Avalon 747 -VS- Avalon AD2044

[True North]

I am looking to beef up my Optical Compressor investments. I am currently looking at a either a Avalon 747 or a Avalon AD2044. I already know there are some obvious differences i.e. The 747 has a Graphic EQ in the chain, the 747 has a side chain option, the 747 only allows for linked operation (the two channels cannot be operated seperately). Many of their specs seem similar.

I tried calling Avalon (they don't allow emails????) to speak with someone and it was hard to tell if the guy I spoke with really worked there (not much help).

Has anyone used either of these compressors?
Has Anyone had the opportunity to A/B them against one another, if so any notes on the sonic differences wud be appreciated?
Any opinions on either of the units would be appreciated?
Any other suggestions for an optical compressor to look at, other than a Manley ELOP, 1176 and LA2A, based on actual user experience would be appreciated? Thanks.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

Has anyone used either of these compressors?

Yes.

I've owned both at different times and have sold both since then.

Originally Posted by True North

Has Anyone had the opportunity to A/B them against one another, if so any notes on the sonic differences wud be appreciated?

Biggest difference is the versatility and amount of artifacts when each is pushed.

Neither one in my opinion is that versatile.

Of the both i prefered the 2044.

But it wasn't really great at any one thing.

Its very pillowy and to my ears emphasized the low mids too much.

Originally Posted by True North

Any opinions on either of the units would be appreciated?

Read above.

Originally Posted by True North

Any other suggestions for an optical compressor to look at, other than a Manley ELOP, 1176 and LA2A, based on actual user experience would be appreciated? Thanks.

The 1176 is not an optical based compressor(FET design).

I would look into:

Tubetech CL1B, Inward Connections Vac Rac limiter,Eclair La-La limiter,OCL-2,Buzz Audio Soc 1.1,La3a...should i go on?

[3rd world order]

Idano about the 747, but the 737's compressor will suck the life out of anything. the EQ is cool if you want a white-hot razor.. but i'm not particularly crazy about it. If the compressor in the 747 was anything like the 737 i wouldn't use it much.

my favorite opto compressors are LA-3A (excellent vox comp), CL1-B (the pillow), & ADL (more for the crunchy tubes than the opto).. the Summit TLA-100 is OK too. oh shit, there's this guy in hamilton ontario who makes a killer opto.. tube-something.. it's a pseudo LA-2A but it sounds HUGE... tube-tronix? something like that... kind of a different beast than the LA-3a, you can't hit it as hard, but it's much more expensive sounding.

another fun "compressor" is a pair of DW Fearn mic pres...

and if you want wacky color a JoeMeek SC2 is cool... not the new cheap ones but the goofy one with the makeup gain on the back... it can get VERY aggressive and pumpy for drums/etc... a bit of a one-trick pony but i like it.

what application are you using it for?

[True North]

Thanks for the reply Thrill Factor and Third World

I am not being too picky about a particular use. I currently only own one dedicated Optical Compressor (Maley ELOP) and I was looking for more variety/voices in my Optical compression aresenal. I am very happy with my UAD plugs and that is why I am not immediately looking for an 1176 or an LA2A (yes I know it is not the same). I have been considering TUBE Tech, I already own an MEC1A which I use for vocals quite a bit.

My 737 also has optical compression in it as well but I only seem to be using it for DI Bass lately which works for me. I live in Toronto (1 hr. from Hamilton) so I am curious about this guy in Hamilton that you are talking about. Let me know if you can dig up any more info.

Thanks for your help guys.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

Thanks for the reply Thrill Factor and Third World

I am not being too picky about a particular use. I currently only own one dedicated Optical Compressor (Maley ELOP) and I was looking for more variety/voices in my Optical compression aresenal. I am very happy with my UAD plugs and that is why I am not immediately looking for an 1176 or an LA2A (yes I know it is not the same). I have been considering TUBE Tech, I already own an MEC1A which I use for vocals quite a bit.

My 737 also has optical compression in it as well but I only seem to be using it for DI Bass lately which works for me. I live in Toronto (1 hr. from Hamilton) so I am curious about this guy in Hamilton that you are talking about. Let me know if you can dig up any more info.

