Best first high end outboard compressor for < $1,500?

[PheelTheMusic]

I've got tons of great plugin compressors but NO HIGH-END OUTBOARD! What's the best all around hardware compressor for under $1,500? Great sound on vocals is a must! I need to get a few into my place to demo but am I missing anything?

Distressor? Daking FET II? 1176? LA-3A?

[musicmatt]

I've heard only great things about the LA-3A for a high end multi-purpose Compressor.. I haven't used one personally, only a vintage 1176 which was quite nice.

[superburtm]

1176 will change your life

[Led]

If you can only get one for now go the 1176 over the LA3A. It's more versatile in it's setings - ratio, attack, release. Or you could get a Purple for around that too. Either is good.
Although, you can get a lot of sounds out of a distressor. It's a bit more of a swiss army knife.

[cdog]

Id try to buy an EL Fatso used for $1500 that piece is amazing.

You cant make it sound bad. Its one of the few idiot proof pieces of gear I own.

The BUSS compressor alone is worth it. Very smooth.

[FadersmakmeHappy]

+1 for the Distressor. Very versatile. I like the LA3a on vocals and acoustic guitar a tad better, but the distressor is more versitile. The LA3A is just extremely easy to use as a tracking tool.

I also really dig the Fatso, but my experience is limited whereas I own the distressor.

I would shootout:
Fatso
LA3A
1176
Distressor

Maybe also:
DBX 160
Summit Audio TLA-50

[Red 7]

Purple MC77. Great for voice and bass. thumbsup

[matt thomas]

I think there's really only one answer to the question of which to buy first, giving that you will only have one and that it needs to be versatile, and that is the distressor

The chandler also gets honorable mentions, and then so does the Rupert Neve (which is stereo)

Other compressors in this price range are great, but IMHO not as versatile

narco

[Doc Mixwell]

Originally Posted by Red 7

Purple MC77. Great for voice and bass. thumbsup

This would be a very, very good call for tracking.

[mixerguy]

distressor, for sure. very versatile, and awesome when pushed hard. does things that no plugin can do, in my opinion.

ymmv

[timtoonz]

Portico 5043

UA 1176 (or equivalent)

Distressor

Go forth and compressify!

[warhead]

In a stereo compressor with great versatility and features (and 'peakride' mode being the ticket for voice especially) my very, very biased opinion would be to listen to a Safe Sound Audio Dynamics Toolbox.

It's very close to your price range, and feature set is second to none for versatility and control.

War

[George Necola]

purple mc 77

[TonyBelmont]

Distressor.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Distressor.

Mono that's about as much versatility as one could ever dream of in that price range really.......

War

[edvdr76]

Distressor would definitely be your best bet. More versatile than the other selections for the price range youre in. Most of the other ones in the price range are one trick pony's....

[radlid]

Distressor with brit mod $1530

[bblackstone]

Originally Posted by radlid

Distressor with brit mod $1530

thumbsup More versitile. Brit mod has made the mix for me before. However if vocals was my only concern I'd might go with the 1176.

[Unagi]

Where can one find an 1176 for < 1,500?

[NesNeedsGear]

Originally Posted by Unagi

Where can one find an 1176 for < 1,500?

maybe the UA reissue.

and certainly a used Urei 1176LN (if you somehow managed to get the seller to drop it this low, or add something in a trade).

look for deals right in the GS classifieds

[AB3]

Absolutely the case. I have two of them. And now I understand they are going for less money. Read Bob Katz's review of it.

Originally Posted by warhead

In a stereo compressor with great versatility and features (and 'peakride' mode being the ticket for voice especially) my very, very biased opinion would be to listen to a Safe Sound Audio Dynamics Toolbox.

It's very close to your price range, and feature set is second to none for versatility and control.

War

[Mortal Engines]

DISTRESSOR, BABY!


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[paul2009]

Originally Posted by PheelTheMusic

I've got tons of great plugin compressors but NO HIGH-END OUTBOARD! What's the best all around hardware compressor for under $1,500? Great sound on vocals is a must! I need to get a few into my place to demo but am I missing anything?

Distressor? Daking FET II? 1176? LA-3A?

Urei 1176 blackface!!!!!

[jjblair]

Not a fan of the new UA 1176LNs. I'm a huge fan of the MC77s. It's the best recreation of the vintage Ureis available, IMHO. If you have to own only one compressor, that's the one.

[James Meeker]

EL8 DISTRESSOR.

Hands down. Period. Amen. End of story.

Next best bets are the 1176LN (a *real* one from way back when... a Urei), or a *real* LA2A. Also, another vote for the Purple MC77.

[KRStudio]

A pair of DBX 165A or one 1176.

[leebridges]

i vote LA-3A. i use it on vocals everyday.

[sawhorse]

Originally Posted by KRStudio

A pair of DBX 165A or one 1176.

I like that idea... pretty good. Though it IS tough to beat the EL-8. I'm pondering this very thought. I could add a third EL-8 or pair up with a second 1176... or, for that matter, pair up a 165 for half the money.

[matt thomas]

find another $350

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...stressors.html

narco

[flute player]

How about the TK-audio BC-1 or Vintage design C1.
Well made Swedish compressors and both within the budget.
Can be used onto the 2-bus too.

Greetz,

Paul