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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 12:38:05 GMT -6
Well, I've got a V3A on the way! But I doubt it can replace an 1176, can it? |
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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 12:48:02 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. The tone and compression action of the Splice is undeniably fantastic, at least from the samples I heard on Clipalator, for both the rack and 500 version. drbill sings the praises of it in every other post here in RGO, but I had ignored him for the longest time after glancing at the price. "It's just an 1176, who cares? tomato, tomahto." Apparently, I was wrong. |
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Post by Ward on Jan 26, 2023 13:07:01 GMT -6
Well, I've got a V3A on the way! But I doubt it can replace an 1176, can it? Not really, but the 3a definitely works grabbing most peaks. The question was if you could use just one, at one point, and I would argue the 3a is definitely your huckleberry. |
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Post by robo on Jan 26, 2023 13:45:22 GMT -6
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. In an 1176 clone, there is nothing more versatile than the Splice. Two revisions, 2:1 ratio, sidechain, mix knob…it’s all the options. It’s also top-notch, so as long as you dig that style of compression it is future proof. The old axiom about “buy cheap, buy twice” very much applies to this sort of thing IME. |
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Post by Darren Boling on Jan 26, 2023 16:39:16 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 Boling Thank you so much for your time! I'll try to run these this weekend, any special settings you want to hear or just match them to the default UAD 1176 settings? I can also run audio thru Anamod 660's if you or anyone else is curious. |
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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 17:00:45 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 Boling Thank you so much for your time! I'll try to run these this weekend, any special settings you want to hear or just match them to the default UAD 1176 settings? I can also run audio thru Anamod 660's if you or anyone else is curious. That would be really nice! I'm interested in hearing the "pinned" sound (about 20 dB GR or thereof, quick release, med attack, to hear the unit's character) and a more conservative setting. |
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Post by drsax on Jan 26, 2023 18:12:35 GMT -6
copperx - The AML 52f50 that you mentioned is an amazing comp as well. That thing is SO sweet. Probably my favorite 500 series comp overall. I’ve got a pair of them
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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 18:21:23 GMT -6
copperx - The AML 52f50 that you mentioned is an amazing comp as well. That thing is SO sweet. Probably my favorite 500 series comp overall. I’ve got a pair of them Keep going ... I'm lusting after them. And the Splice. It's so hard to decide. I think I'm going to follow your advice, and go for vibey and aggressive in different units. |
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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 19:14:58 GMT -6
copperx - The AML 52f50 that you mentioned is an amazing comp as well. That thing is SO sweet. Probably my favorite 500 series comp overall. I’ve got a pair of them So, what do you use them for? |
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Post by drsax on Jan 26, 2023 19:30:02 GMT -6
copperx - The AML 52f50 that you mentioned is an amazing comp as well. That thing is SO sweet. Probably my favorite 500 series comp overall. I’ve got a pair of them So, what do you use them for? LOVE the 54f50’s on lead vocals, snare, drum buss, background vox, saxophone, sometimes bass, and if I’m mixing rock or stuff that I want to have a vintage vibe, then even occasionally mix buss. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2023 19:59:17 GMT -6
In an 1176 clone, there is nothing more versatile than the Splice. Two revisions, 2:1 ratio, sidechain, mix knob…it’s all the options. It’s also top-notch, so as long as you dig that style of compression it is future proof. The old axiom about “buy cheap, buy twice” very much applies to this sort of thing IME. Hmm, I've got the Splice and Opticom. The latter is the most versatile of the two, it can do a convincing 1176 and a 2A..
It's a seriously overlooked piece of kit..
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Post by copperx on Jan 26, 2023 20:25:35 GMT -6
In an 1176 clone, there is nothing more versatile than the Splice. Two revisions, 2:1 ratio, sidechain, mix knob…it’s all the options. It’s also top-notch, so as long as you dig that style of compression it is future proof. The old axiom about “buy cheap, buy twice” very much applies to this sort of thing IME. Hmm, I've got the Splice and Opticom. The latter is the most versatile of the two, it can do a convincing 1176 and a 2A..
It's a seriously overlooked piece of kit..
The Opticom can do the 1176 thing? Interesting... |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2023 21:00:19 GMT -6
Hmm, I've got the Splice and Opticom. The latter is the most versatile of the two, it can do a convincing 1176 and a 2A..