Thanks for your help guys.

Why the current fancy for optical compression?

There are other compression designs while different sound cool.

The LA2A is an optical design by the way.

[True North]

I own quite a few dedicated VCA compressors already hence the interest in finding some Optical options. I only recently purchased my ELOP and I have really enjoyed using it.

I know an LA2A is an optical compressor, but because I am reasonably happy with my UAD plugs (one of which is an LA2A) and I am looking at other options for optical compressors right now.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

I own quite a few dedicated VCA compressors already hence the interest in finding some Optical options. I only recently purchased my ELOP and I have really enjoyed using it.

Understood.

What kind of sound do you think you are looking for?

Originally Posted by True North

I know an LA2A is an optical compressor, but because I am reasonably happy with my UAD plugs (one of which is an LA2A) and I am looking at other options for optical compressors right now.

In my opinion while the plug is a nice emulation i've notice it can't do some of the things that the real thing can do.

[True North]

What am I looking for? Good question

I don't know specifically off of the top of my head. It's one of those things, I will know when I get there. Besides, I find some of the descriptive adjectives used to describe the sound of compression to be a little too generic for me to be totally reliant on.

I want to use the suggestions of my peers as a starting point and then make some decisions from there. My goal is to narrow it down two or three compressors, borrow/rent etc... off of some of my retail partners and then go through a thorough listening session - that is how I try to make all of my significant gear spends recently.

As far as the plugs go, you are right, the plug will never completely replace the hardware. I do know that they used the algorithms from these plugs to create the specs for the optical components in both the LA2A and the 1176 - so while they are not exact duplicates I beleive that they do a good enough job for now and certainly capture some of the core elements, sounds and characteristics of each of those models.

Thanks

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

What am I looking for? Good question

I don't know specifically off of the top of my head. It's one of those things, I will know when I get there. Besides, I find some of the descriptive adjectives used to describe the sound of compression to be a little too generic for me to be totally reliant on.

This is my point.

What you maybe hearing in your head is not an optical compressor but something else.

The benefits to opticals in my opinion are the way they can handle compression jobs without being heavy handed.

Most of the opticals out there aren't lighting quick(except for the more modern designs) so they will let out some character.

Some are dark sounding while others the harder you hit them the brighter they get.

Then you have some that stay neutral even at the extreme settings.

Most common uses are tracking vocals and bass where the on set of compression isn't necessarily wanted(especially if it will change the character) but when it kicks in it works and gets back to doing its thing.

Originally Posted by True North

I want to use the suggestions of my peers as a starting point and then make some decisions from there. My goal is to narrow it down two or three compressors, borrow/rent etc... off of some of my retail partners and then go through a thorough listening session - that is how I try to make all of my significant gear spends recently.

My personal faves are the CL1B,La2a and La3a.

You can track any vocal,acoustic guitar or bass with these.

[True North]

I have been eyeing a CL1B as well. LA2A will definitely come my way sometime in the future. I have discussed LA3A's with other people and for some reason I keep forgetting about that compressor as an option - good suggestion, thanks.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by True North

I have been eyeing a CL1B as well. LA2A will definitely come my way sometime in the future. I have discussed LA3A's with other people and for some reason I keep forgetting about that compressor as an option - good suggestion, thanks.

Of the 3 the CL1B is the most versatile.

You can set it up so you have a variable attack and release.

You can change the tubes(highly recommended) to make it even more richer sounding.

[belairstudio]

Hi,

I've been using the avalon 747 for a couple of years.. Great piece of gear on certain things.

1) Master compression, if you don't hit to hard

2) acoustic guitars

On master the tube signal path adds a sweet low midrange and a little tube grit.
It has the sidechain that works good if you want low frequency not to affect the compression

Not that versatile, but good for fe in what I mentioned

Cheers!

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

Thrill is bang on about the CL1B.. its almost unwritten law in my world that EVERYONE should own one.. they work and sound so good in all the roles he mentions.

RE: 747 its a bit of a love hate thing for me.. I love it AFTER(chasing) a C2 on the 2buss. works a treat and give a good vibe. but on its own its a tad slow and mundane. The Eq is really where the $$$$ is at withh this box and a little goes a long way!

