1176 or La2a

Blick · 21st December 2006, 09:12 PM

Not sure exactly how to phrase this but, what do the people on this board generally prefer in their vocal chain 1176 or an La2a (I am aware that each can have a seperate and distinct application)? Also what vocal/production style/ application do you use each for? Thanks.

Aearth · 21st December 2006, 09:25 PM

I have the 1176 for vocals, but now I have discovered the LA3A for vox.....cheaper than the LA2A.

Nic

RoundBadge · 21st December 2006, 09:39 PM

1176 for shaving little 20:1 peaks followed by an La or Tubetech or Gates for smoothness.
Get the settings just right for that particular vocalist.but careful not to overdo it.
...pretty idiot proof if your too lazy to ride a fader.
but I'm not lazy

so sometimes I'll do a little of both..
screamers require more attention.

piano · 22nd December 2006, 05:53 AM

Could a nice person out there post examples of an 1176 vox vs. a La2a vox?

Or if there are all ready posts of this direct me to it.... I can't find any with my searches.

Thanks!

Jim Roberts · 22nd December 2006, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

1176 for shaving little 20:1 peaks followed by an La or Tubetech or Gates for smoothness.
Get the settings just right for that particular vocalist.but careful not to overdo it.
...pretty idiot proof if your too lazy to ride a fader.
but I'm not lazy

so sometimes I'll do a little of both..
screamers require more attention.

Exactly what Roundbadge said

1176 > LA2A - Each one nice and easy - a 'classic' signal path

rsolinski · 22nd December 2006, 04:00 PM

Yep...1176 to tame the peaks and the LA2A for that smoothe as cake frosting touch..Almost peed my pants when I used this chain for the first time....

Cheers,
Ray

nemisis633 · 22nd December 2006, 07:39 PM

I've recently been using my LA2A & 1176 in a chain as described above. If I had to have only one, hands down get the 1176 (or rather the Purple MC77 if possible). LA-2A can downright be too slow at times.

Jon

Blick · 22nd December 2006, 07:57 PM

Thanks for all your advice. I definatly plan on picking up the 1176 or some form of it first. On another note, I am looking to make some more upgrades to my setup. How much of a difference would I notice If i added some high end (apogee, prism, etc) ad converters to my setup (I am currently using a 002). I record mostly vocals and guitar with my outboard analog pres.

kats · 22nd December 2006, 07:58 PM

If it would have to be one OR the other I concur with the 1176. More versatility for vocal effects as well as being fast enough for limiting apps.

Quote:

How much of a difference would I notice If i added some high end (apogee, prism, etc) ad converters to my setup (I am currently using a 002).

Put cotton in your ears...not too much, but a bit. Listen to a song. Take the cotton out and listen again. That'll be the difference.....or so

EDIT: I should say that these differences are not THAT apparent if the rest of the chain isn't of the same standard (mics, pre's.....MONITORS)

nemisis633 · 22nd December 2006, 08:02 PM

I 2nd the cotton statement, just remember when you get to a certain level, the difference in converters is MUCH less apparent. IE the step between going from high end apogee stuff to some of the crazier stuff. (Lavry etc.) The infamous law of dimenishing returns.

Good luck!

Jon

Blick · 22nd December 2006, 08:27 PM

What would you say the differences are between a UA 1176 and a Purple 77

foldback · 22nd December 2006, 08:42 PM

I use the 1176 into LA2 combo all the time. It is wonderful and very fat sounding.

My quest for a good vocal compressor began with the LA-610 which got returned after a week of demo, this led to upgrading the purchase to the LA-2. Even tho these pieces share similar heritage the LA-2 is much more pleasing IMHO, the LA-610 has a brighter sound that I did not care for and the preamp seemed to overload on powerful rock vocals no matter how the gain controls were set.

With the arrival of the LA-2 I immediately liked it but found the attack to be too slow when trying to clamp down rock vocals during tracking.

A month later I acquired the 1176 Classic and the chain was complete.

If you can only afford one piece then the 1176 is the one. It has lightning fast attack and sounds great.

I got excellent prices from my Guitar Center sales rep and the UA products have fantastic resale value on ebay.

The LA-2 is "tube sound" for anything, it adds meat even without gain reduction dialed in.

These are two of my all time favorite pieces of gear.

RoundBadge · 22nd December 2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemisis633

LA-2A can downright be too slow at times.

Jon

Tubetech Cl-B comp can be a handy alternative..variable AtcK/rel

Museamp · 23rd December 2006, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blick

Not sure exactly how to phrase this but, what do the people on this board generally prefer in their vocal chain 1176 or an La2a (I am aware that each can have a seperate and distinct application)? Also what vocal/production style/ application do you use each for? Thanks.

