500 Series Compressor thats the most "color" to the source

Lonnie5 · 11th November 2009, 05:02 AM

hey guys,

looking to buy a new compressor for the lunchbox, mainly to add some thickness and color to vocals. Any suggestions?

p_bro · 11th November 2009, 05:04 AM

thickness & color???
ANAMOD 660!!! way to go...

musicbydesign · 11th November 2009, 05:07 AM

http://www.anamodaudio.com/am660.html

Emulates the classic Fairchild 660

p_bro · 11th November 2009, 05:12 AM

yep, taht's the one... amazing sound on vocals. I must say I was more than skeptical when I saw it in i's box when I bought it (the gut of this little beast is really unimpressive), but the minute you plug it in... wow!

(and the little VU looks sooooo cool! but that'S just a bonus)

Continental · 11th November 2009, 12:52 PM

API 525 !

add thickness & great color and a amazing vocal comp !

johnnyjellybean · 11th November 2009, 01:17 PM

The API 525 definitely fits the bill . I haven't tried the Anamod but I would LOVE to!!

burrencrawler · 17th November 2009, 01:26 AM

I have a Shadow Hills 2U opto comp, that KICKS, hence the weight and the 2U (pricy but great).

Tony Shepperd · 17th November 2009, 02:08 AM

Try the BAC 500. I have been using it as my "go to" rock and R&B vocal compressor.

Roc Mixwell · 17th November 2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonnie5

hey guys,

looking to buy a new compressor for the lunchbox, mainly to add some thickness and color to vocals. Any suggestions?

Chandler Little Devil Compressor.

kittonian · 17th November 2009, 02:24 AM

Tony and I are on the same wave length. I would also highly recommend the Pete's Place BAC-500. Really amazing little box.

warhead · 17th November 2009, 08:01 PM

The BAC 500 is excellent for control and tone, the Burgin McDaniel "Komit" which will be re-released soon by Radial is also very much a character piece in different ways.

The sidechain #3 on the BAC 500 however I find to be exceptional on voice, you can hammer it while controlling esses better.

War

VT-MHE · 18th November 2009, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

Try the BAC 500. I have been using it as my "go to" rock and R&B vocal compressor.

What about rap and hip hop tony?

dannycurtean@yah · 18th November 2009, 03:42 AM

API 525 is probably the "best" candidate - guess why the ""

I would assume the following are pretty "analog-ey, but dont take my word for it.

Inward Connections OPT1A
Chandler Little Devil Comp
BAC500
API 527
Komit
P.A. Action - Maybe?

Im also very curious. But right now the top 3 in my opinion with exception to the obvious Anamod are the Inward, Chandler and API compressors. Inward being the tubeless Vac Rack, Chandler being a Neve 2264 in some universe, and the the API being ..................................an API.

FreshBeat · 2nd December 2009, 06:04 PM

I have an API 525 and a Pete's Place BAC-500.

I use the BAC-500 most of the time. Very musical, direct, warm, thick, and transparent. With subtle settings it adds color to the tone without sounding too much like a compressor, and you can also go waaaay extreme with it.

It is kinda dummy proof, too :-) It's hard to make it sound bad....
Great on vocals, acoustic guitar, anything really.....

The API 525 sounds great, too, but it does only one thing. It kinda has a set ratio (2:1) unless you choose the Limiter function (20:1). It sounds fat but less transparent than the BAC-500 and it tends to distort easily in not such a nice way when the input signal is too hot.

Tony Shepperd · 2nd December 2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VT-MHE

What about rap and hip hop tony?