Cheers
Wiggy

[True North]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

Of the 3 the CL1B is the most versatile.

You can set it up so you have a variable attack and release.

You can change the tubes(highly recommended) to make it even more richer sounding.

What tubes are you referring to?

[True North]

Originally Posted by Wiggy Neve Slut

Thrill is bang on about the CL1B.. its almost unwritten law in my world that EVERYONE should own one.. they work and sound so good in all the roles he mentions.

RE: 747 its a bit of a love hate thing for me.. I love it AFTER(chasing) a C2 on the 2buss. works a treat and give a good vibe. but on its own its a tad slow and mundane. The Eq is really where the $$$$ is at withh this box and a little goes a long way!

Cheers
Wiggy

Hey Wiggy,

Are you referring to the EQ on the 737 or the Graphic EQ on the 747? I know a lot of people like the EQ section on the 737 I just haven't heard too many people praise the EQ on a 747 - just wanted to clarify.

Interesting note about the 747 being slow - I figured because it was an optical compressor it would relatively quick.

[3rd world order]

now this is gonna sound funny but what the hell, here goes. on the CL1B.. i used to work in a studio in montreal with one and YES it was gorgeous... hmm, *too* gorgeous. my nickname for it was "the pillow" because it made everything sound so sweet and nice, warm, tubey, you name it... but I rarely used it because it was too nice. on main vocal I preferred the LA-3A (artifacts and all)... I did quite like it on electric bass.. tho, surprisingly, the vt737 beat it occasionally. it's a strange world. the CL-1B always sounded better soloed, but it was a crapshoot as to whether it would fit with the rest of the mix.

I came to the conclusion that I generally like compressors that are more aggressive sounding than the CL1B. the CL1B is like waking up on a sunday morning, sun coming thru the curtains, and seeing Claudia Schiffer there in something skimpy with a tray serving breakfast in bed... it was a beautiful world.

Unfortunately, most days, i want the dominatrix with a sharp quirt, latex and lipgloss...

does this make any sense?

if you want Daniel Lanois-esque vistas, check out a CL-1B

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by 3rd world order

now this is gonna sound funny but what the hell, here goes. on the CL1B.. i used to work in a studio in montreal with one and YES it was gorgeous... hmm, *too* gorgeous. my nickname for it was "the pillow" because it made everything sound so sweet and nice, warm, tubey, you name it... but I rarely used it because it was too nice. on main vocal I preferred the LA-3A (artifacts and all)... I did quite like it on electric bass.. tho, surprisingly, the vt737 beat it occasionally. it's a strange world. the CL-1B always sounded better soloed, but it was a crapshoot as to whether it would fit with the rest of the mix.

I came to the conclusion that I generally like compressors that are more aggressive sounding than the CL1B. the CL1B is like waking up on a sunday morning, sun coming thru the curtains, and seeing Claudia Schiffer there in something skimpy with a tray serving breakfast in bed... it was a beautiful world.

Unfortunately, most days, i want the dominatrix with a sharp quirt, latex and lipgloss...

does this make any sense?

if you want Daniel Lanois-esque vistas, check out a CL-1B

That's why i suggested to change the tubes.

It gives the sound more character and size.

Especially the Mullards.

The Tele's tend to make it too hifi.

Personally i feel the 2044 is more of the "pillow" and the CL1B is like a "feather".

What makes the CL1B work so well is when you are tracking and you take it off...you then realize why the hell did i do that?

Personally i prefer to add aggresive compression to the vocals at the mix.

I have lots of colors and combinations to choose from in my compressor arsenal so i can have better control.

If you track with it and you want to back off a touch you are stuck.

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

Originally Posted by True North

Hey Wiggy,

Are you referring to the EQ on the 737 or the Graphic EQ on the 747? I know a lot of people like the EQ section on the 737 I just haven't heard too many people praise the EQ on a 747 - just wanted to clarify.

Interesting note about the 747 being slow - I figured because it was an optical compressor it would relatively quick.

EQ on 747 i was reffering to .. a fool can twiddle and make it sound great or completeley shite, hence why a little cna goa along way

Optical comps can be fastish.. but now where in the realm of a VCA or FET arrangement.