ADR Compex

[Lord Fear]

anybody have experience with these, I've only tried using the compressor during a tracking session, but i've heard great things about them for mixing, however what if not all parts of the unit do you engage, just the comp, comp and gate etc...what else do you use with the compex....thanks

[Fletcher]

I have mostly found them to be of use on drums and percussive sounds where some envelop modification can be helpful. The compression, especially when used in a parallel scheme will often help make the drums explode from the speakers.

Make sure the units have seen some new capacitors lately, by lately I mean sometime after the Clinton Impeachment procedings... if they haven't, they should.

Peace.

[Screws]

I found one of these in a rack stuck in a dark corner of the local Geetar Central. They obviously didn't know what it was and sold it to me for a stupid price.

The pots are a bit scratchy and it probably needs to be re-capped. Any suggestions on who to send it to?

[brianroth]

Steve...which model Compex do you have? I've been keeping various A+D Compex/Vocal Stressers running for a couple of studios in my area.

Bri

[lowswing]

I love compex compressors and rate them among the best FET compressors (1176, daking etc..) the only problem is they are bitch to calibarate and only few people do it right.

[Silvertone]

I have the one that came before the ADR ones. The Helios F700 that I love to death, faster then my old Cranesong STC8. I'll never part with it, plus it came out of the Rolling Stones old console so it has some sentimantal value to me as well. In fact I had Ken back engineer it for my and have been thinking about re-releasing them. Just don't know that there would be a market for another FET compressor.

[PhilE]

Originally Posted by Silvertone

I have the one that came before the ADR ones. The Helios F700 that I love to death, faster then my old Cranesong STC8. I'll never part with it, plus it came out of the Rolling Stones old console so it has some sentimantal value to me as well. In fact I had Ken back engineer it for my and have been thinking about re-releasing them. Just don't know that there would be a market for another FET compressor.

If the price was right there would be for these- just gotta knock em out for £500 a pair!

[Screws]

I have the Audio Design Recording Compex Limiter F760X-RS. It's stereo, 2RU, dual meters.

[echorec]

Originally Posted by Silvertone

I have the one that came before the ADR ones. The Helios F700 that I love to death, faster then my old Cranesong STC8. I'll never part with it, plus it came out of the Rolling Stones old console so it has some sentimantal value to me as well. In fact I had Ken back engineer it for my and have been thinking about re-releasing them. Just don't know that there would be a market for another FET compressor.

I have these too (F700). Sound amazing on everything!

[hrn]

I have the F760X-RS. When you turn the knobs a little bit more than "usual", things starts to happen in this box.

[axeman]

Now when the compex is up for discussion, I´m gonna sneak in a studip question: What´s the point in using an expander and compressor at the same time? `Cause this is possible on the Compex 760, right? Or am I getting it wrong?

[lowswing]

Originally Posted by axeman

Now when the compex is up for discussion, I´m gonna sneak in a studip question: What´s the point in using an expander and compressor at the same time? `Cause this is possible on the Compex 760, right? Or am I getting it wrong?

for example: you expand (or gate) a snare track to clean it from un wanted spill than the signle goes to the compressor and you it

[axeman]

Originally Posted by lowswing

for example: you expand (or gate) a snare track to clean it from un wanted spill than the signle goes to the compressor and you it

Wow! That was so obvius. Why didn´t I think of that..? Well, thanks a lot for enlightening me.

[brianroth]

Originally Posted by Screws

I have the Audio Design Recording Compex Limiter F760X-RS. It's stereo, 2RU, dual meters.

OK, that would be the unit fourth down in this 1981 ad I wrote:

http://www.brianroth.com/library/a+d-limiters1981.jpg

The Compex section is the same as used in the Vocal Stresser sitting above it. I have schematics and the alignment procedures if you need them.

Bri

[wwittman]

The stereo compex is still my favourite piano comrpessor...

and I used it for YEARS as my stereo buss compressor until the Daking came along (Geoff and I discussed it, so it has the same attack and release settings built in, but with those great Class A line amps)

[lemix]

Bought mine used around 1985
Not sure about the model #..she's a two channel beast. Loved it to death until all switches and pots got dirty.
Now is doing listen mic (PZM) compression duty Some clients go apes about the drums through that chain and decide to print it !
Great box..IMO.
I've used it mostly for low end and percussive stuff. It had this character..tightly packed, firm audio. By using the switched release constants, you could almost "tune" the source into the mix.

groove on

[Arny]

Originally Posted by Lord Fear

anybody have experience with these, I've only tried using the compressor during a tracking session, but i've heard great things about them for mixing, however what if not all parts of the unit do you engage, just the comp, comp and gate etc...what else do you use with the compex....thanks

Dear Lord Fear,
I would not be without mine which is the main reason for us re-releasing the Helios Version.