Yep, rap too! I have yet to try it where it doesn't sound great.

meyhiel · 2nd December 2009, 07:44 PM

i received my 525 Api com 1 month ago now ( with a A design P1....amazing preamp ) , and i'm really happy with it !!!
sometimes it colors a bit too much but about thickness is a Winner !!!
especially love it on all my vsti synth/bass ( after that process , the mix is like super easy ) !!!
For vocals , it tends to darken a little bit ( and more with the deesser function ) , but it adds some thickness in the same time , so..... !!!
my trick to make it shine is to multi my voice track , compress the high frequencies very hard and add some 16 Khz with an abbey road emi TG12412 ....

lovespirals · 2nd December 2009, 08:18 PM

i'm on the same boat too. i've narrowed it down to the little devil and the bac-500. tough choice!

rcm · 2nd December 2009, 09:52 PM

I have not tried all the options recommended here, so I can not say if its better or worse than the other options, but I own the BAC 500 and it is my go to comp for "color". I have lots of other comps from Manley, Signal Audio Workshop, A Designs, FMR Audio, Empirical Labs.... But when i really want the comp to color the sound, I reach for the BAC 500

tapehiss · 2nd December 2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcm

I have not tried all the options recommended here, so I can not say if its better or worse than the other options, but I own the BAC 500 and it is my go to comp for "color". I have lots of other comps from Manley, Signal Audio Workshop, A Designs, FMR Audio, Empirical Labs.... But when i really want the comp to color the sound, I reach for the BAC 500

a-designs has a compressor?????? you must have a nail prototype eh????

i great and colorful 500 piece, the standard audio level-or, but its more of a leveler than a comp.... a distortion box that can destroy your audio in a great way!!!!!!!

BLueROom · 3rd December 2009, 06:58 AM

+5 on the BAC

The BAC is a killer color compressor! Gooey and thick :)

RoundBadge · 3rd December 2009, 12:15 PM

+1 to all three.
LD for a bit of smooth Neve-ish transformer thickness .the mix knob rules.love it to death for vocals[ZENER curve]..happily dumped a vintage 525 for it.
Anamod for some puffed up old school.holds up real well to the real deal and my Ear 660's for way less dough
BAC for great touch of color / lovely polish.wonderful on literally everything.I'd be happy with a rack of these and nothing else

Add the Helios F760 to the list when it comes out..man I hope he nails it.

Wish list:
all 500 series comps had dry/wet mix knobs!

w.tarasov · 4th December 2009, 06:33 AM

Well I have a API-525 and Pete's Place BAC, Both are super but been recording my son's guitar (METAL) and I love the thick and rich sound I'm getting out of the BAC-----seems I get wider range of color also with the BAC (GOOD JOB PETE)

Tony Shepperd · 4th December 2009, 05:31 PM

BAC 500's are a really good stocking stuffer for yourself.

seanmccoy · 4th December 2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

+1 to all three.
LD for a bit of smooth Neve-ish transformer thickness .the mix knob rules.love it to death for vocals[ZENER curve]..happily dumped a vintage 525 for it.
Anamod for some puffed up old school.holds up real well to the real deal and my Ear 660's for way less dough
BAC for great touch of color / lovely polish.wonderful on literally everything.I'd be happy with a rack of these and nothing else

Add the Helios F760 to the list when it comes out..man I hope he nails it.

Wish list:
all 500 series comps had dry/wet mix knobs!

Are you finding these little guys to be viable alternatives to your tube units (LA-2A, CL-1B, Retro, etc.)? Could be a real money saver!

pan60 · 4th December 2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

BAC 500's are a really good stocking stuffer for yourself.

i told my wife that!

rcm · 4th December 2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapehiss

a-designs has a compressor?????? you must have a nail prototype eh????

Yes. I have been helping with the beta testing.

jpupo74 · 16th December 2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannycurtean@yah

API 525 is probably the "best" candidate - guess why the ""

I would assume the following are pretty "analog-ey, but dont take my word for it.

Inward Connections OPT1A
Chandler Little Devil Comp
BAC500
API 527
Komit
P.A. Action - Maybe?

Im also very curious. But right now the top 3 in my opinion with exception to the obvious Anamod are the Inward, Chandler and API compressors. Inward being the tubeless Vac Rack, Chandler being a Neve 2264 in some universe, and the the API being ..................................an API.

All those are "analog ey", even a digital siganl is analog!

