|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 4:17:00 GMT -6
I've started my 500 journey/nightmare and I've got a Link Audio (SSL) Black EQ and DYNX (SSL 4000E channel dynamics). I also have a FMR RNC. I'm looking for a compressor that will handle 1176-style aggresive-ish vocal compression duties for rock but also serve as my general purpose compressor -- something that complements the SSL channel dynamics. The obvious choice might be a 1176 clone, but I'm tempted by the Empress, Great River, Tonelux, and Elysia, because they have things such as switchable transformer or THD mode, able to switch between FF or FB modes, etc. From all what I've read, it seems hard to "go wrong" with any one of these, but which one has the most versatility? Which one would you pick as a companion for SSL dynamics? Or which one would you definitely NOT consider? * Hairball 1176 Rev A or D * Stam Rev A 1176 * Pete's Place BAC500 (Many people recommend this one as a versatile compressor, but I can't tell what's so different about it) or * Empress ECM-519 (Top of my list, but there are no samples anywhere on the web of it compressing vocals!) * Great River PWM-501 * AML 52F50 * Tonelux TX5C * Elysia Mpressor 500 (Is it too transparent / boring?) (Serpent units not in the list because they're out of my price range, even used). I wish there was a way to compare them without going through the whole buy / try / sell-if-I-don't-like-it cycle  |
|
|
|
Post by kevinnyc on Jan 25, 2023 8:01:56 GMT -6
The Soundskulptor CP5176, CAPI fc526 and JLM LA500 are all worth a look. I love them all. The SS and CAPI are both fet comps, with the CAPI cleaner but they both have a 2:1 ratio which (for me anyways) make them super versatile. The JLM is just about impossible to make sound bad, largely idiot proof (important to me when self tracking) and adds a sparkle/sheen I can’t get with my other comps (I’m guessing the Jensen trafos).
|
|
|
|
Post by thehightenor on Jan 25, 2023 8:06:00 GMT -6
Tracking or mixing?
|
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 9:13:39 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 9:18:02 GMT -6
The Soundskulptor CP5176, CAPI fc526 and JLM LA500 are all worth a look. I love them all. The SS and CAPI are both fet comps, with the CAPI cleaner but they both have a 2:1 ratio which (for me anyways) make them super versatile. The JLM is just about impossible to make sound bad, largely idiot proof (important to me when self tracking) and adds a sparkle/sheen I can’t get with my other comps (I’m guessing the Jensen trafos). I did not consider the JLM because it seems more limited than the other ones (e.g., only two attack settings, like the SSL channel chinos). But I do have it in mind for particular use cases (vocal leveling, acoustic guitars). Do you think it's worth a look as a general purpose compression? |
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 9:24:46 GMT -6
The Soundskulptor CP5176, CAPI fc526 and JLM LA500 are all worth a look. I love them all. The SS and CAPI are both fet comps, with the CAPI cleaner but they both have a 2:1 ratio which (for me anyways) make them super versatile. The JLM is just about impossible to make sound bad, largely idiot proof (important to me when self tracking) and adds a sparkle/sheen I can’t get with my other comps (I’m guessing the Jensen trafos). I did not consider the JLM because it seems more limited than the other ones (e.g., only two attack settings, like the SSL channel chinos). But I do have it in mind for particular use cases (vocal leveling, acoustic guitars). Do you think it's worth a look as a general purpose compression? The CAPI seems a bit too polite from sound samples. Can it do the aggressive vocal thing? As for the Sound Skulptor, I have not been able to hear any demos online. What do you you use it for? |
|
|
|
Post by Darren Boling on Jan 25, 2023 10:38:36 GMT -6
I have the Hairball 1176 A and D, I was given them as payment for a job, ended up surprising me with how much I like them. I can run audio thru them if you want.
|
|
|
|
Post by robo on Jan 25, 2023 10:56:40 GMT -6
I have a BAC500 and Empress ECM-519.
I’d say overall the Empress is more versatile, but for vocals I prefer the BAC.
