Compressor round up!

[Hollowcell]

OK as a few of you know I'm gunna be updating the PC and I thought while I'm in the process of spending money, why not spend more money.

So the outboard rack will be getting a make over with a few new compressors.

A DBX160a is a definite (really like what it does for bass, and I've wanted one for ages), but I'm not sure about which stereo compressor will meet my needs. I don't have a heap of cash and I will be buying used (buying used puts Fmr's RNC out of the running as I never see them second hand here).

I'm after something that can remain relatively transparent, but still add a certain "punch" and "characture" (specially to drum tracks) when pushed hard enough.

The choices are:
Focusrite Compounder.
DBX 166xl.
PreSonus ACP 22.
PreSonus BlueMax - seems a bit gimiky though.

Do any of you guys have any experience with any of these? Or is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance.

[jasedee]

Will get back to you HC...

Im off now for a Japanese dinner, any recommendations?

On the menu tonight is Pork Maki, Wafu steak, and Terriyaki fish, with some green tea and Miso soup. YUM!!!!!

I will say though, that I dont think any of the compressors you listed (except the 160) will give you the results you are after.

Jase

[jasedee]

Ok....

DBX? They are owned by the Harman group now.....I think. I found most DBX compressors are used in Live rigs, especially ones manufactured within the last 10 years. I have the 266XL, and all I will say about that is that it compresses. I use it when I mix live, and occasionally use it to get my levels to digital nice and healthy. it is basically crap though.

The original 160 is a classic, and used alot in live rigs of big time engineers, but the 160a is a different beast altogether. Seems like alot of people use it for their live bass rig. I dont know if it will be the same with synths.

Focusrite? Crap (Unless we are talking Red) All their new stuff is useless.

Presonus? Crap. Dont bother.

How about a Joe Meek optical compressor. Maybe a bit pricey, but then you could just fuck off the DBX 160a. Around $1500 AUD. Try:

MIXMASTERS

How about something from TL Audio? They are in the budget range, but probably better than Focusrite or Presonus. Something like a FATMAN 1. Probably around $1500 AUD NEW.

I know you know this, the whole might aswell buy something decent blah blah blah, and I know it is a different story when you just dont have the money. But yeah, you should just save more and buy one really nice stereo/dual mono compressor.

Good luck mate!

[grs]

Mixmasters have a TL AUDIO C1. What do you think about that as a compressor Jase?

[Hollowcell]

Thanks Jase.

Yeah, I kind of know about the whole hold out to get something better route - specially with compression. But I really don't have a heap of cash. I know where there is a great deal on 160s, but since the kid has popped out I can't spend the extra.

I looked at the TL and also FMR stuff, but I will be buying used and those two brands just don't show up here used. I'll be heading home in the next few weeks, so maybe I'll have a look there too.

Keep the comments coming though fellas.

EDIT:

Im off now for a Japanese dinner, any recommendations?

I always get Agadashi-Tofu when I head out.

[jasedee]

Originally Posted by grs

Mixmasters have a TL AUDIO C1. What do you think about that as a compressor Jase?

I have never used one, but I expect it would be alot nicer than the current Ivory range.

If I had the cash, I would probably buy it....

I think TL Audio was started with one of the old Neve designers, and the Classic series are in their High-end. If you are on the lookout for something that will add colour and warmth, then this would be a good buy.

$1300 AUD seems like an OK deal, and the Mixmasters guys are pretty trustworthy. You should give them a call.

Just for drool factor:

JLM Audio

[Panopticon]

Originally Posted by Hollowcell

I looked at the TL and also FMR stuff, but I will be buying used and those two brands just don't show up here used. I'll be heading home in the next few weeks, so maybe I'll have a look there too.

Is there a reason you must buy used? The FMR is cheap enough that even new it's not gonna kill you. The sound is almost on par with my Focusrite Red, I think it definitely blows away anything until you get into the $1000+ category.

[grs]

Originally Posted by jasedee

I have never used one, but I expect it would be alot nicer than the current Ivory range.

If I had the cash, I would probably buy it....

I think TL Audio was started with one of the old Neve designers, and the Classic series are in their High-end. If you are on the lookout for something that will add colour and warmth, then this would be a good buy.

$1300 AUD seems like an OK deal, and the Mixmasters guys are pretty trustworthy. You should give them a call.

Just for drool factor:

JLM Audio

Yes, I have bought from them before - a Langevin Dual mono mic pre.
They even helped out with a broken switch by arranging the parts, labor and reshipping.

[Tomer=Trance]

Ok this might come as a suprise.

What about buying software! 8O
UAD1 with clasic compressor and eq boundle,is it realy importent for you hollow to run everything in analog via your desk?

[F5D]

You have to put alot of money on an external hardware compressor to match the sound quality of UAD1's compressors. I have a cheap project pak + LA2A & Fairchild 670 and they sound great. Even the 1176SE sounds great and needs very little of dsp power. I am still going to invest on 1176LN and Roland Dimension D, when it comes out.