Compressor, Limiter.....decisions

[PRS1JAZZ]

I am trying to figure out a direction to go with adding some more colors to my palate....

I already have

Pair of RNC
Distressors
Triple C
Avalon 737


I was thinking of the

Red 3
Cranesong Trakker
1176
Purple 1176
LA2A
Joe Meek SC2 1.05
API 2500
Allan Smart
Vari MU

I can only afford two or three more colors. I do quite a bit of rock, and R&B. What do you all think I should shoot for. Thanks!

[Dave Martin]

I know a room where you can hear 6 of the nine you're asking about...

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by Dave Martin
I know a room where you can hear 6 of the nine you're asking about...

Or he can come to NYC and listen to all nine...and then some.

My question would be what is your budget?(This is the High End you know). And will you be mixing other people's music or your own?

If it $5k, than maybe then a used Vari-Mu and the API or Alan Smart.

If its $3k, than either the Vari-Mu or the Alan Smart.

If its $2.5K, than a used 1176 and a used LA2A reissue or a usd Vari-Mu.

If its more...than now we are talking.

[guru007]

Originally posted by thethrillfactor
If its more...than now we are talking.

I'll bite...what are we talking about in the $5K+ market?

guru007

[syra]

The 2 units I like the most from the ones you mentioned are the C2, and the RED3 (although if you can stretch maybe you should consider the 230)...haven't heard the API and the JoeMeek. The Mu is also good...

Nothing against the other units but I am thinking also in terms of a mix bus application...

For R&B stuff I dont think the C2 works half as good as the RED3 IMHO...but if you get both...you have both worlds...aggressive and smooth...

peace...

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by guru007
I'll bite...what are we talking about in the $5K+ market?

guru007

Well the more cash you got, the more choices.

An STC-8 for one, the new Vac Rac stereo comp/limiter, some Neve compressors,EAR compressor,Gates STA-Level, a TG1 also(all part of the arsenal).

The more choices the more colors, especially when you are mixing other people's music.

[robdarling]

If you're talking 5k+, you have to throw the GML 8900 into the mix. A vastly underknown and unappreciated piece of equipment.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by robdarling
If you're talking 5k+, you have to throw the GML 8900 into the mix. A vastly underknown and unappreciated piece of equipment.

You know its funny, even though they are designed by the same person(GM), i had more luck with the Sontec DR202 on different sources than the 8900.

The Sontec comp is one of the few comps I would ever use on a piano and it helps(works also well when tracking vocals).

[PRS1JAZZ]

I was basically thinking in the 4-5K range. I really am sold on the Red 3. I just love the way it sounds. As for a compliment flavor to the rest....I am not quite sure....

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by PRS1JAZZ
I was basically thinking in the 4-5K range. I really am sold on the Red 3. I just love the way it sounds. As for a compliment flavor to the rest....I am not quite sure....

The only problem with the new Red 3's is they are not as flexible(soundwise) as the older one's.

Also the pots tend to go on them.

Basically its a one tricky pony with a high price tag.

If you want a Red 3, see if you can find one of the original's or even better one of the original 230's (I own one). The 230's have all around better parts(hence the crazy Focusrite price tag). Stay away from the newer one's though (they took out the transformers that gave the Red 3 its charcteristic sound).

[syra]

Thrill you mean the newer RED3, right?...

the 230 is still the same...

Btw, I like the RED 3...its smooth with a nice colour...and I am sure I am not using an older model...

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by syra
Thrill you mean the newer RED3, right?...

the 230 is still the same...

Btw, I like the RED 3...its smooth with a nice colour...and I am sure I am not using an older model...

Syra,

They changed the design a little a new 230.

Last I heard they took out the transformers like the mastering version(big mistake in my opinion).

If you like the new Red 3 than you may not like the older version(the one's that made it famous).

The old one's with the transformers are thicker and warmer(closer to the Neve compression sound), the later one's are a bit thinner and brighter.

Its definitely a different sound.

[Klaseed]

Thrill, how would one tell an old Red 3 from a new one (without opening it up)? Is there a cosmetic difference, or would one have to go by serial numbers?

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by Klaseed
Thrill, how would one tell an old Red 3 from a new one (without opening it up)? Is there a cosmetic difference, or would one have to go by serial numbers?

Serial numbers mostly.

There is a slight cosmetic difference.

I can get you a friend's number who services all of the Focusrite stuff here in the states and he can give you the exact details.