The BAC is my favorite bass compressor, and I use it about half the time on vocals (1176 when I want a more vintage tone). It’s like an 1176 with less color (compared to rev A-D ant least) and a bigger span of attack/release times.
The Empress is sort of like a Distressor as the knee is a little softer, but the tone is better (IMO) and you’ve got a mix knob. It can cover more uses than the BAC, as it can catch peaks and do a smooth job of RMS control. I’ve used it on vocals and been pleased, so it definitely doesn’t suck there.
If you want to send me a file or two I could run some audio for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Jan 25, 2023 12:10:52 GMT -6
The Inward Connections Brute and now the Tree Audio L/C 1 is great on vocals and can be smashed a lot and sound great! (Almost like a non-tube Vac Rac)
|
|
|
|
Post by EmRR on Jan 25, 2023 12:17:05 GMT -6
Sound Skulptor has an opto, a FET, and soon a Vari-mu. All pre-built or kit.
The Total Audio Control VCA looks interesting. I think either way in it also.
|
|
|
|
Post by enlav on Jan 25, 2023 13:46:00 GMT -6
I have a Stam 76A-5 (or whatever the exact name is) if you want a clip or two processed through it at various modes and settings. I would honestly love to hear the difference between that and the Hairballs.
The Inward Connections Brute and now the Tree Audio L/C 1 is great on vocals and can be smashed a lot and sound great! (Almost like a non-tube Vac Rac) Did the L/C 1 get discontinued? I noticed the sites that used to have it are now listing it as unavailable. |
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 14:13:58 GMT -6
robo Ahh, that's exactly what I wanted to know! If had to pick one and did not have an 1176, which one would you keep, the Empress or the BAC500? enlav That's a very kind offer, I would love to hear the Stam! I have attached a female and a male vocal track (from ZenPro's Clipalator) if you would like to process them (yes, mp3s but using those tracks makes it easy for others to compare with other compressors on Clipalator). If you would be so kind to try a "pedal to the metal" (> 20dB GR) fast release and med attack and perhaps another with more relaxed settings, that would be wonderful. I would also love to hear the Hairballs and Sound Skulptor; if any of you with those units could process a sample, I will thank you from the bottom of my heart. Darren BolingThank you so much for your time! Attachments:bypass-m-voc.mp3 (1.36 MB)
bypass-f-voc.mp3 (1.25 MB)
|
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Jan 25, 2023 14:29:05 GMT -6
Don’t overlook the Tegeler Vocal Leveler 500. Inexpensive and sounds really good in my limited use so far.
If I wanted to only have a pair of 500 series comps, I’d choose the Rupert Neve 535’s and use them on all mono and stereo sources plus mixbus or other bus work. I think the 535’s are really useful.
|
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 25, 2023 14:41:20 GMT -6
Sound Skulptor has an opto, a FET, and soon a Vari-mu. All pre-built or kit. The Total Audio Control VCA looks interesting. I think either way in it also. The Vari-mu is what I have been looking for! And the price is right! I hope it gets released soon. Speaking of the TAC VCA, it definitely looks interesting, but unfortunately I have not been able to hear any demos online. |
|
|
|
Post by drsax on Jan 25, 2023 16:02:02 GMT -6
copperx - on the aggressive, vibey, colored side of things, the Pete’s Place BAC-500 FET compressor is an absolute beast. For vocals, guitars, kick and snare, this things is incredible. Hard to get 500 series stuff that covers the aggressive side as well as this thing. But, it is not exactly light handed. I’ve used it on lots of commercial release vocals. I haven’t found something in the 500 series that is both aggressive, and also clean enough for general purpose. Clean is easy to find in 500 series. Personally, in 500 series, I would look to have different units for Vibey and aggressive, versus general purpose and more flexible
|
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Jan 25, 2023 18:20:09 GMT -6
I have a Stam 76A-5 (or whatever the exact name is) if you want a clip or two processed through it at various modes and settings. I would honestly love to hear the difference between that and the Hairballs.