You r using Tony Shepperd's quote about mixing inside the box!

cheu78 · 17th December 2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Shepperd

Try the BAC 500. I have been using it as my "go to" rock and R&B vocal compressor.

+1!!!
It's simply stunning!
just my 0.02$...

take care,

Cheu

11th November 2009, 05:02 AM	#1
Lonnie5 Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 49	500 Series Compressor thats the most "color" to the source hey guys, looking to buy a new compressor for the lunchbox, mainly to add some thickness and color to vocals. Any suggestions?

11th November 2009, 01:17 PM	#6
johnnyjellybean Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,353	The API 525 definitely fits the bill . I haven't tried the Anamod but I would LOVE to!! __________________ Steve Segal http://studio1680.com

17th November 2009, 01:26 AM	#7
burrencrawler Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 70	500 series colored comp I have a Shadow Hills 2U opto comp, that KICKS, hence the weight and the 2U (pricy but great).

17th November 2009, 02:08 AM	#8
Tony Shepperd Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,098	Try the BAC 500. I have been using it as my "go to" rock and R&B vocal compressor. __________________ Hybrid is the present for some and the future for all! Mixing in the box, requires thinking outside the box. Improve Your Sound at Pete's Place Audio/Mark VIII/BAC-500/Electrodyne 501 Mic Pre/511 EQ/Blast Pad www.tonysound.com My New Instructional DVD 2 is Shipping

17th November 2009, 02:24 AM	#10
kittonian Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 3,191	Tony and I are on the same wave length. I would also highly recommend the Pete's Place BAC-500. Really amazing little box. __________________ Joshua Aaron President/Chief Engineer AudioLot/AudioLot Studios High End Pro Audio Sales & Consulting Recording/Music Production/Mixing http://www.audiolot.com AudioLot is now located in Los Angeles, CA. If you're in the LA area and are interested in coming by to see any of the gear we carry in person, please let us know.

11th November 2009, 05:04 AM	#2
p_bro Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 128	thickness & color??? ANAMOD 660!!! way to go...

11th November 2009, 05:07 AM	#3
musicbydesign Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Teksis Posts: 582	http://www.anamodaudio.com/am660.html Emulates the classic Fairchild 660 __________________ . I don't Tweet, Text, Facebook. I do however GS!! -Me

11th November 2009, 05:12 AM	#4
p_bro Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 128	yep, taht's the one... amazing sound on vocals. I must say I was more than skeptical when I saw it in i's box when I bought it (the gut of this little beast is really unimpressive), but the minute you plug it in... wow! (and the little VU looks sooooo cool! but that'S just a bonus)

11th November 2009, 12:52 PM	#5
Continental Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 160	API 525 ! add thickness & great color and a amazing vocal comp !

17th November 2009, 08:01 PM	#11
warhead Jai guru deva om Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 10,316	The BAC 500 is excellent for control and tone, the Burgin McDaniel "Komit" which will be re-released soon by Radial is also very much a character piece in different ways. The sidechain #3 on the BAC 500 however I find to be exceptional on voice, you can hammer it while controlling esses better. War __________________ Warren Dent - Owner of: www.ZenProAudio.com Where You Get Gear Now & Zen Email via Gearslutz

18th November 2009, 03:42 AM	#13
dannycurtean@yah Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 516	API 525 is probably the "best" candidate - guess why the "" I would assume the following are pretty "analog-ey, but dont take my word for it. Inward Connections OPT1A Chandler Little Devil Comp BAC500 API 527 Komit P.A. Action - Maybe? Im also very curious. But right now the top 3 in my opinion with exception to the obvious Anamod are the Inward, Chandler and API compressors. Inward being the tubeless Vac Rack, Chandler being a Neve 2264 in some universe, and the the API being ..................................an API. __________________ Professional Web Designer for all Music Lovers ----------------------------------------------- "If your sound makes you frown, Turn it down!" - Skip Burrows "Mixing in the box requires thinking outside of it - mixing analog requires inspiration..." "No more dB FS for mixing!"

