT -6
I wonder if he's every going to release through dealers like Sweetwater and such? if he ever does, he’ll have to charge quite a bit more for the pieces...
|
|
|
Post by craigmorris74 on Mar 24, 2019 18:11:18 GMT -6
Thanks for all the replies. I've listened to loads of samples online, and looked at all the feature of each, and I think I have it narrowed down to the Weight Tank and the Tubecore 500. I totally aware that neither of these are Failchilds, but I'm looking for a compressor to do the Sgt. Peppery/Magical Mystery Tour drum pump thing. Again, I know a Fairchild has a million more tubes than either of these, but I'm interested in getting a similar compression character.
Thanks, Craig
|
|
|
Post by Martin John Butler on Mar 24, 2019 20:26:02 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum Craig. Stam Audio has designed a "Stamchild". He says it's a dead ringer for the original. It's pricey and will likely take months to be ready, but Stam has a knack for making things sound really good, so it's a fair bet he'll do a great job. So if you really want a Fairchild... I'd certainly take a look at the Stam piece. here ya go: stamaudio.com/sa670.html
|
|
|
Post by stormymondays on Mar 25, 2019 1:14:03 GMT -6
Just to counterbalance, please avoid Stam. Until he gets his act together (if ever), sends all the overdue orders (some more than a year overdue) and has actual stock, I don’t think we should recommend it no matter how we like the actual gear that we might own.
The Weight Tank is stellar and most importantly, it exists. Never used it on drums but a dealer actually recommended it over the recreation of the Abbey Road compressor...
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Mar 25, 2019 6:00:21 GMT -6
For those who don't read the classifieds, there's an advert over there for a Manley Vari-Mu SLAM
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Mar 25, 2019 21:49:13 GMT -6
Loving the V Comp
|
|
|
Post by timcampbell on Mar 26, 2019 1:17:19 GMT -6
Though they're cheaper than the Manley they're still out of your price class.
|
|
|
Post by jacobamerritt on Mar 26, 2019 13:14:33 GMT -6
Another vote for the Weight Tank WT-COMP!
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Mar 26, 2019 13:41:46 GMT -6
While I don’t mind going off topic (as you all can painfully see lol), let’s stick to the V Comp in this thread...since it’s the subject and all. I believe there’s a WT thread - and I’d love to check one out...but I’m sure this kind of stuff frustrates the manufacturers that work so hard to put this stuff out. “Hey, instead of the compressor in this thread, try this one instead...”
|
|
|
Post by jcoutu1 on Mar 26, 2019 14:09:19 GMT -6
While I don’t mind going off topic (as you all can painfully see lol), let’s stick to the V Comp in this thread...since it’s the subject and all. I believe there’s a WT thread - and I’d love to check one out...but I’m sure this kind of stuff frustrates the manufacturers that work so hard to put this stuff out. “Hey, instead of the compressor in this thread, try this one instead...” This isn't a V-Comp thread though...
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Mar 26, 2019 14:59:59 GMT -6
While I don’t mind going off topic (as you all can painfully see lol), let’s stick to the V Comp in this thread...since it’s the subject and all. I believe there’s a WT thread - and I’d love to check one out...but I’m sure this kind of stuff frustrates the manufacturers that work so hard to put this stuff out. “Hey, instead of the compressor in this thread, try this one instead...” This isn't a V-Comp thread though... Nailed! I think John thought he was on the other V Comp thread. LOL
|
|
|
Post by Guitar on Mar 26, 2019 15:27:53 GMT -6
MJUC ... LOL
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Mar 26, 2019 15:39:10 GMT -6
This isn't a V-Comp thread though... Nailed! I think John thought he was on the other V Comp thread. LOL
I did. Sorry
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Mar 26, 2019 16:54:10 GMT -6
Regardless, I’ve noticed that happening in a lot of threads...I could probably do better at keeping us on topic.
|
|