Lushest smoothest richest vocal comp

[Marjan]

Originally Posted by AB3

So what is the most lush, smooth, creamiest, rich (and lots of color is ok) vocal comp?

Not sure it gathers all those attributes just the way you like, but you may want to check out the Vintage Design CL1 mkII - 33609 like, only better sounding.
Besides, it sounds just as good on EVERYTHING else.

[Stitch333]

Best I've used: Fairchild 670 is a contender

[ripper]

recently i liked tracking with an ear 660 or the thermionix phoenix

though the ear isnt as dark as a fairchild 660, it does have that low-mid width and girdth about it.

the phoenix is very clear and open with a beautiful top and very nice bottom (damn, THAT is sexy on a woman or a compressor!)

in the way less colured category (but can result in a very lush sound, depending on the mic and pre): the atomic squeeze box.

U67-germanium pre (or v72)- atomic = amazing, open detail and size.

[AB3]

I wonder if the Anamod 670 is the answer?

Originally Posted by Stitch333

Best I've used: Fairchild 670 is a contender

[dannycurtean@yah]

Originally Posted by AB3

So what is the most lush, smooth, creamiest, rich (and lots of color is ok) vocal comp?

Retro STA-Level - Exactly what you want
Retro 176 - Same thing, just more grit for more attitude, still continents of butter!
Inward Connections VAC-RAC TLS3 - Cleaner but still suuuuper smooth.

Those three cover every vocal sound ever in the history of great vocals. You dont NEED anything else, ever in any situation.

[surflounge]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

Inward Connections VAC-RAC TLS3 - Cleaner but still suuuuper smooth.

add Fatso and HEDD

[JMc]

+1 on the Retro Sta-Level.

[butterfly]

the phoenix is very clear and open with a beautiful top and very nice bottom (damn, THAT is sexy on a woman or a compressor!)

..............agree on both counts!

[dannycurtean@yah]

Originally Posted by Stitch333

Best I've used: Fairchild 670 is a contender

I dont know if you are talking about the Anamod 670 or not, but as much as I want to believe that it is an accurate representation, after listening to it that it seems to have a deficiency in that 3D depth factor that the Fairchild is so famous for. It has the tone, but its lacking in the dimension department when compared to the real deal. Im not saying its not a great compressor or that is sounds small, no no, just not that lush 3d space that the 670 seems to create doesn't seem to be to the same degree on the Anamod.

[Stitch333]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

I dont know if you are talking about the Anamod 670 or not, but as much as I want to believe that it is an accurate representation, after listening to it that it seems to have a deficiency in that 3D depth factor that the Fairchild is so famous for. It has the tone, but its lacking in the dimension department when compared to the real deal. Im not saying its not a great compressor or that is sounds small, no no, just not that lush 3d space that the 670 seems to create doesn't seem to be to the same degree on the Anamod.

I did a lot of work at the last incarnation of RuffNation studios in Philadelphia. Joe Niccolo gave me the keys for a while. He had no new toys, only old tools. Including a Fairchild 670.
I've never been a huge fan of Sony C800 mics, but damn if it didn't get body and girth on vocals going through the Fairchild.
I described it as such: melting gem encrusted golden ear butter.

it's so choice... if you have the means... I highly recommend it.

[u b k]

In addition to all the ones listed --- because they're all badass --- I'll add the api 2500. The more it holds the vocal back the wider it spreads it out, and it creams out the 1k-3k area that can so easily get edgy and hard when smashed, without losing a trace of focus.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

[Bob Olhsson]

RCA BA6a

[harry_seldon]

Originally Posted by Stitch333

Best I've used: Fairchild 670 is a contender

Should they start a new forum called "ultra high end?"

[Jorg]

la2a

[zulusound]

Originally Posted by u b k

In addition to all the ones listed --- because they're all badass --- I'll add the api 2500. The more it holds the vocal back the wider it spreads it out, and it creams out the 1k-3k area that can so easily get edgy and hard when smashed, without losing a trace of focus.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

Nice one, Gregory. Funny, I was thinking of you today, I was recording a hard rock vocalist and it was the first time the UBK Fatso didn't get used when I patched it in. The guy had about a 30 db dynamic range, maybe more.

I started with the signal chain UM900 into Neve 1272 into Ubk Fatso, couldn't quite dial in the right GR after working with it with a bunch of different settings and input levels..

