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tuj · 26th December 2009

Sub $1000, what is the best compressor for mixing/mix-down on the stereo buss? I am looking for something that is a 'magic box'. I know no such thing is quite out there, but I hear that the Distressors and some of the other high end comps are apparently awesome, I want a part of that.

I make dance music (FWIW).

I have:
ART VLA II
RNC
Dominator II
Symetrix 425
Symetrix CL-150
MaxCom
TC C300

Right now I use a chain of the maxcom to vla to dominator for mixing. I set the maxcom to meter about 2 db reduction in auto mode, and I run the vla with fast attack and release metering about 1 db reduction; I set the Dominator for max signal level, low end 2db up at 100, pre and de emphasis on, fast release, and try to not let spikes meter more than 10 db reduction, with usually zero going on except for transients. I have other compressors on the drum buss and instruments as needed, and I am mixing on an A&H 2400 board. My room is 'treated' with some foam and foam bass traps, and I monitor on Klipsch KSB 3.1's that I am very familiar with, with a KSS-3 sub. I use a B***** DEQ2496 RTA function to set an EQ curve I work with, and toggle between that and bypass. The target flat EQ curve is far from flat, so obviously I have a number of issues I try to mix around by knowing the speakers.

Please help me with my mix chain. If it would be better spent money on treatment with fiberboard or better monitors, please say so.

26th December 2009	#1
tuj Gear interested Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 12 Thread Starter	help with $1k for compressor/other Sub $1000, what is the best compressor for mixing/mix-down on the stereo buss? I am looking for something that is a 'magic box'. I know no such thing is quite out there, but I hear that the Distressors and some of the other high end comps are apparently awesome, I want a part of that. I make dance music (FWIW). I have: ART VLA II RNC Dominator II Symetrix 425 Symetrix CL-150 MaxCom TC C300 Right now I use a chain of the maxcom to vla to dominator for mixing. I set the maxcom to meter about 2 db reduction in auto mode, and I run the vla with fast attack and release metering about 1 db reduction; I set the Dominator for max signal level, low end 2db up at 100, pre and de emphasis on, fast release, and try to not let spikes meter more than 10 db reduction, with usually zero going on except for transients. I have other compressors on the drum buss and instruments as needed, and I am mixing on an A&H 2400 board. My room is 'treated' with some foam and foam bass traps, and I monitor on Klipsch KSB 3.1's that I am very familiar with, with a KSS-3 sub. I use a B***** DEQ2496 RTA function to set an EQ curve I work with, and toggle between that and bypass. The target flat EQ curve is far from flat, so obviously I have a number of issues I try to mix around by knowing the speakers. Please help me with my mix chain. If it would be better spent money on treatment with fiberboard or better monitors, please say so.