HELP with decision ! Waves Ren Comp or DISTRESSOR ?

jlsgear · 12th June 2003, 06:41 PM

Hello,

I am having a real tough time deciding on my next upgrade purchase - and could use your advice and input.

I was originally thinking about an outboard compressor like the DESTRESSOR for tracking purposes . Then I got to thinking I could just buy the WAVES renaissance collection thereby getting the Ren Comp (and all that other stuff that comes with it) - this solution would also allow usage for mixing.

I guess I am primarily wondering just how good the waves Ren Comp is vs. the distressor ? ie. Are they in the same ballpark sound wise ?? (If the Rencomp is close that it appears to be much more bang for the buck?)

Also note that I was looking for a "character" compressor as opposed to something more transparent.

Any opinions on this would be very much appreciated.

jls.

Teacher · 12th June 2003, 07:44 PM

most plug-ins don't have 'character'.... i have and use the ren comp and i think its pretty transparent

you'd want the distressor...

Nik · 12th June 2003, 07:47 PM

Hi,

They are different animals but.....................

The Distressor is awsome! Really, you will do the dance of joy everytime you use it. It is awsome on agt, vocals, bass DI....very focussed and open sounding. The nuke on drum room mic will make you think twice about ever using reverb again.

This piece will become a clasic for sure. Ask me in 20 years.

Plugins are well...........plugins. Fine for ellements in a mix but you need the real deal to capture a great performance. Great sound in =great sound at mix.

Hope this helps?

Nik

jpaudio · 12th June 2003, 09:51 PM

IMNSFHO, the Distressor and Waves Ren Comp shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath. Not that the Ren Comp completely blows, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Distressor (or 1176 or Manley ElOp or LA3A etc.) at all.

If you want a useful compressor that will offer years of use and almost unlimited flexibility, get a Distressor. If you want a Plug-in that you'll have to upgrade every year or two and struggle to get professional results with, get a Ren Comp.

jazzius · 12th June 2003, 10:19 PM

In 15 years the Distressor will still be sitting in your rack (unless you got robbed of course) while the RenComp will be but a distant memory...........

bassmac · 12th June 2003, 11:34 PM

I'll stick up the Ren Comp.

I have most of the plug comps, and the Ren is still my favorite. I also have a Distressor - so I do know the difference.

If the Ren gives me the sound what I want, I don't feel the need to run it through the Distressor - just so I can say I used hardware. But then again, I do use the Distressor a lot for tracking.

They're just different tools for different things, and they're both good at what they do.

Keep in mind, "hardware" slutz don't have a very high opinion of software... as this thread shows.

Now back off of poor little Ren Comp, he never claimed he was a Distressor anyway.

thethrillfactor · 12th June 2003, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jlsgear
Hello,

I am having a real tough time deciding on my next upgrade purchase - and could use your advice and input.

I was originally thinking about an outboard compressor like the DESTRESSOR for tracking purposes . Then I got to thinking I could just buy the WAVES renaissance collection thereby getting the Ren Comp (and all that other stuff that comes with it) - this solution would also allow usage for mixing.

I guess I am primarily wondering just how good the waves Ren Comp is vs. the distressor ? ie. Are they in the same ballpark sound wise ?? (If the Rencomp is close that it appears to be much more bang for the buck?)

Also note that I was looking for a "character" compressor as opposed to something more transparent.

Any opinions on this would be very much appreciated.

jls.

What are you tracking and why do you feel you need some compression when tracking it*?

jlsgear · 13th June 2003, 12:00 AM

THANKS for the input folks !!

I am mainly tracking: vocals , bass direct , mandolin , ac guitar . The main concern in the lead vocal sound ... trying to improve my thin sounding voice.

Thing is I am a singer/songwriter type who is doing everything solo - including the engineering !! .... So keeping levels somewhat consistant is a challenge.

Also, I have read that the character compressors (la2a's , el-op's ect ect) can add a certain qualities - ie. such as fullness, presence, and immediacy ...

Hopefully my vocal tracks will improve with a Distressor - which is the way I am leaning right now.

js in Ottawa.