It's a seriously overlooked piece of kit..
The Opticom can do the 1176 thing? Interesting... Yeah, just slap it on fast mode. Not the cheapest 500 series comp but it's good.. |
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Post by enlav on Jan 26, 2023 22:25:27 GMT -6
copperxI'm DM'ing you the google drive links here shortly. I'm not sure how much it's changed, but I know the files can become inaccessible if they're downloaded so many times, but once you have them, I'll share the link in this post. Edit: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lPDpYxuTi3Z_z_nqKcBQq8tOIlzKTutb?usp=sharing Very aggressive squishy examples here of the zen pro clips. Filenames are labeled by M or F designating the source clip and then ratio followed by Attack and Release with A and R prefix. The values relate to the numbers on the 76a5 as opposed to clock hands. Very heavy handed. Wav files available, but might pull down the link sooner. Not level matched.
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Post by robo on Jan 27, 2023 17:35:58 GMT -6
copperx and anyone else interested. Here's a link to those Clipilator vocals through the BAC500, ECM-519, Splice, and because I just got it and it is supposedly supposed to sound like a fet compressor, the Daking Comp II. Everything is 3:1 or 4:1, and smash is 12:1. I quickly matched volumes by ear, but just ballpark. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H74SvpZYWrtBdAV4bcWsuybQGB86Ll0s?usp=share_linkThe ECM sounds better on vocals than I remember. I'll have to patch it in for more often! You should be able to hear the character differences in the BAC and Splice. Different dogs barking up the same tree. The Comp II does sound like a fet comp to me with fast attack, fast release. Pretty cool!
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Post by prene1 on Jan 28, 2023 3:44:16 GMT -6
The SPLICE RULES! I’m still upset I didn’t get a pair. I would sell off a bunch of “ others “ to get another one. It’s REALLY that good. Also it is HEAVY!
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Post by copperx on Jan 29, 2023 2:45:43 GMT -6
copperx I'm DM'ing you the google drive links here shortly. I'm not sure how much it's changed, but I know the files can become inaccessible if they're downloaded so many times, but once you have them, I'll share the link in this post. Edit: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lPDpYxuTi3Z_z_nqKcBQq8tOIlzKTutb?usp=sharing Very aggressive squishy examples here of the zen pro clips. Filenames are labeled by M or F designating the source clip and then ratio followed by Attack and Release with A and R prefix. The values relate to the numbers on the 76a5 as opposed to clock hands. Very heavy handed. Wav files available, but might pull down the link sooner. Not level matched. This is fantastic! It helps a lot. Thank you for your time! |
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Post by copperx on Jan 29, 2023 2:47:05 GMT -6
copperx and anyone else interested. Here's a link to those Clipilator vocals through the BAC500, ECM-519, Splice, and because I just got it and it is supposedly supposed to sound like a fet compressor, the Daking Comp II. Everything is 3:1 or 4:1, and smash is 12:1. I quickly matched volumes by ear, but just ballpark. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H74SvpZYWrtBdAV4bcWsuybQGB86Ll0s?usp=share_linkThe ECM sounds better on vocals than I remember. I'll have to patch it in for more often! You should be able to hear the character differences in the BAC and Splice. Different dogs barking up the same tree. The Comp II does sound like a fet comp to me with fast attack, fast release. Pretty cool! robo, this helps a lot!!! thank you very much for your time. I will upload your somples and @enlav's samples to a more permanent storage so that other members can access them in case the links get taken down by Google Drive. |
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Post by copperx on Jan 29, 2023 2:56:08 GMT -6
After hearing the files, I've got a few impressions. * The Stam 76A is excellent; a bit more colored than the Splice, which would be great on vocals. * The ECM-519 has great compression action, but that tone is not what I'm looking for. * The Splice has it all: tone and action. It's unreal. * The BAC has a bit more bite than the Splice, but It's a tie between the Stam and the BAC. The Splice seems to be the winner, but cost-wise, I could get three compressors with three different topologies: For example, the AML 52f50, a Hairball, and JLM LA500a. The question I need to ask myself now is, should I follow prene1's advice and just get one fantastic 1176? Or should I get three great compressors? I guess it comes down to whether the Hairball is an acceptable 1176. If it is not, then I will get the Splice. |
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Post by thehightenor on Jan 29, 2023 3:28:12 GMT -6
