Compressor advice for Snare and Kick

[15countsofarson]

I need a good compressor for kick drum and or snare drum. I am getting rid of a Joe Meek Twin-Q, because the optical compressor just didn't do it for me. I also tried a Toft DC-2, but I couldn't get enough output gain out of it, and if I pushed the input, it got insanely flabby.

I've considered a lot of stuff, and I'm not limited to low end gear, but it would be nice. Current considerations are a DBX 160a, RNC 1773, possibly a lower end TL Audio piece. My concern with the 160a is that it won't be flexible enough for kick or snare. Thoughts?

[VacuousZounds]

I've used the 160x for kick before, and it works well most of the time. I wouldn't suggest it for snare though due to the wide variety of snare sounds, but ymmv. Are you looking for a gate as well? Have a look at the Drawmer dl421.

[vintagelove]

I really think cheap compressors will do more harm than good. Save your money, Big old tube compressors rock!
you may find some old german moduals u273 ect, best bang for your buck.

[15countsofarson]

I heard good stuff about the 160x from someone else as well. That's probably worth looking into. I actually have an 1176, but sometimes it seems a little *too* fast for me, plus, it's patched into my vocal channel strip, and it's too much of a hassle to switch it out all the time. I'm not lazy; it's the just the setup of the control room/closet:-)

[james.ca]

Do you really want to compress or do more gating for mic issolation .
Maybe try & switch mode of your comp from comping to limiting ?
James.ca

[Chrisc_o]

Uhhhhh, how much are you selling the TwinQ for?

[adelphitom]

Chandler Limited EMI TG 12413 Limiter/Compressor

I've had this used on my kit before with exceptional results. More of a vintage sound, but still an incredible compressor/limiter.

[KEL]

I've been messing with the ART ProVla on kick and snare..I like it. I also still use my old bright green JoeMeek, it has some 'tude still.

[allencollins]

Originally Posted by adelphitom

Chandler Limited EMI TG 12413 Limiter/Compressor

I've had this used on my kit before with exceptional results. More of a vintage sound, but still an incredible compressor/limiter.

Id use a 166x over the TG ANYDAY!!!!!!!!!!

[AnAverageJoe]

Originally Posted by VacuousZounds

I've used the 160x for kick before, and it works well most of the time. I wouldn't suggest it for snare though due to the wide variety of snare sounds, but ymmv. Are you looking for a gate as well? Have a look at the Drawmer dl421.

+1 on the 160 comp... they sound good on drums

[Brad McGowan]

Originally Posted by KEL

I've been messing with the ART ProVla on kick and snare..I like it. I also still use my old bright green JoeMeek, it has some 'tude still.

The ART ProVLA is my secret weapon on snare drums. It should great set to auto attack and auto release. The auto release setting is actually a little faster than the "fast" setting if you have low levels of gain reduction. You can hear it in action on the songs "Blood Music" and "These Precious Seconds" by Parker Street Cinema (although the Myspace player kind of makes things sound crappy):

http://http://www.myspace.com/parkerstreetcinema

I've tried the dbx160X on both kick and snare and don't care for it much on kick since it really seems to flatten it. However, it's decent on snare when you really want to push the snare drum back in the mic.

Brad

[morebutter]

160x is great for giving snares snap

[Pomello]

Go with the 160 on the snare. cheers