Magnus · 13th June 2003, 01:39 AM

I would definitely go for the Distressor. The Waves plugins are good but a Distressor would be a better investment (both economically and soundwise).

Regards,
Magnus

Ruairi · 13th June 2003, 01:51 AM

JLS,

what DAW are you running. If you are on Pro Tools of any description (or Powercore) the Oxford comp is the best comp plug I've heard. It is significantly better than the Ren comp but obviously a lot more expensive. I made the mistake of downloading the demo and I am totally hooked, I've got six days to pay up. I also bought the Oxford eq.

I haven't used the Distressor but it's on my list after meeting Dave Derr at the AES.

Are you sure compression is the answer to your problems. What mics/pres are you using on your voice?,

cheers,
Ruairi

groove guru · 13th June 2003, 02:52 AM

I use my Distressors for tracking and mixing all the time, but I like the Waves comps when I need to automate compression settings.

MMazurek · 13th June 2003, 03:53 AM

The only 'fair' comparison would be the Distressor vs. the Massive Pack bundle. (priced at $1195 US or something)

Of course, I've already got some Distressors.

And I'd buy the Massive Pack for the EQ's anyway.

Beezoboy · 13th June 2003, 06:05 AM

Well lets not forget that you can add a Waves comp as many times as you want as an insert in software. You can only add a Distressor across the bus or as insert.

If you have lots of other compressors, then get the Distressor. If you mix primarily in software and only have a few channels of compression, then I would opt for the Massive Pack.

Beez

faeflora · 13th June 2003, 06:53 AM

What is your DAW?

My favorite colorful plug in comp is the Nomad Factory Blue Tubes comp. The PS Vintage Warmer is also decent for a few db of compresison and densification.

I think the Waves bundles are a waste of money. I think they're worth about $250, not $1000. The sound of the Ren Comp SUCKS. It really can't compare at all to a distressor. You won't be able to densify or thicken at all. If you squish with it more than a little you get digification.

It's great to have it available for convenience and I guess that's why McDonalds is popular. Wait. Bad analogy. People think McDonalds is tasty. Erm I guess this would be more appropriate-

Ren Comp : Sea Biscuit :: Distressor : Organic Trail Mix

Before you get a Distressor, get a RNC. Put it in Supernice mode and slam those LEDs. You can get a pretty good thick vocal sound that way for only $200.

alphajerk · 13th June 2003, 06:55 AM

um, i would try a different mic first if your voice is overly thin sounding. and use proximity effect.

but i would buy the distressor over the waves rencomp anyday.

skip bitmin · 13th June 2003, 01:16 PM

I also like the ps vintage warmer (for bass and drum tracks)
but Id rather have hardware any day. The Joe Meek vc1
is much better then the waves ren and around the same
price used(if you want colour).

dave-G · 13th June 2003, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by faeflora
Ren Comp : Sea Biscuit :: Distressor : Organic Trail Mix

That's funny as hell!

Unlike Fae, I find the RenComp surprisingly useful. However, I wouldn't ever consider it interchangeable with my pair of Distressors. ..

IMO, follow Alphajerk's wise advice and look first at the mic you're using. Then, your whole approach needs to be a little more "slutty"... GET BOTH compressors for chrissakes!!

and a new mic, too.

-dave

jlsgear · 13th June 2003, 01:55 PM

You folks are awesome !!

BTW - my DAW is actually not a daw really ... i use the yammy AW4416 box ... thusly, my plugin option is limited (no pun intended) to the Y56K card supplied by Waves ...

Also , for those curious ... I currently track thru a Lawson L251 and a UA M610 pre -> aw4416 a/d .

Yup ... I've experimented with proximity effect and mic placement and pickup patterns ... and really do get a pretty big sound some of the time (-; But am always looking for that little bit extra !!

Thanks to all again,
JS.

faeflora · 13th June 2003, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jlsgear
You folks are awesome !!

Also , for those curious ... I currently track thru a Lawson L251 and a UA M610 pre -> aw4416 a/d .

