which < $350 comp is best for rock vocals ?

dj_who · 16th April 2005, 12:35 AM

I edited the title and raised the price cause I realized my previous thread was just unrealistic.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,

I'm planning to get my first comp to use for vocals, I can't spend more than $600.

The ones I'm looking at are:

RNC
PRO VLA
Aphex Compellor (used)
Drawmer
Summit TLA-50
old used 70's era comp from ebay.

My current Mic is a Octava MK-319, the Pre is a new Aphex 270D.

thanks

deadonarrival · 16th April 2005, 01:13 AM

RNC real nice. Simple as that.

Sounds Great · 16th April 2005, 01:55 AM

I think this is already being discussed.

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=31283

dj_who · 16th April 2005, 10:46 PM

Thanks for the responses. :)

I am leaning toward the RNC. Its too good to pass up.

I read the link before I posted actually. that person is looking for comps for hip hop / R n B.

I was kind of looking for comps that would compliment a "60's british rock" type of sound. kind of a "clean warmth with a little sweet color". whatever that means :)

If George Martin was a poor slob like me...what would he use?

thanks again!

SirPatchAlot · 16th April 2005, 11:23 PM

dbx 163x

really

XHipHop · 16th April 2005, 11:25 PM

If you want something that sounds Beatlesish, get one of those Altec comps off ebay. They'll get you in the ballpark.

Jim vanBergen · 17th April 2005, 02:12 AM

I adore the RNC (I own two) but it is best at being invisible on the mix buss. If you are doing rock vocals and need COLOR and some levelling instead of a clean gentle compression, go with the VLA. This is still a highly under-rated piece that is worth far more than its price. It is warm and tubey and can sound really nice! It is a favorite of mine for comping vocals that don't merit a 3k compressor but might want to sound like it.

If you have 600 to spend, hell...buy both!

Drumsound · 17th April 2005, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen

I adore the RNC (I own two) but it is best at being invisible on the mix buss. If you are doing rock vocals and need COLOR and some levelling instead of a clean gentle compression, go with the VLA. This is still a highly under-rated piece that is worth far more than its price. It is warm and tubey and can sound really nice! It is a favorite of mine for comping vocals that don't merit a 3k compressor but might want to sound like it.

If you have 600 to spend, hell...buy both!

I've got 3 RNCs and a VLA. They are great pieces and very different. The VLA had has two settings for attack and release, fast and auto. The RNC has continually varying attack and release. The VLA is an opto circuit and the RNC is a VCA. VLA has a lot more color. The RNC needs to be abused a bit for color, not that that's a bad thing!

DivineMusic · 17th April 2005, 08:15 PM

for rock out of the compressors listed i'd get the pro vla.
i've personally only done 3-4 rocks songs my hole life but even for hiphop/r n B production i like the pro vla and the dbx160x for budget compressors

s.d.finley · 18th April 2005, 01:11 AM

I use the RNC on all vocals and love it....of course, depending on the vocalist and the style, will depend on the settings. What i like about the RNC, besides the smoothness, and transparency of it.....is how many different types of sounds and how differently i can get vocals to sound. The super nice button is killer too.... Now of course i will also use a comp in Pt after tracking w/ the RNC.
I am really interested in the VLA too.

See if you can demo an RNC somewhere.....

rock

sdf

toque-eh! · 18th April 2005, 04:55 AM

FWIW, i just had a VLA for a couple weeks and i returned it to the store. i couldn't stand it on vocals. anything more than very mild compression was pretty unusable for me, and if i'm going to use a compressor for tracking i want it to be able to do some serious squashing and sound good doing it. couldn't get an attack sound i liked with the only choices of FAST or AUTO. the 4db of gain just patching into it was unfathomable to me. one has to drop the gain back by 4dB in order to bypass and get a valid AB. plus the metering was terrible. both the VU and LED meters did not seem to actually reflect what was going on. the gain reduction LED's have too much light bleed from one segment to another to be useful, and the level into my DAW was much hotter than the VU meters indicated.

i'd rather use my blue-face ashley SC-50 for something like rock vocals any day.

roly · 18th April 2005, 09:28 AM

Hi
Have a look at Davisound comp modules.
About 200 each and you have to rack them up. They come with all connectors, switches and leds.The pots are already connected so it's simple to rack them up.
They sound good on vocals, snare and bass.
cheers

PaRaNoId · 25th April 2005, 07:20 AM

I end up using the RNC for Vox about 70% of the time. Very transparent when used correctly. I like using it on the way in; to even out the peaks and add it's sonic "fatness". BTW I mostly use it in normal mode, NOT supernice mode.

maskedman72 · 29th April 2005, 10:30 PM

i have the summitt tla-50 and i like it on vox and bass.

Teacher · 29th April 2005, 10:54 PM

DBX 160XT! I just discovered it on Rap vocals

rolo · 30th April 2005, 06:23 PM

hello.... my pick under 600 clams is without a doubt the summit tla50. i have tried the rnc... it's o.k, but not much character. the summit is built like a tank (unlike the rnc) and has a big mid and bottom.... great for rock vox. not to mention the people at summit are the most friendly and helpful. the ART is kinda cool for drum buss, but it's pretty blah on vox.