The Inward Connections Brute and now the Tree Audio L/C 1 is great on vocals and can be smashed a lot and sound great! (Almost like a non-tube Vac Rac) Did the L/C 1 get discontinued? I noticed the sites that used to have it are now listing it as unavailable. Really good question. I have written to Tree Audio and I will let you know what they have to say about it. I also love their Treeq 4. An amazing eq in a 500 series unit. |
|
|
|
Post by jacobamerritt on Jan 25, 2023 18:42:40 GMT -6
Kush Tweezer. So versatile. Can be clean or vibey. Highly recommend.
|
|
|
|
Post by enlav on Jan 25, 2023 18:53:04 GMT -6
enlav That's a very kind offer, I would love to hear the Stam! I'll have them up tomorrow or Friday night. I'll also see if that site has .wav files. |
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 2:21:08 GMT -6
After spending a bunch of time on ZenPro's Clipalator, I am amazed by the tone of the Serpent Splice. I'm really curious to see how the Stam, Hairball, and Empress compare.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Jan 26, 2023 5:38:08 GMT -6
When I asked about an 1176 in 500 series format here when I started my 500 series journey, the overwhelming answer was the Serpent Audio Splice 500. It’s probably the most expensive of everything mentioned, but it was the one everyone seemed to really recommend. I never did pick one up, but it’s still on my list.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Jan 26, 2023 10:06:38 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by srb on Jan 26, 2023 11:48:40 GMT -6
I like the Crane Song Falcon as a vocal comp, tracking or mixing.
|
|
|
|
Post by enlav on Jan 26, 2023 12:00:40 GMT -6
Unfortunately, I think their last email just emphasized that they were putting the V3a production down for now (not permanently) to focus on D3a's. It took all of my strength not to try and get it on their last (for now) batch yesterday for the reduced price. |
|
|
|
Post by robo on Jan 26, 2023 12:23:03 GMT -6
After spending a bunch of time on ZenPro's Clipalator, I am amazed by the tone of the Serpent Splice. I'm really curious to see how the Stam, Hairball, and Empress compare. I also have a rack version of the Splice. It’s new to me still, but it is as good/better than any 1176 I’ve used. I haven’t tried Stam or Hairball, but there are videos online where you can hear they are all solid versions of the same basic thing. The Empress is just a different design. If you want an 1176, you’ll be disappointed. I stand by my earlier description of the Empress. Like I said, I prefer my BAC or a 1176-style comp for vocal tracking, but it’s great in its own way. I’ll try and run some audio for you today or over the weekend. With online examples and plugins, you should have enough data to know if you want an 1176 clone or if you’re looking for something different. |
|
|
|
Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 12:34:19 GMT -6
After spending a bunch of time on ZenPro's Clipalator, I am amazed by the tone of the Serpent Splice. I'm really curious to see how the Stam, Hairball, and Empress compare. I also have a rack version of the Splice. It’s new to me still, but it is as good/better than any 1176 I’ve used. I haven’t tried Stam or Hairball, but there are videos online where you can hear they are all solid versions of the same basic thing. The Empress is just a different design. If you want an 1176, you’ll be disappointed. I stand by my earlier description of the Empress. Like I said, I prefer my BAC or a 1176-style comp for vocal tracking, but it’s great in its own way. I’ll try and run some audio for you today or over the weekend. With online examples and plugins, you should have enough data to know if you want an 1176 clone or if you’re looking for something different. You're right; I thought that I could get a 1176-ish compressor and at the same time, something more versatile. After hearing the Splice, I'm thinking "that's the tone I'm looking for, screw versatility." Cost, hovewer, is a problem. I could get two compressors with different topologies (e.g., a Hairball AND an AML 52f50 for diode bridge, DIY) and it would still be cheaper than a single Splice 500. I'm torn. It's surprising how the Hairball was one of the earliest DIY efforts, and it is still so hard to find online audio examples of it. I still don't understand why the Splice sounds so nice. Is it the Carnhill transformers? The IGS Blue Stripe also has Carnhills and it has a somewhat similar tone. |
|