If you want a in your face cut threw anything 1176 is the way to go
just press in all the buttons going down and look out.

If you want a harmonically colored fat and pretty Vox go with LA2A

thats been my findings

although if your lucky enough to use a Fairchild 660 you can get the best of both worlds
for my ears for male vox.

Tommy Hollister

piano · 23rd December 2006, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piano

Could a nice person out there post examples of an 1176 vox vs. a La2a vox?

Or if there are all ready posts of this direct me to it.... I can't find any with my searches.

Thanks!

Any takers out there? You would be my hero and to many others I would suspect!

joninc · 23rd December 2006, 07:39 PM

why would you use such a high ration (20:1) on the 1176 to skim peaks - couldn't you do it better with a low ratio?

(btw i will be attempting this technique on a distressor into a ADL so any tips on how to set the distressor would be awesome - hopefully at some point i'll be able to try it with a real 1176 )

rsolinski · 23rd December 2006, 08:30 PM

The 76 is so fast you can let it tame the big transients on 20:1 just use it a little and let the LA2A do it's slow, smooth magic without getting hit too hard and fast...So, use the distressor sparingly as well..just catching the big peaks and have the LA2 (or 3 or ADL) ride about 2-3 db....hmmmm smooth as a gravy sandwich

Ray

RoundBadge · 23rd December 2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joninc

why would you use such a high ration (20:1) on the 1176 to skim peaks - couldn't you do it better with a low ratio?

(btw i will be attempting this technique on a distressor into a ADL so any tips on how to set the distressor would be awesome - hopefully at some point i'll be able to try it with a real 1176 )

Sure .Try it

But after using these things for 25 years.. the 20:1 works ..
just get the threshold and faster attack right.
the higher ratio works perfectly just nabbing the peaks.
with the threshold high,it needs to be kinda aggresive

Distressor: same deal.even easier .high ratio/faster attack[to taste]/high thresh .
use your ears/eyes.experiment.
although I generally prefer the 1176 for the mojo[line amps/etc] on tracking vocals.

superburtm · 23rd December 2006, 11:15 PM

[quote=RoundBadge;1032084]Sure .Try it

But after using these things for 25 years.. the 20:1 works ..
just get the threshold and faster attack right.
the higher ratio works perfectly just nabbing the peaks.
with the threshold high,it needs to be kinda aggresive
QUOTE]

I know this is a question that brings the response of well it depends...but where are you setting the attk and release at for this application??

RoundBadge · 24th December 2006, 04:03 AM

Well it depends...

just kidding

sometimes i start with attk @ 10 am and rel [fully clocked]
the attk usually ends up anywhere from straight noon up to 3pm position..
release stays pretty close to full clock[fast ]mabybe back a notch..
adjust thresh just skimming maybe a db or two .20:1
makes it play a little nicer with the slower tube/opto/etc stuff down the path.

pepperjack · 18th March 2007, 08:24 PM

when you guys say 1176, are you referring to the 1176LN or the mc77?

Engine Room · 18th March 2007, 08:52 PM

They're pretty much the same thing, mate.

Describing the differences, is, i'm sure, the topic of numerous other threads.

stevetgn · 18th March 2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pepperjack

when you guys say 1176, are you referring to the 1176LN or the mc77?

I take it you don't chat about gear much!
They mean the compressor

electropoet · 18th March 2007, 11:09 PM

I have a MC-77 and have been wondering some time about trying to warm my vocal sounds up a bit with the LA-2A...so its good to hear people follow the 76 up with the 2A...my question would be...what about following my 77 up with a distressor set to LA-2A mode...anybody else do it? Would it be worth the investment?

For what its worth, I got the purple over the 2A cuz I'd heard that the 2A sometimes can get a bit dark with some male vocals...whereas the 1176 is fast and a bit brighter...my dilemma...and I'm not a studio...this is strictly for my own music, is I want my vocals smoother and a warmer sound going into the DAW.

So again...anyone using a 1176 type comp first and then following it up with the distressor set very lightly for just such a situation?

RoundBadge · 19th March 2007, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electropoet

..what about following my 77 up with a distressor set to LA-2A mode...anybody else do it? Would it be worth the investment?

I wouldn't bother..the distressor don't really do an LA2a vibe.
Whenever a Manual says "Blah Blah Mode" be very weary.

You wanna an LA2a sound,gotta buy one.

I got a reissue last year for 1400 bucks.they sound fine next to the oldies.maybe a little cleaner.but i actually like that for vox,specially with older tube mics.