Yup ... I've experimented with proximity effect and mic placement and pickup patterns ... and really do get a pretty big sound some of the time (-; But am always looking for that little bit extra !!

Thanks to all again,
JS.

Yah get a RNC. You already have a big cholestrol laden obese mic and pre. Coloration in the comp might mean gooey hydrogenatedlarddeath. I like my RNC lots! It's easier to use than the Distressor actually. If it were balanced, the RNC would be worth $1600 to me. It's stereo also, so it'll be more useful. If I only had RNCs I would be very well off.

maxim · 14th June 2003, 09:17 PM

best digital compressor is your finger

just ride the levels

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12th June 2003, 06:41 PM	#1
jlsgear Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: OTTAWA Posts: 224	HELP with decision ! Waves Ren Comp or DISTRESSOR ? Hello, I am having a real tough time deciding on my next upgrade purchase - and could use your advice and input. I was originally thinking about an outboard compressor like the DESTRESSOR for tracking purposes . Then I got to thinking I could just buy the WAVES renaissance collection thereby getting the Ren Comp (and all that other stuff that comes with it) - this solution would also allow usage for mixing. I guess I am primarily wondering just how good the waves Ren Comp is vs. the distressor ? ie. Are they in the same ballpark sound wise ?? (If the Rencomp is close that it appears to be much more bang for the buck?) Also note that I was looking for a "character" compressor as opposed to something more transparent. Any opinions on this would be very much appreciated. jls.

12th June 2003, 07:44 PM	#2
Teacher Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NY Posts: 1,769	most plug-ins don't have 'character'.... i have and use the ren comp and i think its pretty transparent you'd want the distressor... __________________ "I hate it when they tell us how far we came to be, as if our people's history started with slavery...." Immortal Technique www.sicbeats.com

12th June 2003, 09:51 PM	#4
jpaudio Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 649	IMNSFHO, the Distressor and Waves Ren Comp shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath. Not that the Ren Comp completely blows, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Distressor (or 1176 or Manley ElOp or LA3A etc.) at all. If you want a useful compressor that will offer years of use and almost unlimited flexibility, get a Distressor. If you want a Plug-in that you'll have to upgrade every year or two and struggle to get professional results with, get a Ren Comp. __________________ -- J.P. Sheganoski Recording/Mixing engineer www.RisusProductions.com

14th June 2003, 09:17 PM	#20
maxim Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 217	best digital compressor is your finger just ride the levels __________________ cheers max sydney, oz "I find love the most important thing in the world. It’s much more important than songs or music or bicycles or cars or mansions. And so, I’ve always chosen to write about love." Harlan Howard

12th June 2003, 07:47 PM	#3
Nik Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Durban Posts: 92	Hi, They are different animals but..................... The Distressor is awsome! Really, you will do the dance of joy everytime you use it. It is awsome on agt, vocals, bass DI....very focussed and open sounding. The nuke on drum room mic will make you think twice about ever using reverb again. This piece will become a clasic for sure. Ask me in 20 years. Plugins are well...........plugins. Fine for ellements in a mix but you need the real deal to capture a great performance. Great sound in =great sound at mix. Hope this helps? Nik

12th June 2003, 10:19 PM	#5
jazzius Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Amsterdam.....The Netherlands Posts: 594	In 15 years the Distressor will still be sitting in your rack (unless you got robbed of course) while the RenComp will be but a distant memory...........

12th June 2003, 11:34 PM	#6
bassmac Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 685	I'll stick up the Ren Comp. I have most of the plug comps, and the Ren is still my favorite. I also have a Distressor - so I do know the difference. If the Ren gives me the sound what I want, I don't feel the need to run it through the Distressor - just so I can say I used hardware. But then again, I do use the Distressor a lot for tracking. They're just different tools for different things, and they're both good at what they do. Keep in mind, "hardware" slutz don't have a very high opinion of software... as this thread shows. Now back off of poor little Ren Comp, he never claimed he was a Distressor anyway.

