looking for a transparent affordable high end compressor...

[ine-kpro...]

whats a transparent compressor thats affordable but still high end. can be a desktop, rack unit or api module.

[BOWIE]

Originally Posted by ine-kpro...

whats a transparent compressor thats affordable but still high end. can be a desktop, rack unit or api module.

Which is it? Affordable or High End? You can't have both for the same price...
With that said. Why not get an 1176 and be done with it?

[dlmorley]

Depends what affordable is really!
If transparent is important, you can do worse than an Aphex 320a compellor (as long as you avoid the limiter function)

[ine-kpro...]

more than an rnc and less than a manley. maybe portico 5043 prices.

[JonCraig]

tube tech cl1b. cranesong trakker. dbx 160VU or 165a.

the dbx's aren't too transparent, but they are clean, if that's your flavor.

the cranesong can be pristine or crunchy... it's a REALLY cool box that does a whole lot more than others.

the tube tech is very transparent, but in a "big" sorta way... if that makes sense. it doesn't sound "tubey" or "vintage", just lots of presence, with real clean gain reduction.

--jon

[dlmorley]

Maybe a bit high ($1800) but the Roll RMS755 seems to get great reviews for the 2 buss

[in the red]

on the cheaper side, the rnc. can´t go wrong for the price. 1176 is nice for sure, but not transparent at all... the trakker is a very special unit, almost invisible gain reduction. i wonder why nobody has mentioned the distressor? can go from rather clean to insane distortion, very versatile.

[funka]

Haven't heard it, but in the cheap region, you may try the safesoundaudio P1 as a transparent compressor yet affordable.
Maybe Warren can chime in to confirm that...

[jamroom]

The safesound P1 is a good buy.Its faster and more detailed that DBX 160x,160xt's.I think it's the best buy around and a good step up from the DBX's.

[gainreduction]

Transparent & affordable : SPL dynamaxx or why not a pair of (used) Aphex expressors.

[JonCraig]

Originally Posted by in the red

i wonder why nobody has mentioned the distressor?

because it's a distortion box.

i hate em

--jon

[gm5k]

Originally Posted by ine-kpro...

whats a transparent compressor thats affordable but still high end. can be a desktop, rack unit or api module.

might wanna look into the buzz audio essence as well. based on the SOC and is $950 for a mono unit.

[Flying_Dutchman]

The Drawmer 1968ME ist one of the cheaper solutuions. I don´t know how much it is in USA, but here in Europe the normal retail price is about 1300-1400€. Its a great compressor, imao.

[Flying_Dutchman]

urgh, i forgot that you said transparent...ok, the drawmer isn´t this way

[shortyprs]

I've been interested in the P1 for tracking, but there only seem to be a few people who ever talk about it. For the amount of time it's been out there, that worries me...a little. Of course, Warren makes up for that by making it a no risk deal. Still, I hate wasting time on something if it turns out to be the same quality as, say, an rnc.

[Amadeuz]

Distressor.
It is the swiss army knife of comps. If I had only ONE compressor, it would probably be that.
People like it because of its flexibility. It can be transparent and smooth, all the way to "agressive" and in your face.

[billgennaro]

i've always thought that the aphex 661 expressors are transparent and inexpensive. one channel units but a pair can be had used for about $600-700.

bill

[Ricey]

definitely give the Portico 5043 an audition if you have the means!

[imaverysoundman]

FOCUSRITE BLUE 230

[Tommylicious]

Tfpro P38, it has four different types of compression. The first type can actually be pretty clean and transparent at lower ratios.

I just bought this piece from a fellow slut and must say that I am starting to like it more and more. It operates a bit different than other compressors but for wat it costs this thing has a lot to offer IMO.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by shortyprs

I've been interested in the P1 for tracking, but there only seem to be a few people who ever talk about it. For the amount of time it's been out there, that worries me...a little. Of course, Warren makes up for that by making it a no risk deal. Still, I hate wasting time on something if it turns out to be the same quality as, say, an rnc.

An RNC it is not. We offer that 100% return policy (even shipping) for a reason: it never really gets used! Seriously, I think 2 people in the last 2 years have sent back P1's and we've sold a bunch.

If the original poster is looking for a mono compressor for tracking or mixing that is transparent and affordable but doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I would not hesitate to recommend it.

[pimp hat] Upcoming from Safe Sound Audio: The Stereo Dynamics Toolbox

Stereo linkable P1 capability but tons of added features everywhere from 2 different compression modes for single point sources and for 2 buss mix work, to parallel compression using a single blend knob, to dual side chain internal EQ's capable of 20hZ to 15kHz and everywhere in between, choice of output transformers, "drive" feature for adding harmonic content, and the same stealth limiting available in the P1.