Quote:

Originally Posted by electropoet

For what its worth, I got the purple over the 2A cuz I'd heard that the 2A sometimes can get a bit dark with some male vocals...whereas the 1176 is fast and a bit brighter...my dilemma...and I'm not a studio...this is strictly for my own music, is I want my vocals smoother and a warmer sound going into the DAW.

What mics are you using to cut vocals?
Both comps are usefull for different situations ..
i switch up combinations all the time for diff styles,mics ,singers,etc.
I also use the Tubetech comp often.
Sometimes DBX160.s,
..etc,etc
Sometimes the purple or LN's don't work on vocals
to me no one compressor is the "be all" unit

Sofa King · 19th March 2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foldback

I use the 1176 into LA2 combo all the time. It is wonderful and very fat sounding.

My quest for a good vocal compressor began with the LA-610 which got returned after a week of demo, this led to upgrading the purchase to the LA-2. .

Please clarify, do you in fact have an LA-2, or were referring to an LA-2A?
And was this a UA or Teletronix?

All the best,
Sean

electropoet · 19th March 2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

I wouldn't bother..the distressor don't really do an LA2a vibe.
Whenever a Manual says "Blah Blah Mode" be very weary.

You wanna an LA2a sound,gotta buy one.

I just want to warm the vocal up prior to making it digital...i'm ITB...so I'm still curious if anyone sees a problem using a distressor after a different comp set to a low ratio to help it out a bit...i don't really want the distressor comping as I love the purple fast attack. Still a lost cause?

cribproductions · 19th March 2007, 05:19 PM

I'm getting the LA 610. Would you concider it to be too slow for rap vocals?

Sigma · 19th March 2007, 06:01 PM

LA 4 12:1 with 3-5 db of limiting controled by a fader from mic output to input of limiter..ridden as necessary..i call it rowing the boat..esp with very dynamic singers like patti labelle was..

RoundBadge · 19th March 2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electropoet

I just want to warm the vocal up prior to making it digital...i'm ITB...so I'm still curious if anyone sees a problem using a distressor after a different comp set to a low ratio to help it out a bit...i don't really want the distressor comping as I love the purple fast attack. Still a lost cause?

The only kind off warming thing a distressor will give really is with the dist2 and 3 buttons.I like them on kick and snare sometimes
The line amps are fairly transparent and it still wont give you the La2a vibe.
i'd just do a used LA reissue or Tubetech CL1B[Change the tubes] and call it a day.maybe a few buckjs more than a fully loaded EL8-X.but hey, you'll have some real tube vibe at your disposal,NOT a stupid emulation
Either combo will cover a fair amount of ground for vocals,bass,etc

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21st December 2006, 09:12 PM	#1
Blick Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 27	1176 or La2a Not sure exactly how to phrase this but, what do the people on this board generally prefer in their vocal chain 1176 or an La2a (I am aware that each can have a seperate and distinct application)? Also what vocal/production style/ application do you use each for? Thanks.

22nd December 2006, 04:00 PM	#6
rsolinski Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 74	Yep...1176 to tame the peaks and the LA2A for that smoothe as cake frosting touch..Almost peed my pants when I used this chain for the first time.... Cheers, Ray __________________ What else floats? Breakfast cereal....gravy...very small rocks

23rd December 2006, 07:39 PM	#16
joninc Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: bc, canada Posts: 229	why would you use such a high ration (20:1) on the 1176 to skim peaks - couldn't you do it better with a low ratio? (btw i will be attempting this technique on a distressor into a ADL so any tips on how to set the distressor would be awesome - hopefully at some point i'll be able to try it with a real 1176 ) __________________ the new rules = there are no rules. www.buenavistaaudio.com

23rd December 2006, 08:30 PM	#17
rsolinski Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 74	The 76 is so fast you can let it tame the big transients on 20:1 just use it a little and let the LA2A do it's slow, smooth magic without getting hit too hard and fast...So, use the distressor sparingly as well..just catching the big peaks and have the LA2 (or 3 or ADL) ride about 2-3 db....hmmmm smooth as a gravy sandwich Ray __________________ What else floats? Breakfast cereal....gravy...very small rocks

21st December 2006, 09:25 PM	#2
Aearth Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,113	I have the 1176 for vocals, but now I have discovered the LA3A for vox.....cheaper than the LA2A. Nic

21st December 2006, 09:39 PM	#3
RoundBadge Lives for gear Join Date: May 2004 Location: Los Angeles ,Ca. Posts: 5,975	1176 for shaving little 20:1 peaks followed by an La or Tubetech or Gates for smoothness. Get the settings just right for that particular vocalist.but careful not to overdo it. ...pretty idiot proof if your too lazy to ride a fader. but I'm not lazy so sometimes I'll do a little of both.. screamers require more attention.

