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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2013 15:23:35 GMT -6
I use the heck out of CLA LA2A, especially on vocals.
I have hoped to find and economical hardware solution. It seems there is the VLA II, the CL7802 and the TLA50, under $1K. Are any of these worth owning, in your estimation or should I wait to grab a Distressor, ADL 1000 or LA2A?
Rob
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 29, 2013 17:00:22 GMT -6
The Brute is really good...and didn't IGS just come out with a 500 series LA2 clone?
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Post by lolo on Dec 29, 2013 17:53:27 GMT -6
Also look into the JLM LA500. Its incredible.
Pretty sure that new serpent chimera will rock as well.
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Post by littlesicily on Dec 29, 2013 18:09:02 GMT -6
Brute is awesome.
I'm not a big distressor fan.
U could also build a drip LA2a for under a grand.
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Post by Ward on Dec 29, 2013 18:23:52 GMT -6
If you're going opto, tube driven hardware is what you really want to have first. Be that an LA2a, a used 2LA2 (modded to original specs, these are really hard to beat... even stock they're killer) or a CL1b... or some clone equivalent will still give you the neighborhood of that sound. Certainly, everyone who has a DRIP LA2a DIY raves about it, so that's worthy of consideration too!
Then the other essential is FET and that's where things have really opened up.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2013 18:31:40 GMT -6
Thanks guys. Wasn't aware of the Brute or JLM.
I have FET semi covered with a Daking comp. Still will get something later with more attitude.
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Post by littlesicily on Dec 29, 2013 19:02:44 GMT -6
Thanks guys. Wasn't aware of the Brute or JLM. I have FET semi covered with a Daking comp. Still will get something later with more attitude. Tube tech CL1B is a beautiful tube comp... though above ur price range. Hope u find what ur looking for. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2013 19:03:32 GMT -6
Ya, above the now price range but could be done.... just need to be patient with cash flow.
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 29, 2013 19:32:49 GMT -6
You know, I have never used a CL!B...Hmmmm...
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Post by Ward on Dec 29, 2013 20:06:39 GMT -6
You know, I have never used a CL!B...Hmmmm... You're kidding me? It's the most beautiful effective opto comp on Femvox™, IMHO, and quite incredible on male vox too. The smoothing, strengthening and thickening qualities are there in spades. And it has a lot of adjustability, unlike an LA2a (which I still love, mind you). |
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Post by littlesicily on Dec 29, 2013 20:11:29 GMT -6
You know, I have never used a CL!B...Hmmmm... it's like butta... seriously rich and smooth. Not as thick like a STA, but really, really refined. |
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Post by littlesicily on Dec 29, 2013 20:12:08 GMT -6
And...I remember when they could be had for $1850...sigh.
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Opto-Lust
Dec 29, 2013 21:53:41 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by kevinnyc on Dec 29, 2013 21:53:41 GMT -6
But for $1850 or less you could get a used Manley elop. Not as versatile as the cl1b but superb sounding and 2 channels!
I could do without mine but wouldn't want to.....idiot proof, impossibly easy to dial in and makes everything downstream in the process easier...had mine since '92ish? and it soldiers on flawlessly....
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2013 22:55:25 GMT -6
Wow. Never knew you could grab a Manley "anything" for under 2K.
Anyone care for the ADL units?
