Fat character on master

[MainTime]

My best compressor for tracking and mixing - 1176. Sometimes need this character on mix bus. What analog compressor has similar character and suit for compression final mix?

[Eganmedia]

Have you considered a UA 2-1176?

[MainTime]

Yep!

[riffmachine]

I have tried neither of these, but I would imagine that they are pretty drool worthy if you're looking for 1176 type compression. Might I suggest checking out 2 Retro 176's Retro Instruments 176 Matched Pair or the Fink CS2-FA Dual Channel Strip Fink Analog Audio | Classic Circuits in Modern Products - paul

[MainTime]

I have never heard their work. Could you please send me some examples of their work.

[riffmachine]

Originally Posted by MainTime

I have never heard their work. Could you please send me some examples of their work.

I know that there are a bunch of peeps here that have some experience with the 176's, but the Fink unit is pretty new. Still, I remember a thread or two out there with some user's feedback. I would recommend doing a search for those threads. You'll come up with lots on the 176 I imagine. Also, I think that Warren at Zen Pro Audio has the 176 in his clip-a-lator so I'd check out their site. Clip-A-Lator: Audio and Video | Studio Gear Shootouts @ ZenProAudio.com - paul

[Malini]

thanks for the clip-a-lator link! very helpful...

[MainTime]

thumbsup

[matt thomas]

The retro 176 isn't 1176 style. The name is, but the compression character is not.

The 176 is a valve vari-mu compressor, the 1176 is a solid state FET compressor.

The 176's would be great on master bus, but if you are looking for something like a 1176 you should try some 1176's , or distressors, or some of the various 1176 clones

Matt

[u b k]

Absolutely no doubt in my mind about this: a pair of Daking Fet II's.


Gregory Scott - ubk

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by u b k

Absolutely no doubt in my mind about this: a pair of Daking Fet II's.

Have not had a chance to use them yet. Do they get as colored as 1176s when you push them?

[u b k]

Originally Posted by RCM - Ronan

Do they get as colored as 1176s when you push them?

No, they don't get as hairy. But they can do a very similar grab and are equally as versatile, plus they track well in pairs.

The other thing that comes to mind is a pair of trakkers, they're also a cleaner tone but can mimic a lot of types of squeeze.

If OP is really after the tone of an 1176 but in a comp that does mixes, I'm kinda scratching my head. VSC2 maybe? Still too smooth though.

My best advice in that case would be to go Brauer on it and slap a pair of 1176's on a stereo aux, compress the mix in parallel. FET distortion is unique sounding, as is the 1176 line amp. Sometimes if you want the X factor you simply have to buy the X.


Gregory Scott - ubk

[TRW]

Whats wrong with the fatso here? The 1968 seems pretty fat to me too...

[TRW]

FWIW I played with an Alta Moda Unicomp and thought it could get towards this territory.

-T

[8inthemorning]

Originally Posted by MainTime

What analog compressor has similar character and suit for compression final mix?

For the mix bus task, an interesting option would be the Variable Gm from Qes labs. Lot of character when pushed hard, but transparent when needed.

and Retro Sta-Level in matched pair.

IMHO the best choices for this task.

Cheers.

[ray_subsonic]

Definitely consider the Mohog 76. One of the few compressors I've tried which is in the same league as some of your classic 1176's (it's meant to be based on the Rev F). The switchable transformers are a bonus in the deal. FET flavour with Hairy Armpits. Not necessarily FAT but Driven. Worth the money

[la grange]

Originally Posted by MainTime

My best compressor for tracking and mixing - 1176. Sometimes need this character on mix bus. What analog compressor has similar character and suit for compression final mix?

Fat often leads to VCA.
Are you coloring your mix prior to mastering or is it for final master?
If you are just adding color, the Chandler LTD2 or the API 2500 are good machines.For masters, then it is a whole other story and, often budget.
The 1176 is probably one of the most fantastic comp for tracking and mixing but might not be as suitable for a mix. the 1178 never took off and was supposed to feel this gap.
Something that is also often regarded as a good unit for what you might need is the 1968 from drawmer. Color is there but less dynamic...It all depends on how much punch you will want this comp to give you.
Try is once again the best advice..

Best of luck

Oli

[the fxs]

have a look at the OVERSTAYER FET stereo Comp.

[Adkins]

Check the Portico 5043 too.

[skythemusic]

VCA vote here. I'm wanting to try the overstayer myself.

[Canopus]

1 more vote for the varimu compressors.