13th June 2003, 12:00 AM	#8
jlsgear Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: OTTAWA Posts: 224	THANKS for the input folks !! I am mainly tracking: vocals , bass direct , mandolin , ac guitar . The main concern in the lead vocal sound ... trying to improve my thin sounding voice. Thing is I am a singer/songwriter type who is doing everything solo - including the engineering !! .... So keeping levels somewhat consistant is a challenge. Also, I have read that the character compressors (la2a's , el-op's ect ect) can add a certain qualities - ie. such as fullness, presence, and immediacy ... Hopefully my vocal tracks will improve with a Distressor - which is the way I am leaning right now. js in Ottawa.

13th June 2003, 01:39 AM	#9
Magnus Gear addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sweden Posts: 302	I would definitely go for the Distressor. The Waves plugins are good but a Distressor would be a better investment (both economically and soundwise). Regards, Magnus

13th June 2003, 01:51 AM	#10
Ruairi Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ireland Posts: 324	JLS, what DAW are you running. If you are on Pro Tools of any description (or Powercore) the Oxford comp is the best comp plug I've heard. It is significantly better than the Ren comp but obviously a lot more expensive. I made the mistake of downloading the demo and I am totally hooked, I've got six days to pay up. I also bought the Oxford eq. I haven't used the Distressor but it's on my list after meeting Dave Derr at the AES. Are you sure compression is the answer to your problems. What mics/pres are you using on your voice?, cheers, Ruairi

13th June 2003, 02:52 AM	#11
groove guru Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 131	I use my Distressors for tracking and mixing all the time, but I like the Waves comps when I need to automate compression settings.

13th June 2003, 03:53 AM	#12
MMazurek Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Naperville, Illinois USA Posts: 146	The only 'fair' comparison would be the Distressor vs. the Massive Pack bundle. (priced at $1195 US or something) Of course, I've already got some Distressors. And I'd buy the Massive Pack for the EQ's anyway.

13th June 2003, 06:05 AM	#13
Beezoboy Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 490	Well lets not forget that you can add a Waves comp as many times as you want as an insert in software. You can only add a Distressor across the bus or as insert. If you have lots of other compressors, then get the Distressor. If you mix primarily in software and only have a few channels of compression, then I would opt for the Massive Pack. Beez

13th June 2003, 06:53 AM	#14
faeflora Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: washington dc Posts: 2,010	What is your DAW? My favorite colorful plug in comp is the Nomad Factory Blue Tubes comp. The PS Vintage Warmer is also decent for a few db of compresison and densification. I think the Waves bundles are a waste of money. I think they're worth about $250, not $1000. The sound of the Ren Comp SUCKS. It really can't compare at all to a distressor. You won't be able to densify or thicken at all. If you squish with it more than a little you get digification. It's great to have it available for convenience and I guess that's why McDonalds is popular. Wait. Bad analogy. People think McDonalds is tasty. Erm I guess this would be more appropriate- Ren Comp : Sea Biscuit :: Distressor : Organic Trail Mix Before you get a Distressor, get a RNC. Put it in Supernice mode and slam those LEDs. You can get a pretty good thick vocal sound that way for only $200.

13th June 2003, 06:55 AM	#15
alphajerk There is only one Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: asheville NC Posts: 5,291	um, i would try a different mic first if your voice is overly thin sounding. and use proximity effect. but i would buy the distressor over the waves rencomp anyday.

13th June 2003, 01:16 PM	#16
skip bitmin Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: canada Posts: 140	I also like the ps vintage warmer (for bass and drum tracks) but Id rather have hardware any day. The Joe Meek vc1 is much better then the waves ren and around the same price used(if you want colour).

13th June 2003, 01:55 PM	#18
jlsgear Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: OTTAWA Posts: 224	You folks are awesome !! BTW - my DAW is actually not a daw really ... i use the yammy AW4416 box ... thusly, my plugin option is limited (no pun intended) to the Y56K card supplied by Waves ... Also , for those curious ... I currently track thru a Lawson L251 and a UA M610 pre -> aw4416 a/d . Yup ... I've experimented with proximity effect and mic placement and pickup patterns ... and really do get a pretty big sound some of the time (-; But am always looking for that little bit extra !! Thanks to all again, JS.

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