Bang for buck stereo compressor

[Jam]

Okay I added a pair of Chandler mic pres to my home setup last month and my next purchase will be a stereo comp.
I'm in the box so most of the time they will used for tracking through so character is a must.
The Chandler is used a lot for electric guitars so it would be nice if the comp complimented that.
I have a LA2A that is my go to vocal compressor so that's covered ( but if it can be improved or complemented all the better )
In my head I'm kicking around the UA21176 or may be a pair of distressors. But I am also curious about the SPL Kultube as I can get a very good deal but I am willing to find more budget for the perfect candidate.
Let me have it !!!!

Jam

[Fletcher]

It's pretty difficult to go wrong with a pair of distressors...

[bassmac]

Since so many people use two Distressors - I think a nice 2U package would be cool.

Or... how about a 1U stereo/mono with one set of controls option? (like a Smart C2)

thumbsup

[Jack Pettit]

I bought a 1176, I dumped it on ebay.

I think my Fatso is better.

[hollywood_steve]

I don't think you'll find many folks who don't like the current 1176 (the unit itself, not the company or its marketing practices.) I'm gonna bet that the new stereo 1176 is gonna be a very useful tool. Sometimes a great one-trick-pony can be more useful than a box that can do a good job on a dozen different tasks. I wouldn't count the new stereo 1176 out until you've had a chance to try it.

[jbuntz]

You can stereo link the Purple Audio MC77's without purchasing anything additional to the two compressors and it will run you somewhere around what the 2-1176 will run you, probably will be more relilable and look alot cooler in the rack.

[hollywood_steve]

You can stereo link the Purple Audio MC77's without purchasing anything additional to the two compressors and it will run you somewhere around what the 2-1176 will run you, probably will be more relilable and look alot cooler in the rack.

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What makes you think that two MC77s will "run you somewhere around what the 2-1176 will run you"? I'm gonna guess at least a $500 difference in actual "out the door" street pricing. Unless you know something more than what's been published about the pricing of these units......

[faeflora]

I'd pay the extra $500 to get the gear from Purple. Those guys who run that place are real tech freaks.


Why not get an RNC? They're great stereo compressors and you don't have to futz around with two sets of knobs.

Also I wouldn't get two SPL Kultubes. I futzed with one for a long while and it was ok but it sorta did that sucking unpleasant cheap compressor squashing when you pushed it too hard. That plus it really only sounded -good- with the harmonic knob turned up.

[jbuntz]

RNC would without a doubt be the best "bang for buck". You could get 9 or so RNC's for the price of one 1176.... or 14 for a 2-1176.

[faeflora]

Yah pick one up! Don't be a snob about the price either. IMO it beats many $1000 compressors for sound!

[rainsinvelvet]

Hey, a bit off subject...

Anyone here using there stereo link'd Distressors to strap across a main mix? I just bought a second one and am anxious to try it as a possibility...

Anyone?

[Jam]

Okay lots of good things about the RNC which was in the back of my mind.
Two things I understand that it is unbalanced I/O is this a problem in every day use ?
So if I go for a RNC with all the money I have saved shall I go for a Fatso as I said in my first post it will be used a lot for tracking through. I did a search and I see that Jules uses his to track through does anyone use the compressor on the way to disc.

Jam

[faeflora]

I've tried the stereo distressor on 2 bus and it can be cool. But distressor is mondo agressive and it will easily change the entire sound of the mix.

[XHipHop]

used SPL Kultube (about $1000)
RNC - ($200)
HHB Radius 3 Fatman ($219 from zzounds or american musical)
TC Electronics Triple C ($300 closeout from different music stores)

Total - $1700 . Lots of options in that little collection.

[XHipHop]

Also the Art Pro VLA defines bang for the buck for me.

[jazzius II]

RNC's are great......only downside is you can't bring 'em happily up on a patch bay 'cause inserting a jack in the sidechain input cuts the connection internally between the audio input and the internal sidechain.......i'd have happily paid an xtra few for a front panel button......workaround, anyone?