Help me choose

[tripnek]

I'm still toiling over what "all in one" unit to get. I've narrowed it down to two, but if you have any other great suggestions feel free to throw them in.

I already have a Langevin and Sebatron, but my best compressor at this point is the RNC. I'm looking to get a good unit that has a top notch "Colored" mic pre and a good compressor that could be used separately with my other mic pre's if needed. I'm most concerned with the ability to get a very "professional" vocal sound, but at least at this time the compressor must double as a bass guitar compressor as well. The unit will most likely see use in many other applications as well.

I have had my eye on the Focusrite red 7 for some time now. My only complaint here I think is the lack of ability to connect the compressor separately. In another post AudioGaff suggested hooking my other mic pre's output into the "line in" on the red 7 to utilize the compressor. But wouldn't this still add the Red preamp's "color" to the signal chain Gaff? I also really like the De-esser / exciter function the red offers.

Recently I have been reading up on the Universal Audio 6176. I really like the Idea of the complete "split" function of this unit allowing separation of the compressor and the preamp. Also alluring is the 1176. I've heard so much about them but have heard so little here from people who actually use them on a regular basis. Is this a great vocal compressor or do I really need an opto or VCA-based compressor for vocals? Is it a good Bass compressor? The thought of the 610 preamp is also enticing. From the comments I've heard here and elsewhere the 610 is very colored. This could be great but I'm sure not good for all vocals. Hence the option to use the compressor with the Langevin or Sebatron. But would these three cover my options well or would the Red pre cover it better? Unfortunately the 6176 lacks the De-esser function that the red 7 has. Anyone know of a good De-esser that actually has balanced I/O's.

Obviously the best option would probably be to buy both, but that's not likely to happen for another year or so. I'm not looking for someone to make up my mind for me here, just hoping to get some good reviews/opinions from people who actually use the units mentioned (FR Red 7, 6176, 610, 1176) or other good options to consider that I may have over looked (looking to stay in a <$2k budget). A list of applications you feel the units excel or don't excel at would be great. Likes, dislikes or problems also would be great. Any general advise concerning the units.

I found a few reviews of the 6176 on the net but could not find any on the Red 7. If you know of any reviews on either unit please post the URL.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[GearGuy]

Hmmm.. Red series has been around for awhile so good luck finding a relevant review. The new ISA430MKII or the ISA220 would be great choices. Both mic pres have the same design with the Red series. You pay more for the Red series because they are still handmade in England. Both the ISA units have more options than the Red 7. The Red series rocks for sure though...

I'm not going to re-post my concerns (and bias really...) about UA products. I need to really give them another chance... nah! grudge The 610 and 1176 is always a good combo.

[tripnek]

Would love to hear from all you 1176 users also. Is it a really good comp for Vocals as compared to the VCA type in the FR Red 7?