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Opto-Lust
Dec 29, 2013 23:42:00 GMT -6
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Post by jcoutu1 on Dec 29, 2013 23:42:00 GMT -6
TLA-100 comes in close to 1k used too.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2013 23:44:23 GMT -6
TLA-100 comes in close to 1k used too. Exactly! |
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Post by lolo on Dec 30, 2013 2:12:49 GMT -6
TLA-100 comes in close to 1k used too. Would love to try one of these bad boys out |
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Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 13:33:35 GMT -6
As a lover and user of MANY compressors that happened to be otpo detectors...be careful--an LA series is NOT simply an opto. Like others with optical detection will sound similar. It's a coumpounding ratio (via feedback) program material leveler. Otherwise a two knob wonder...or idiot box. I'm allow to say that since I own two varieties!  But, seriously--this is like saying you want "a transformer preamp"--as if API, Neve, ISA, and Hardy will sound similar. They will have some similar traits, but topology has less to do with the ACTION of an LA series compressor than the feedback detection circuit--which to oversimplify, means the greater it needs to reduce, the more it ups the ratio dynamically to get it done transparently. Turn OFF the "analog IO" model on the CLA series. They still compress the same--and at that point, they're strictly digital (ie not saturating)--but, digitally emulating the feedback loop detector. No other hardware "opto" I'm aware of will give you that sound--just a totally different and maybe useful flavor of compression. Just saying--it's helpful to know how much you simply like the saturation and how much you like the program dependent detection. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2013 20:25:05 GMT -6
Hey Popmann, thanks for an excellent post. you are exactly right and the more I have researched each Opto option, that is very apparent. Nothing sounds like an LA2A. The only thing purported to be really close by others is the CL7802 and only @ 4:1 on vocals. The Art is too dirty and undersaturated, the TLA is close, the ADL's are too clean with a top boost, the Brute is undersaturated, and on and on. This is not to say that they suck - they are all loved by someone and for specific tasks/sounds.
But, in response to your challenge, it is the saturation that I love (or whole package), even though my experience is with the plugin only.
I wasn't aware, previous to the research that the opto range of products was so varied. You certainly confirmed what I was discovering. Bummer
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Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 21:42:14 GMT -6
Yeah...if you like the saturation, the plug in is pretty in the ball park accurate. Unlike the 3a. In your price range, you might be able to find a used LA610. Isn't it funny though--the mentality of "I love this plug in so much I should buy the hardware?" I have the same lust for a DBX 165a. Insanity. "Well the hardware MUST be like this, only better, right?" vintageking.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/u/s/used_dbx_165a__4393_cat.jpgWould just like a full control box for tracking...so I have the 3a AND full control if need be. But, now the price of those is going up because of something...I'd take a Distressor...I dug that pretty well...but, I digress-you don't want full control. FWIW--anything that gives you control of ratios or attacks and whatnot will not compress like a LA series. It can't. By definition of how they function. |
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Post by Johnkenn on Dec 30, 2013 21:47:24 GMT -6
Yeah - I know guys that swear by the Manley ELOP. Never used it...like to try it sometime.
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Post by cowboycoalminer on Dec 30, 2013 23:42:27 GMT -6
I own a 7802. Use it on every mix I do. For the money, you won't do any better. You'll have to find one used now, they'er no longer in production.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2013 7:22:49 GMT -6
Pop, speaking of DBX and plugs, have you tried the stillwell Major Tom plug? I have no reference for accuracy but a great plug regardless.
I've thought about the Distressor too. The variety is intriguing and I only want the Opto thing for vocals, presently. I wouldn't mind it's one Opto trick. But, as John and Cowboy point out, Opto could be addicting with the right box.
Isn't gear fun?
I appreciate it guys. I have lots to chew on.
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Opto-Lust
Dec 31, 2013 9:50:04 GMT -6
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Post by lolo on Dec 31, 2013 9:50:04 GMT -6
Pop, speaking of DBX and plugs, have you tried the stillwell Major Tom plug? I have no reference for accuracy but a great plug regardless. I've thought about the Distressor too. The variety is intriguing and I only want the Opto thing for vocals, presently. I wouldn't mind it's one Opto trick. But, as John and Cowboy point out, Opto could be addicting with the right box. Isn't gear fun? I appreciate it guys. I have lots to chew on. The JLM LA 500 is great on vocals. I wont let this bad boy go. |
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Post by levon on Dec 31, 2013 10:39:45 GMT -6
Has anyone tried the IGS One Leveling Amplifier? ( link here) Igor claims it's a pretty accurate recreation of the LA2A with an attractive price, at least here in Europe. Wonder how close it is to the Teletronix... |
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