22nd December 2006, 05:53 AM	#4
piano Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 521	Could a nice person out there post examples of an 1176 vox vs. a La2a vox? Or if there are all ready posts of this direct me to it.... I can't find any with my searches. Thanks!

22nd December 2006, 07:39 PM	#7
nemisis633 Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: KY.. Posts: 206	I've recently been using my LA2A & 1176 in a chain as described above. If I had to have only one, hands down get the 1176 (or rather the Purple MC77 if possible). LA-2A can downright be too slow at times. Jon

22nd December 2006, 07:57 PM	#8
Blick Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 27	Thanks for all your advice. I definatly plan on picking up the 1176 or some form of it first. On another note, I am looking to make some more upgrades to my setup. How much of a difference would I notice If i added some high end (apogee, prism, etc) ad converters to my setup (I am currently using a 002). I record mostly vocals and guitar with my outboard analog pres.

22nd December 2006, 08:02 PM	#10
nemisis633 Gear maniac Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: KY.. Posts: 206	I 2nd the cotton statement, just remember when you get to a certain level, the difference in converters is MUCH less apparent. IE the step between going from high end apogee stuff to some of the crazier stuff. (Lavry etc.) The infamous law of dimenishing returns. Good luck! Jon

22nd December 2006, 08:27 PM	#11
Blick Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 27	What would you say the differences are between a UA 1176 and a Purple 77

22nd December 2006, 08:42 PM	#12
foldback Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 682	I use the 1176 into LA2 combo all the time. It is wonderful and very fat sounding. My quest for a good vocal compressor began with the LA-610 which got returned after a week of demo, this led to upgrading the purchase to the LA-2. Even tho these pieces share similar heritage the LA-2 is much more pleasing IMHO, the LA-610 has a brighter sound that I did not care for and the preamp seemed to overload on powerful rock vocals no matter how the gain controls were set. With the arrival of the LA-2 I immediately liked it but found the attack to be too slow when trying to clamp down rock vocals during tracking. A month later I acquired the 1176 Classic and the chain was complete. If you can only afford one piece then the 1176 is the one. It has lightning fast attack and sounds great. I got excellent prices from my Guitar Center sales rep and the UA products have fantastic resale value on ebay. The LA-2 is "tube sound" for anything, it adds meat even without gain reduction dialed in. These are two of my all time favorite pieces of gear.

23rd December 2006, 11:15 PM	#19
superburtm Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,382	[quote=RoundBadge;1032084]Sure .Try it But after using these things for 25 years.. the 20:1 works .. just get the threshold and faster attack right. the higher ratio works perfectly just nabbing the peaks. with the threshold high,it needs to be kinda aggresive QUOTE] I know this is a question that brings the response of well it depends...but where are you setting the attk and release at for this application??

24th December 2006, 04:03 AM	#20
RoundBadge Lives for gear Join Date: May 2004 Location: Los Angeles ,Ca. Posts: 5,975	Well it depends... just kidding sometimes i start with attk @ 10 am and rel [fully clocked] the attk usually ends up anywhere from straight noon up to 3pm position.. release stays pretty close to full clock[fast ]mabybe back a notch.. adjust thresh just skimming maybe a db or two .20:1 makes it play a little nicer with the slower tube/opto/etc stuff down the path.

18th March 2007, 08:24 PM	#21
pepperjack Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 95	when you guys say 1176, are you referring to the 1176LN or the mc77?

18th March 2007, 08:52 PM	#22
Engine Room Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 116	They're pretty much the same thing, mate. Describing the differences, is, i'm sure, the topic of numerous other threads.

18th March 2007, 11:09 PM	#24
electropoet Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 153	I have a MC-77 and have been wondering some time about trying to warm my vocal sounds up a bit with the LA-2A...so its good to hear people follow the 76 up with the 2A...my question would be...what about following my 77 up with a distressor set to LA-2A mode...anybody else do it? Would it be worth the investment? For what its worth, I got the purple over the 2A cuz I'd heard that the 2A sometimes can get a bit dark with some male vocals...whereas the 1176 is fast and a bit brighter...my dilemma...and I'm not a studio...this is strictly for my own music, is I want my vocals smoother and a warmer sound going into the DAW. So again...anyone using a 1176 type comp first and then following it up with the distressor set very lightly for just such a situation?

19th March 2007, 05:19 PM	#28
cribproductions Gear interested Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 21	I'm getting the LA 610. Would you concider it to be too slow for rap vocals?

19th March 2007, 06:01 PM	#29
Sigma Lives for gear Join Date: May 2006 Location: phallicdelphia Posts: 2,583	LA 4 12:1 with 3-5 db of limiting controled by a fader from mic output to input of limiter..ridden as necessary..i call it rowing the boat..esp with very dynamic singers like patti labelle was..