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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 28, 2020 3:41:19 GMT -6
Hey, when I sold all my UA stuff a while back, this was part of a journey against the modern grain of ITB going more OTB. Part of this journey of discovery for me has been buying different real compressors. Part of using them, has been for me, a change in appreciation for compressors , now hearing them more, as a sort of a texture device in a mix rather than just for their dynamic control. I certainly think the best plug ins are very good and do still use some, but I find there is something visceral about real gear that engages me more and eveytime I directly compare, I prefer my mixes with the real gear, not by a lot, I admit, but there is something here : an extra presence: something . Anyway, here is an interesting short article looking at a short list of key compressors: ask.audio/articles/7-excellent-hardware-compressors/teletronix-la-2a#articleWondering what peopel's fav comps are by type and use ? I have 2 wa 2a's, 2 wa76s, 1 Audioscape SSL, have ordered a Warm ssl and have a Hariball 76A. I had the bla 609 diode clone which I found grabby and didn't like and some cheap dbx which I also didn't like so sold. I am interested in the Audioscape D and V comps, another Hairball 76 A, or maybe the new bla bluey (Lord Alge clone) or the Stam 609, there is the stam child but kindof out or reach $ or maybe 2 distressors. Or more simply put, if you were buying one sort of character 2 channel compressor, let's say for ($1500- 2,000) , what would you consider and why ? Thx ! ask.audio/articles/7-excellent-hardware-compressors/teletronix-la-2a#article |
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Post by svart on Jan 28, 2020 10:06:31 GMT -6
1176. LA2A. SSL. Those three are THE hardware compressors for me. Who makes them is almost secondary as long as they're relatively well calibrated.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jan 28, 2020 11:19:44 GMT -6
Can’t disagree and find it’s fun to have multiples from different brands because sonic lineage and manufactures differences.
Soon, I will have my Audioscape ssl, joined by the new Warm with Cinemag transformers and the stam 4K mkii with the sowters( Brit mod): really looking forward to that !
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Post by M57 on Jan 28, 2020 11:41:51 GMT -6
..if you were buying one sort of character 2 channel compressor, let's say for ($1500- 2,000) , what would you consider and why ? I have a similar range of OTB compressors, including WA-2A, WA76, and the A-S Buss comp, It's only slightly over (and my) budget, but I've been jonesing for the Manely Nu Mu, thinking it might be the right compressor for my piano and also take on some 2-buss duties. A pair of A-S V-comps falls similarly out of our range ..but they don't link. On the other hand, folks comment on their quality and versatility. |
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Post by EmRR on Jan 28, 2020 11:43:25 GMT -6
Funny how the dbx 160 has just fallen totally out of favor after being a top standard forever. Not ever on anyone’s list the last 5 years or so. If I only had one comp type, that’d be it. Note I’m NOT saying limiter.
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Post by Blackdawg on Jan 28, 2020 11:49:41 GMT -6
LA3A( I seriously have a ton of these, or rather will. So good). LA2A. SSL VCA style buss compressor(I have 3 ha) 1176. Pretty much the big staples that everyone uses.
One thing I know Im looking forward to exploring more as I build my home studio is Tube/MU style. I don't have a lot of experience with them but own two now and a Stam 660 on order. So hope to learn those a lot more.
Hardware is awesome though and does exactly what you're describing. The soul and character of them is so beautiful and fun to work with.
What is fun is that there are a lot of the "same" kinds of compressors, but different takes on everything with added/different features. Fun to explore and find what works best for you.
For me my next pair of compressors will either be AML 2254s or some Daking FET II's.
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Post by Blackdawg on Jan 28, 2020 11:51:00 GMT -6
Funny how the dbx 160 has just fallen totally out of favor after being a top standard forever. Not ever on anyone’s list the last 5 years or so. If I only had one comp type, that’d be it. Note I’m NOT saying limiter. I like the 160 on snare a lot actually or kick. Even bass. Can be a nice compressor. can get super smacky in a good way. |
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Post by geoff738 on Jan 29, 2020 16:52:25 GMT -6
FWIW I had a recent thread asking 33609 or 3a? Almost everybody, if not everybody went 3a. I’ve never used either
Cheers,
Geoff
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Post by EmRR on Jan 29, 2020 17:37:34 GMT -6
I don't know how much a 33609 improves on a 2254, but a 2254 is crunchy mo-fo. You definitely hear it, for better or worse. I'd bet on most people using them parallel only these days, but who knows....since I don't and never will have one.....
.....a 1940's Collins 26W is a cleaner diode bridge limiter than a 2254......
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,928 
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Post by ericn on Jan 31, 2020 8:29:12 GMT -6
Funny how the dbx 160 has just fallen totally out of favor after being a top standard forever. Not ever on anyone’s list the last 5 years or so. If I only had one comp type, that’d be it. Note I’m NOT saying limiter. A lot of it is the fact that they are just to easy to find and the more modern versions are just to damn cheap used, just not as sexy as the girl you only see in pictures. I will say this, everybody starting out should grab a pair of a,x or xt’s that meter layout is the best teaching tool of any compressor ever. |
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Post by EmRR on Jan 31, 2020 9:15:59 GMT -6
Funny how the dbx 160 has just fallen totally out of favor after being a top standard forever. Not ever on anyone’s list the last 5 years or so. If I only had one comp type, that’d be it. Note I’m NOT saying limiter. A lot of it is the fact that they are just to easy to find and the more modern versions are just to damn cheap used, just not as sexy as the girl you only see in pictures. More proof it's a lot about cosmetics and trends, not about sound. |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 14,928
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Post by ericn on Jan 31, 2020 9:19:24 GMT -6
A lot of it is the fact that they are just to easy to find and the more modern versions are just to damn cheap used, just not as sexy as the girl you only see in pictures. More proof it's a lot about cosmetics and trends, not about sound. To quote an old Full Co alums close “ yeah but it will get you laid “ |
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