No mic preamps, no DI, one dual mono / stereo compressing all in one box from hell.

Robert Campbell is one smart dude, and this box has me very excited. Final assembly of the first fully functional unit should be done in a couple weeks and sent here soon for testing in some local studios tracking and stereo mixing.

[/pimp hat]

War

[shortyprs]

Originally Posted by warhead

An RNC it is not. We offer that 100% return policy (even shipping) for a reason: it never really gets used! Seriously, I think 2 people in the last 2 years have sent back P1's and we've sold a bunch.

If the original poster is looking for a mono compressor for tracking or mixing that is transparent and affordable but doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I would not hesitate to recommend it.

[pimp hat] Upcoming from Safe Sound Audio: The Stereo Dynamics Toolbox

Stereo linkable P1 capability but tons of added features everywhere from 2 different compression modes for single point sources and for 2 buss mix work, to parallel compression using a single blend knob, to dual side chain internal EQ's capable of 20hZ to 15kHz and everywhere in between, choice of output transformers, "drive" feature for adding harmonic content, and the same stealth limiting available in the P1.

No mic preamps, no DI, one dual mono / stereo compressing all in one box from hell.

Robert Campbell is one smart dude, and this box has me very excited. Final assembly of the first fully functional unit should be done in a couple weeks and sent here soon for testing in some local studios tracking and stereo mixing.

[/pimp hat]

War

War, when you talk dirty like that, it gets me even more interested. Are they at the point of talking pricing?

[TexasStudioC]

I have experience with this box. I'm sure there are better compressors out there... and different boxes for different uses. Still, I like the distressor. If you want to hear something with that compressor...

go to www.myspace.com/waltcarroll

Click on "Momma's Got A Hemi."

The vocal on that song is recorded through a distressor set on "automatic." I thought it gave the vocal a lot more presence. Of course, if I recorded that song with the rack I had now.... it would sound infinitely better... overall though, it's sure as heck nothing to be ashamed of.

It's hard to say something is transparent because everything colors the sound from the mic to the pre to the a/d converter... plus, this is mastered by Airshow..... that colors it... plus... there's eq on it.. although it's the focusrite parametric plugin.

What is transparent? That's sort of a metaphysical question!!

[NathanEldred]

Buzz SOC (stereo/dual mono) or Buzz Essence (mono) both qualify as high end, transparent, and affordable IME.

[JonCraig]

Originally Posted by TexasStudioC

The vocal on that song is recorded through a distressor set on "automatic."

care to elaborate on where the automatic button is on a distressor?

--jon

[TexasStudioC]

Empirical Labs calls it "opto" mode.

You'll set your input and output where you want it.

Ratio 10:1
Attack on 10.
Release on zero.

This activates some separate detector circuitry. I liked the sound of it when I tried it so I went with it.

I have a UA 6176. I haven't wired that in yet.... sort of waiting on some other gear before I rearrange my racks.... but the distressor will supposedly emulate an 1176 also. Like I said, transparent is subjective. Do I like the box? Yes.

[Stu Gutz]

Originally Posted by dlmorley

Depends what affordable is really!
If transparent is important, you can do worse than an Aphex 320a compellor (as long as you avoid the limiter function)

I second this recommendation. An Aphex Compellor 320A sounds nice; and is affordable!

[ulysses]

Originally Posted by TexasStudioC

What is transparent? That's sort of a metaphysical question!!

No, it isn't. "Transparent" is clearly defined, pardon the pun. "Transparent" comes with its own reference point: Output sounds like input. Period.

Of course, there's a limit to how transparent a circuit can be and still perform some worthwhile function.

I build and sell a compressor that's absolutely transparent... as long as you keep it in Bypass. Engage the circuitry, and it becomes ever-so-slightly less transparent.

[cherrymusic]

eBay: Neve Pre-80's Series Recording Console -Manley Modified (item 190106176515 end time Apr-30-07 08:33:34 PDT)



I wonder why this console is just sitting on ebay week after week? If I had the money I would go for it.

Love to hear a track that was do on it.

[NathanEldred]

Originally Posted by ulysses

I build and sell a compressor that's absolutely transparent... as long as you keep it in Bypass. Engage the circuitry, and it becomes ever-so-slightly less transparent.

"ever so slightly less transparent" in a glue it together make your heart warm kind of way