After hearing the files, I've got a few impressions. * The Stam 76A is excellent; a bit more colored than the Splice, which would be great on vocals. * The ECM-519 has great compression action, but that tone is not what I'm looking for. * The Splice has it all: tone and action. It's unreal. * The BAC has a bit more bite than the Splice, but It's a tie between the Stam and the BAC. The Splice seems to be the winner, but cost-wise, I could get three compressors with three different topologies: For example, the AML 52f50, a Hairball, and JLM LA500a. The question I need to ask myself now is, should I follow prene1's advice and just get one fantastic 1176? Or should I get three great compressors? I guess it comes down to whether the Hairball is an acceptable 1176. If it is not, then I will get the Splice. Honestly, beans on toast and water for a month ….  Get the Splice - it’s an absolutely superb unit and design. Someone in the thread already said it. Do it once - do it right. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2023 7:05:13 GMT -6
After hearing the files, I've got a few impressions. * The Stam 76A is excellent; a bit more colored than the Splice, which would be great on vocals. * The ECM-519 has great compression action, but that tone is not what I'm looking for. * The Splice has it all: tone and action. It's unreal. * The BAC has a bit more bite than the Splice, but It's a tie between the Stam and the BAC. The Splice seems to be the winner, but cost-wise, I could get three compressors with three different topologies: For example, the AML 52f50, a Hairball, and JLM LA500a. The question I need to ask myself now is, should I follow prene1 's advice and just get one fantastic 1176? Or should I get three great compressors? I guess it comes down to whether the Hairball is an acceptable 1176. If it is not, then I will get the Splice. Or just skip the 1176 entirely, they seem to have come back into fashion for some reason but the defacto for rock / metal music has primarily been the LA-2A or some variant of (like the CL1B.) I've not a clue why the 2A gets bypassed on this forum so much when it's used on a metric ton on some of the most popular songs ever.
Even IF for for some reason all of these gold and platinum rock songs don't cut it I'd still put the 1176 down the list. Yes, I know the 76 / 2A combo or the UA6176 thing is also very popular but I tend to use 1176's on bass or as a second in the chain for whatevers behind it (Mu / Opto / Bridge Diode). It's usually doing next to nothing (peak limiting) because 1176's can get a bit grabby, gritty and meh with vocals on occasion by themselves. If it was my own money I'd be looking at a Retro Doublewide, Opticom, Buzz Soc Essence or if you really feel like cleaning out your pockets a Sta-Level.
Sure the 2A's are a bit slow and decent replica's costs $$$'s but that doesn't mean other opto's are. The cool alt choice is the Chandler Opto, it's a fair bit faster and it does a great job on pretty much anything. I also have one of those..
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Post by ab101 on Jan 29, 2023 11:03:44 GMT -6
After hearing the files, I've got a few impressions. * The Stam 76A is excellent; a bit more colored than the Splice, which would be great on vocals. * The ECM-519 has great compression action, but that tone is not what I'm looking for. * The Splice has it all: tone and action. It's unreal. * The BAC has a bit more bite than the Splice, but It's a tie between the Stam and the BAC. The Splice seems to be the winner, but cost-wise, I could get three compressors with three different topologies: For example, the AML 52f50, a Hairball, and JLM LA500a. The question I need to ask myself now is, should I follow prene1 's advice and just get one fantastic 1176? Or should I get three great compressors? I guess it comes down to whether the Hairball is an acceptable 1176. If it is not, then I will get the Splice. Or just skip the 1176 entirely, they seem to have come back into fashion for some reason but the defacto for rock / metal music has primarily been the LA-2A or some variant of (like the CL1B.) I've not a clue why the 2A gets bypassed on this forum so much when it's used on a metric ton on some of the most popular songs ever.
Even IF for for some reason all of these gold and platinum rock songs don't cut it I'd still put the 1176 down the list. Yes, I know the 76 / 2A combo or the UA6176 thing is also very popular but I tend to use 1176's on bass or as a second in the chain for whatevers behind it (Mu / Opto / Bridge Diode). It's usually doing next to nothing (peak limiting) because 1176's can get a bit grabby, gritty and meh with vocals on occasion by themselves. If it was my own money I'd be looking at a Retro Doublewide, Opticom, Buzz Soc Essence or if you really feel like cleaning out your pockets a Sta-Level.
