NTP 179-160 for tracking?

[GeorgeHayduke]

I'm considering getting a NTP 179-160 comp/limiter as NTP are 'local legends' and I heard a lot of good about them, but mostly posts have been about using it for mastering. I've never actually used anything by NTP, though I'm sure I've heard it unknowingly numerous times on Danish broadcasts.

Have you ever used one for tracking vocals and guitar, or even synths? Or perhaps as inserts during mixing?

If so, how do you like it, and what in your gear arsenal would you compare it to, or not to? I'm sure it's quite clean, but apart from that?

Btw., I do mainly modern electronic/guitar rock/pop.

[GeorgeHayduke]

Is it so good it's a secret?

[lasso]

Highly recommended for tracking vocals and acoustic guitar and the like. I use mine combined with a set of 179-240 limiters for vocal tracking and mastering all the time.

A bit awkward to understand due to the built recovery delay (that cannot be bypassed) and fixed threshold but it just sooooooooooo silky and can do shitloads of GR without really being heard.

It's definately not a character comp though.

[matucha]

Recovery delay? You mean there is small delay before the release start to ramp back? Because that's what I've found while experimenting with neumann U473a.

[lasso]

Originally Posted by matucha

Recovery delay? You mean there is small delay before the release start to ramp back? Because that's what I've found while experimenting with neumann U473a.

Yes...but it's frequency dependent, to prevent bass pumping. You can make it release a little faster with bass light sounds. Therefore in reality impossible to use for example as drum room squash comp. It simply doesn't release fast enough.

This is a silky, clean beast, perfect for voice and mastering.

[matucha]

Interesting, so it is some kind of auto hold function, explains a lot... thanks for clarification.

[leaper]

Two more things to mention:

Fixed threshold, so you have to have to consider that pre amp output is needed to tickle the NTP in the right place (in conjunction with input gain).

Screw to fix Limiter threshold (and gains). You have front panel access but need a fine screwdriver to get there. Perhaps you could develop some kind of relationship while tracking that allows you to set the limiter once in a lifetime? Otherwise it will be a bit fiddly and you'll probably end up chaining screwdriver to comp so that it can't wander off into assistant's top pocket.

I understand the comment about recovery time, but must add that this comp can be amazing on drum overheads. By fooling around with the "Hold" knob, you can either bring out lots of ambience or make things quite dry. True, it can't function as an exploder, but it can still do VERY interesting things on OH or drum sub.

Love the opaque polish these things can give. Quite 70's! Sure you can use them for tracking vocals, etc.
Can be compared to Barth Dynaset.

[GeorgeHayduke]

Originally Posted by lasso

Highly recommended for tracking vocals and acoustic guitar and the like. I use mine combined with a set of 179-240 limiters for vocal tracking and mastering all the time.

A bit awkward to understand due to the built recovery delay (that cannot be bypassed) and fixed threshold but it just sooooooooooo silky and can do shitloads of GR without really being heard.

It's definately not a character comp though.

Hej Lasso! Thanks for the tips, I also just found your comments over on Lydmaskinen.

I was mostly interested in (light to moderate) compression, so that helps me make a decision. I mean, I like the fact that it has limiting options but the compression was my main interest. I tend to like 'character' gear, and thus have little 'clean' hardware, but I think I need a bit of silky clarity too, I just don't want boring/sterile clean.

I'm definitly looking for a bit of a set-and-forget device for recording mostly my own voice, so the screwdrivers and 'special' settings aren't too much of a concern.

Originally Posted by leaper

..

Love the opaque polish these things can give. Quite 70's! Sure you can use them for tracking vocals, etc.
Can be compared to Barth Dynaset.

So, you mean silky not sparkling? Would you even call it 'dark', or is that an exaggeration?

Thanks for the comparison, I didn't know that comp. but can see it has some of the same features.

[leaper]

Originally Posted by GeorgeHayduke

So, you mean silky not sparkling? Would you even call it 'dark', or is that an exaggeration?

Thanks for the comparison, I didn't know that comp. but can see it has some of the same features.

Sorry George.. i know it's a million lifetimes into the future and i somehow missed your post, but will answer in the interests of diplomacy. I know you've been sleepless waiting on this reply.
or possibly, i'm in bed with flu and no don't not got nothing better to do (as the Bard once put it)

are you ready?

yes silky as opposed to sparkling and dark would be an exaggeration.

so.. did u get one or get the chance to check one out? Thoughts?