Optical compressor before a VCA in my mastering chain?

[minibof]

I say mastering chain, what I mean is home luxury finishing chain!


I've always used my Safe Sound Audio Dynamics Toolbox along with various plugins on the mix bus depending on what I need; sometimes my BLA AM/CHA1 sits on there too but I've always been fascinated with the idea of using an optical compressor in constant (gentle) gain reduction before the VCA, whilst the transients just 'bump' up against the VCA.

I'm not into audible 'pumping' or crazy squashing. More of a gentle levelling effect and don't mind some slight coloration from these boxes.

My style of music is very much in the Deep Chord/Intrusion/Rhythm and Sound camps, so no huge kicks or high bpm's to contend with.

I am thinking along the lines of a Buzz Audio or Pendulum for starters.

Any experience from users of these boxes, recommendations of other options, or any slutz out there using this technique: I would love you to chime in with your thoughts and opinions.

One last thing...although I'm not a ME I love the challenge of making my mixes sound as good as I am able given my experience, and have used (and will use again) professional mastering engineers.

[Simonator]

Originally Posted by minibof

My style of music is very much in the Deep Chord/Intrusion/Rhythm and Sound camps, so no huge kicks or high bpm's to contend with.

Sorry, I don't know about the gear you mentioned... but I'd love to hear your music. Have you got a soundcloud page?

You could perhaps PM me if you don't want to post it here.

[Reptil]

what I did is put the i/o and inserts of the mixer, the converters, the outboard on a patchbay. calculate that (and cables) into your setup.
making chains is then easy, and you can flip it within seconds. Opens up many creative possibillities.

Which goess first VCA or optical is really a question what the track is in the raw form, and what kind of sound you're aiming for. relaxed, laid back with room to breathe, or in your face slamming, and everything in between.

Buzz or Pendulum sounds about right. My mastering guy is looking for an OCL-2. (and he got crazy good compressors already)
(there's also a mono API500 format version now, but I'd go hunt a secondhand 19" if I were you)
I chose for the slightly more colored (dreamy) ES-8. It does not disappoint.

[minibof]

Thanks reptil I'm keen to try both the pendulum models. The ES8 is the more expensive box if I'm not mistaken? More colour is not a problem if it fits the source material.

Simonator I'd be glad to send you some music! Will do tomorrow when I get a moment.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Gearslutz.com App

[priko]

Try also the new stero Toolbox from Safe and sound, it's really really good with M/S options