Best Stereo Buss Compressor Under 1200

[AllAboutTone]

A used Rolls RMS is better than most 2k plus units, thats all I use and does the job well. I like it much better than a 2500.

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by ToneRexx

what is the flavour of the Overstayer??? similar to which bus compressor?

The Stereo VCA is SSL-ish
their FET one is 1176-ish..

I've been using the VCA on the 2buss

[Audio Child]

Originally Posted by housegezeichnet

dry/wet, lots of attack times, fixed release, 2 auto release modes, sc hpf with api thrust style options and the grind mode....try to beat that for under 1200$

Seems very impressive but how does it sound ?

[thehightenor]

Originally Posted by AllAboutTone

A used Rolls RMS is better than most 2k plus units, thats all I use and does the job well. I like it much better than a 2500.

+1

I've had a lot of different mix bus compressors over the years, but these days I virtually never remove my Rolls RMS755.

It has turned out to be a real bargain.
It has a really nice action but without the mid range edge of a Smart C2.

It adds a nice top end sheen as well. Possibly to "hi fi" sounding for some folks but really suits my tastes.

tht

[housegezeichnet]

Originally Posted by Audio Child

Seems very impressive but how does it sound ?

check this:

Originally Posted by mulletchuck@groupdiy forum

zSHARE - Contemplation SB4001.aif - Free File Hosting Service | Audio and Video Sharing | Image Uploading | Web storage
Ratio 2
??Attack .20
??Release .7
??Blend WET
??SLOPE
??Thresh: 3rd dot
??Gain: 8db

and the original ITB version:
zSHARE - Archive.zip - Free File Hosting Service | Audio and Video Sharing | Image Uploading | Web storage
contains 2 files, just ignore the SB4001 from that cuz i didn't write down the settings.

[goldencd]

Originally Posted by housegezeichnet

check this:

It would be cool if you could provide those links or host that file on a site that ins't a spam and spy wear cesspool

[AudioSoundzz]

Another vote for the Drawmer 1968 ME which has very good saturation as well excellent compression. Use it all the time on mixes and mastering.

[housegezeichnet]

Originally Posted by goldencd

It would be cool if you could provide those links or host that file on a site that ins't a spam and spy wear cesspool

it was a repost from the prodigy forum if you read carefully but i can provide my own files once my diy unit is calibrated....those who were lucky enough to get one of the kits for sure got a lot bang for the buck

[Waxavub]

Originally Posted by Faderjockey

The Stereo VCA is SSL-ish
their FET one is 1176-ish..

I've been using the VCA on the 2buss

do they sound different enough to justify buying both?

[Faderjockey]

Originally Posted by Waxavub

do they sound different enough to justify buying both?

That I don't know. I only have the VCA. I've been wanting to pickup a FET one.. But from what I've read yes.. if it's a FET comp and sort of 1176ish it will have a little more hair to it.

The VCA is that smoother/clean vibe..

[AllAboutTone]

Originally Posted by thehightenor

+1

I've had a lot of different mix bus compressors over the years, but these days I virtually never remove my Rolls RMS755.

It has turned out to be a real bargain.
It has a really nice action but without the mid range edge of a Smart C2.

It adds a nice top end sheen as well. Possibly to "hi fi" sounding for some folks but really suits my tastes.

tht

You are right on the money my friend, I have bought and sold a few 2500s, C2s, CM2s, C1s, SSL Clones, and Avalons, but the Rolls is much better than any of those guys, In a buss compressor I hate a lot of color and the 755 does not have all that junk, I use color when tracking.
I also love that when you make a adjustment on any knob the of the Rolls you hear the difference unlike a lot of other 2 buss.
Rolls is not eye Candy and I don't care, it's quiet, clean and gets the job done, sounds like a record. I am not even looking for another 2 buss or taking the time to experiment with something else, the Rolls gets it done.

[beau_mckee]

I have my eyes on the Nail, but it's more than double your budget

[dandeurloo]

Originally Posted by housegezeichnet

it was a repost from the prodigy forum if you read carefully but i can provide my own files once my diy unit is calibrated....those who were lucky enough to get one of the kits for sure got a lot bang for the buck

I was lucky enough to be in on the very beginning stages of this thing. It really is a amazing sounding compressor. I am so glad to have it in the rack!

[Magucci]

Elysia Xpressor is the ticket for you. Definitely a very good stereo comp for the money. Both the 500 series or the 19" versions.

[Brad Lunde]

Chameleon Labs 7720 is scary good and not expensive, well under your number. Uses the same That corp VCA package several 2 buss compressors use. I sold one to the boys doing the Cheap Trick/Sgt Pepper Show at Paris Casino awhile back and they used it on the stereo live mix-everyone there was pretty knocked out with how it sounded.
Brad

[voidar]

Originally Posted by housegezeichnet

it was a repost from the prodigy forum if you read carefully but i can provide my own files once my diy unit is calibrated....those who were lucky enough to get one of the kits for sure got a lot bang for the buck

Would you be able to provide some files now, please?

[audiomichael]

Originally Posted by Waxavub

do they sound different enough to justify buying both?

Yes. They are quite different. The Stereo VCA (to my ear) is like a more transparent Smart C2, but maintains your stereo width, and there's much more control + blend knob to keep things from getting to SSL squashed. There's also a VERY nice little helper EQ on the full rack version.

The FET (IMO) is kinda like a softer warmer Distressor. It will do the crushing smash in a similar fashion, but isn't as hard sounding as a Distressor. I think the Distressor is more punchy, but the FET is very very musical and very versatile; guitars, vocals, bass, drums.

I'm an Overstayer fanatic, quickly my racks are being infiltrated by these strange black boxes . They belong right next to my high-end botiquers.

[joh]

Originally Posted by Magucci

Elysia Xpressor is the ticket for you. Definitely a very good stereo comp for the money. Both the 500 series or the 19" versions.

the 500 xpressor is awesome - more so at this pricepoint.
I also have a 1968 which I like a lot.

[BillSimpkins]

Sometimes you can find VERY high quality assembled DIY SSL G compressors on Ebay for under $1000.

[D K]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

A pair of FMR PBC-6A's... better HPF options than a 1968 - far more linking options [choice of "linked dual mono" or "true stereo"] and much better sonic varieties as you can play with the "slick" or "thick" tonal options as well as "drive" vs. "knee" [the 1968 is "variable knee"... but you can't vary that knee from the front panel - only by how much level you send to the input] -- and while its less than $1000- for the pair - it sounds every bit of $2k or more.

Peace

This....

[bwindsor]

Drawmer 1969.......would have been a 1968, but thought I could use the extra pre's....never really have though, it's glue'd to the mix bus (pun intended) !