2nd December 2009, 06:04 PM	#14
FreshBeat Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5	I have an API 525 and a Pete's Place BAC-500. I use the BAC-500 most of the time. Very musical, direct, warm, thick, and transparent. With subtle settings it adds color to the tone without sounding too much like a compressor, and you can also go waaaay extreme with it. It is kinda dummy proof, too :-) It's hard to make it sound bad.... Great on vocals, acoustic guitar, anything really..... The API 525 sounds great, too, but it does only one thing. It kinda has a set ratio (2:1) unless you choose the Limiter function (20:1). It sounds fat but less transparent than the BAC-500 and it tends to distort easily in not such a nice way when the input signal is too hot.

2nd December 2009, 07:44 PM	#16
meyhiel Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 66	i received my 525 Api com 1 month ago now ( with a A design P1....amazing preamp ) , and i'm really happy with it !!! sometimes it colors a bit too much but about thickness is a Winner !!! especially love it on all my vsti synth/bass ( after that process , the mix is like super easy ) !!! For vocals , it tends to darken a little bit ( and more with the deesser function ) , but it adds some thickness in the same time , so..... !!! my trick to make it shine is to multi my voice track , compress the high frequencies very hard and add some 16 Khz with an abbey road emi TG12412 ....

2nd December 2009, 08:18 PM	#17
lovespirals Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 68	i'm on the same boat too. i've narrowed it down to the little devil and the bac-500. tough choice! __________________ ryan lum www.lovespirals.com

2nd December 2009, 09:52 PM	#18
rcm Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,248	I have not tried all the options recommended here, so I can not say if its better or worse than the other options, but I own the BAC 500 and it is my go to comp for "color". I have lots of other comps from Manley, Signal Audio Workshop, A Designs, FMR Audio, Empirical Labs.... But when i really want the comp to color the sound, I reach for the BAC 500 __________________ Ronan Chris Murphy: Producer-Mixer (Ulver, Bozzio, Jamie Walters, Tony Levin, Steve Morse, Chucho Valdes, Steve Stevens, Nels Cline, King Crimson) + http://ronansrecordingshow.com 40 minutes of NAMM highlights + http://www.homerecordingbootcamp.com One spot left for the LA Boot Camp Feb 8-13

3rd December 2009, 06:58 AM	#20
BLueROom Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SF, CA Posts: 1,234	+5 on the BAC The BAC is a killer color compressor! Gooey and thick :) __________________ ------------------- E. Wesley Hill ::Supersonic Samples::Premium Drum Replacement Library/ WAV & GOG Heavy Hitters Edition coming soon! Check out new Supersonic Drums (Rock Kit 1) on the iPhone app iGOG! -------------------

3rd December 2009, 12:15 PM	#21
RoundBadge Lives for gear Join Date: May 2004 Location: Los Angeles ,Ca. Posts: 7,350	+1 to all three. LD for a bit of smooth Neve-ish transformer thickness .the mix knob rules.love it to death for vocals[ZENER curve]..happily dumped a vintage 525 for it. Anamod for some puffed up old school.holds up real well to the real deal and my Ear 660's for way less dough BAC for great touch of color / lovely polish.wonderful on literally everything.I'd be happy with a rack of these and nothing else Add the Helios F760 to the list when it comes out..man I hope he nails it. Wish list: all 500 series comps had dry/wet mix knobs! Attached Thumbnails

4th December 2009, 06:33 AM	#22
w.tarasov Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 41	Well I have a API-525 and Pete's Place BAC, Both are super but been recording my son's guitar (METAL) and I love the thick and rich sound I'm getting out of the BAC-----seems I get wider range of color also with the BAC (GOOD JOB PETE)

4th December 2009, 05:31 PM	#23
Tony Shepperd Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,098	BAC 500's are a really good stocking stuffer for yourself. __________________ Hybrid is the present for some and the future for all! Mixing in the box, requires thinking outside the box. Improve Your Sound at Pete's Place Audio/Mark VIII/BAC-500/Electrodyne 501 Mic Pre/511 EQ/Blast Pad www.tonysound.com My New Instructional DVD 2 is Shipping

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