Sure the 2A's are a bit slow and decent replica's costs $$$'s but that doesn't mean other opto's are. The cool alt choice is the Chandler Opto, it's a fair bit faster and it does a great job on pretty much anything. I also have one of those..
And the Audioscape Opto is excellent. |
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Post by copperx on Jan 29, 2023 12:08:55 GMT -6
Or just skip the 1176 entirely, they seem to have come back into fashion for some reason but the defacto for rock / metal music has primarily been the LA-2A or some variant of (like the CL1B.) I've not a clue why the 2A gets bypassed on this forum so much when it's used on a metric ton on some of the most popular songs ever. Your suggestion is very intriguing because the only place where I would think to put an LA2A would be on an acoustic guitar or a bass guitar, but to be honest, I haven't spent much time with one. I think vocals get a a jolt of energy when they go through an 1176, and it's also cool to put the drum buss through a pair. Maybe I should try different strategies. When you say the LA2A is used a bunch on rock, how does it get used usually? On vocals? I really like the idea of changing my usual workflow. |
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Post by drsax on Jan 29, 2023 18:17:53 GMT -6
LA2a outboard or plug-in is my most used compressor in mixing. Can be light, or heavy, but gets the job done 90% of the time. 1176 is for more specific compression/shaping tasks in my workflow. Both great tools… but I definitely use LA2a on more sources.
And BTW, although not 500 series, the Daking FET II mentioned earlier is possibly the most flexible comp I have. Light and clean to squashed and moderately saturated, slow to fast. It is one of the most overlooked comps out there. A pair of Daking FET II’s have served me very well for 15 years. On ANY source, lead vocal to BGV to instruments, including drums and mixbuss. A desert island comp IMO. it can grab quick and snappy, or slow and tasteful. It is FET and just about the only thing it won’t do is sound like tubes. Otherwise it covers an insane amount of territory. And it’s not just usable on drumbuss and mixbuss, it slays there as well on individual tracks.
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Post by prene1 on Jan 29, 2023 20:56:56 GMT -6
After hearing the files, I've got a few impressions. * The Stam 76A is excellent; a bit more colored than the Splice, which would be great on vocals. * The ECM-519 has great compression action, but that tone is not what I'm looking for. * The Splice has it all: tone and action. It's unreal. * The BAC has a bit more bite than the Splice, but It's a tie between the Stam and the BAC. The Splice seems to be the winner, but cost-wise, I could get three compressors with three different topologies: For example, the AML 52f50, a Hairball, and JLM LA500a. The question I need to ask myself now is, should I follow prene1 's advice and just get one fantastic 1176? Or should I get three great compressors? I guess it comes down to whether the Hairball is an acceptable 1176. If it is not, then I will get the Splice. Or just skip the 1176 entirely, they seem to have come back into fashion for some reason but the defacto for rock / metal music has primarily been the LA-2A or some variant of (like the CL1B.) I've not a clue why the 2A gets bypassed on this forum so much when it's used on a metric ton on some of the most popular songs ever.
Even IF for for some reason all of these gold and platinum rock songs don't cut it I'd still put the 1176 down the list. Yes, I know the 76 / 2A combo or the UA6176 thing is also very popular but I tend to use 1176's on bass or as a second in the chain for whatevers behind it (Mu / Opto / Bridge Diode). It's usually doing next to nothing (peak limiting) because 1176's can get a bit grabby, gritty and meh with vocals on occasion by themselves. If it was my own money I'd be looking at a Retro Doublewide, Opticom, Buzz Soc Essence or if you really feel like cleaning out your pockets a Sta-Level.
Sure the 2A's are a bit slow and decent replica's costs $$$'s but that doesn't mean other opto's are. The cool alt choice is the Chandler Opto, it's a fair bit faster and it does a great job on pretty much anything. I also have one of those..
True. I honestly thought as a young me that tubes were vintage murky stuff and BOY was I WRONG. They are clean but has a something going on that I can’t explain. People say weight but I still say no. Just a tone. A richness. I have have so many variants of 2A’s it’s not funny. Each unit sounds different and brings a class to the sounds I apply it too. I honestly haven’t found a plug-in that does the 2A justice. A close unit was the London Acustics Brighton. |
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but using those tracks makes it easy for others to compare with other compressors on Clipalator).