Some other threads have shown a great passion for these as tools of our trade.

If there is anything you require about anything ADR, I am sure we can be of some help.

By the way ADR are still making gear, and I do recomend their DMA-2, it has recieved some nice reviews
DMA-2

for one review
Audio & Design DMA2

and
Q. What's the best way to get audio into my portable recorder?


1 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/3276-audio-design-760-x-rs-stereo-comp-2.html#post4380049

2 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/37399-what-can-you-tell-me-about-adr-gear.html#post4374309

3 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/geekslutz-forum/22158-adr-compex-problem.html

4 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/78901-adr-compex.html

5 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/27368-adr-compex-f760x-rs.html

6 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/595-adr-stereo-compex-thoughts.html

7 = http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/23715-compex2-adr-f760x-rs-what-difference.html

Best Regards,

Tony.
Tony Arnold (Director)
Home

[hywyn]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

I have mostly found them to be of use on drums and percussive sounds where some envelop modification can be helpful. The compression, especially when used in a parallel scheme will often help make the drums explode from the speakers.

Make sure the units have seen some new capacitors lately, by lately I mean sometime after the Clinton Impeachment procedings... if they haven't, they should.

Peace.

Hi,

I've acquired a stereo and mono Compex F760. I spoke to Ian at Audio and Design who advised me not to change anything other than the pots and switches if I wanted to keep its original "sound". I reckon these units originate from way before Clintons impeachment!

Re: calibration (I should've asked while i was on the phone...) does this involve some internal tweaking and careful monitoring ar should I hand them over to a man who can?

Cheers,
Steve

[Kaigen]

ADR Compex is the best drum bus comp, IMO. It is as versatile as 1176, although FDR has more "rock" vibe. I sold API 2500 after I bought Compex.

[hywyn]

Originally Posted by Kaigen

ADR Compex is the best drum bus comp, IMO. It is as versatile as 1176, although FDR has more "rock" vibe. I sold API 2500 after I bought Compex.

Maybe so. I'd still like to garner opinion about sticking with the old caps (referred to on previous post) and the calibration if anyone can help.....

[tekis]

I wouldn't change anything until you've listened to it first. These units are difficult to work on because of their construction and some of the pots are difficult to source, so I'd only change what is absolutely necessary. Here's a link to schematics and such.

DIY Factory - home

[Kaigen]

Originally Posted by hywyn

Maybe so. I'd still like to garner opinion about sticking with the old caps (referred to on previous post) and the calibration if anyone can help.....

I have not changed the caps yet, since it's working OK so far. I changed the stereo output pot due to noise. A small mod to fit the new pot was needed. Input pot is easy to replace.

[hywyn]

Originally Posted by tekis

I wouldn't change anything until you've listened to it first. These units are difficult to work on because of their construction and some of the pots are difficult to source, so I'd only change what is absolutely necessary. Here's a link to schematics and such.

DIY Factory - home

Thanks,...i just paid A&D £15 for that schematic and manual!
The stereo version definitely needs the carbon input and output pots replaced, also new led lights,...switfches seem ok.

The mono F760 N is without a psu and has been attached to and powered from a camera in recent times. I've no idea how this one sounds until I get power to it.

Cheers,
Steve

[hywyn]

Originally Posted by Kaigen

I have not changed the caps yet, since it's working OK so far. I changed the stereo output pot due to noise. A small mod to fit the new pot was needed. Input pot is easy to replace.

Good to know its still running well on original stock parts! Maybe need to perform the same mod but Ian from A&D inferred that parts could be souced, although there is a slight mismatch with 11mm and 12mm (on channel inputs I think?).
Cheers,
Steve

[leaper]

Maybe worth mentioning that while this is a ferocious compressor, that immediately makes one think of specialist applications, it works wonderfully in parallel on master bus. It can add real density to a mix.
I've also come across quite a few dead units in studio store rooms and attics. Which would suggest that they aren't the easiest things to fix.

[BadMojo]

My favourite compressor for drums. It smokes!

[Arny]

We have just started the re-issue of the ADR F760 in the Helios Format, which excludes the Exp/Gate, we decided to keep the PCB's and all the components we use is exactly the same as the original.

The Helios complete module will not be ready until August but the PCB's, "A" or "B" either loaded or empty are now available.

All of our work has been endorsed by Ian at ADR, as we have been servicing all ADR classic gear including the Scamp range for the last 20 years.

Best Regards

Tony
Helios Electronics Ltd.

[vincentvangogo]

I have a pair of the Audio and Design F600 Limiters- squashy.

[Kaigen]

Nice,

[rocksure]

I have an ADR F760X-RS sitting in front of me as I write this. I have been dying to try it on a drum buss, but unfortunately it is inputting/outputting such a low signal level it's not really working well enough to use as it is. Capacitors I guess?