Then I patched in my 1176. Not enough comp no matter how I set it up. Then added an STC-8. STILL not enough compression. Then added the API 2500 (these were all being used, with different ratios and thresholds, and the vocal finally started to sit well in the mix. I probably should have THEN patched in the UBK, so I'd have 4 compressors GR'ing. But I didn't. I was surprised by how great the API sounded in OLD mode with quite a bit of feedback. I will def use the 2500 again, never tried it on voice before.

[TonyBelmont]

I would take a good original LA2a over many of the units mentioned thus far.

[timmcallister]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

Retro STA-Level - Exactly what you want
Retro 176 - Same thing, just more grit for more attitude, still continents of butter!
Inward Connections VAC-RAC TLS3 - Cleaner but still suuuuper smooth.

Those three cover every vocal sound ever in the history of great vocals. You dont NEED anything else, ever in any situation.

every once in a while I think about selling my gates STA LEVEL. but then I listen to it and say no...

[dannycurtean@yah]

Originally Posted by u b k

In addition to all the ones listed --- because they're all badass --- I'll add the api 2500. The more it holds the vocal back the wider it spreads it out, and it creams out the 1k-3k area that can so easily get edgy and hard when smashed, without losing a trace of focus.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

Really, on vocals? I never like to use SBC's on vocals because theyre stereo, but thats just a weird mind sent of mine. I got to try that.

And since were on the API topic, the 525 is awesome and cheap.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

And since were on the API topic, the 525 is awesome and cheap.

Well.... sometimes it's awesome.... and sometimes it sucks... it depends on the source. It's not very flexible, but when it woks it's great.

[Ken Lewis]

I picked up a Thermionic Phoenix a few months back. Intended to use it on the mix bus. For me, too colored and aggressive for regular use on the mix bus but i have absolutely fallen in love with it as a vocal compressor. My favorite.

I also recently used the Retro Sta Level during one tracking session and really liked it. Tube Tech CL1B is always a good choice too i think.

[u b k]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

I never like to use SBC's on vocals because theyre stereo, but thats just a weird mind sent of mine.

"SBC"?

The way I use the 2500 on vox is serial, out channel 1 into channel 2. I use feedback mode, which allows me to use the interplay of the threshold and the output gain to balance the reduction in each channel. Slow attack, slow release, high ratio... gorgeous.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

[GYang]

LA2A and Tube Tech CL-1B are still my favs, after trying couple of dozens other comps on vocals.

[bcgood]

Originally Posted by Stitch333

I did a lot of work at the last incarnation of RuffNation studios in Philadelphia. Joe Niccolo gave me the keys for a while. He had no new toys, only old tools. Including a Fairchild 670.
I've never been a huge fan of Sony C800 mics, but damn if it didn't get body and girth on vocals going through the Fairchild.
I described it as such: melting gem encrusted golden ear butter.

it's so choice... if you have the means... I highly recommend it.

[Dave_Amels]

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

I dont know if you are talking about the Anamod 670 or not, but as much as I want to believe that it is an accurate representation, after listening to it that it seems to have a deficiency in that 3D depth factor that the Fairchild is so famous for. It has the tone, but its lacking in the dimension department when compared to the real deal. Im not saying its not a great compressor or that is sounds small, no no, just not that lush 3d space that the 670 seems to create doesn't seem to be to the same degree on the Anamod.

Pretty amazing seeing as how the AM670 hasn't shipped yet.

/Dave

[Fletcher]

What is the best shade of red?

[salomonander]

la2a or 2254 for me.

[dhiltonlittle]

Originally Posted by u b k

In addition to all the ones listed --- because they're all badass --- I'll add the api 2500. The more it holds the vocal back the wider it spreads it out, and it creams out the 1k-3k area that can so easily get edgy and hard when smashed, without losing a trace of focus.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

just curious how you are setting up the 2500 for vocals...

thanks thumbsup

[u b k]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

What is the best shade of red?

Candy apple, hands down.

That's the thing: I have favorite colors, and shades of colors, and flavors of ice cream, and flavors of vocal compression. Apparently, other people do too.

Change 'the best' to 'your favorite', it might allow you to participate in discussions rather than judge them obliquely and remain safely uninvolved.

Or not.


Gregory Scott - ubk
.

[dhiltonlittle]

besides the obvious, i've been loving the shadow hills opto and aurora gtc2 opto on vocals. both are killer!