Teacher · 30th April 2005, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolo

. the summit is built like a tank (unlike the rnc)

Harvey Gerst of PSW drove his pick up over his rnc and it was still fully functional

rolo · 30th April 2005, 07:21 PM

my rnc (before i gave it away) fell knob first on some vintage apple green shagg carpet, as soon as i could say "hand me another bloody mary", a knob broke off.

echorec · 1st May 2005, 12:03 AM

Check the Dynamite (1st version). Cheap and works great for vocals and more.

rolo · 1st May 2005, 01:20 AM

yes, i agree, i have an original.... great for a drum buss

six_wax · 1st May 2005, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teacher

Harvey Gerst of PSW drove his pick up over his rnc and it was still fully functional

That rules. My guitar teacher in high school drove his 70's Am.Std. Strat into the ground headstock-first on a bet (didn't even fudge the intonation). I bought one as soon as I'd moved enough lawns. Love that kind of craftsmanship.

For rock vox, the TLA gets my vote. Great sounding little box with an edge.

Harvey Gerst · 1st May 2005, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teacher

Harvey Gerst of PSW drove his pick up over his rnc and it was still fully functional

Actually, it was an old Toyota Tercel; I can't afford a pickup.

warhead · 1st May 2005, 10:35 PM

Damn I thought it was a station wagon Harvey, your choice of gear is elusive.

War

PurpleGuitars · 8th June 2005, 09:35 PM

Anybody got a link to the Dynamite compressor?

blackcatdigi · 9th June 2005, 03:51 PM

I've got some nice rock vox with Symetrix 501s...

Like 'em on bass, too. $1-200 on Ebay.

echorec · 9th June 2005, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleGuitars

Anybody got a link to the Dynamite compressor?

Here is one

eeldip · 10th June 2005, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirPatchAlot

dbx 163x
really

i have a 163. its good. especially considering you can pick them up for $50 or less. havent tried it on vocals yet though. but i like it on kick drum snare drum.

plus it has a million LED readout and single slider operation. the slider has an arrow, at one end it says MORE. and when you slide it in that direction you get more compression.

i borrowed a 163x for a while, they sound nearly identical. the 163 is noisier but the compression is more when you adjust the MORE slider all the way to full MORE.

eeldip · 10th June 2005, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_who

I edited the title and raised the price cause I realized my previous thread was just unrealistic.
thanks

untrue, untrue. heck you could do some cool rock vocals with a $25 alesis microlimiter. but only if you want your vocals to sound compressed in a cool non transparent way.

moon_unit · 10th June 2005, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcatdigi

I've got some nice rock vox with Symetrix 501s...

Like 'em on bass, too. $1-200 on Ebay.

Agree. Toggle Switch model with the Valley People VCA. Works great on vocals and bass.

JBL / UREI 7110 is another good one to have around, although drums are really it's specialty.

jbuntz · 11th June 2005, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolo

yes, i agree, i have an original.... great for a drum buss

You using it on Peak or Average. I know people who use it on Peak but it just seems too fast for me for drums.

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16th April 2005, 12:35 AM	#1
dj_who Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PA, USA Posts: 495	which < $600 comp is best for British Rock vocals ? I edited the title and raised the price cause I realized my previous thread was just unrealistic. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, I'm planning to get my first comp to use for vocals, I can't spend more than $600. The ones I'm looking at are: RNC PRO VLA Aphex Compellor (used) Drawmer Summit TLA-50 old used 70's era comp from ebay. My current Mic is a Octava MK-319, the Pre is a new Aphex 270D. thanks

16th April 2005, 01:55 AM	#3
Sounds Great Gear Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Twin Cities, USA Posts: 10,398	I think this is already being discussed. http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=31283 __________________ But, day after day The show must go on And you gaze at the sky And picture a memory of days in your life With time on your side

18th April 2005, 04:55 AM	#11
toque-eh! Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: vancouver Posts: 141	FWIW, i just had a VLA for a couple weeks and i returned it to the store. i couldn't stand it on vocals. anything more than very mild compression was pretty unusable for me, and if i'm going to use a compressor for tracking i want it to be able to do some serious squashing and sound good doing it. couldn't get an attack sound i liked with the only choices of FAST or AUTO. the 4db of gain just patching into it was unfathomable to me. one has to drop the gain back by 4dB in order to bypass and get a valid AB. plus the metering was terrible. both the VU and LED meters did not seem to actually reflect what was going on. the gain reduction LED's have too much light bleed from one segment to another to be useful, and the level into my DAW was much hotter than the VU meters indicated. i'd rather use my blue-face ashley SC-50 for something like rock vocals any day. __________________ ciao, marc headphones suck!

25th April 2005, 07:20 AM	#13
PaRaNoId Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 472	I like my RNC I end up using the RNC for Vox about 70% of the time. Very transparent when used correctly. I like using it on the way in; to even out the peaks and add it's sonic "fatness". BTW I mostly use it in normal mode, NOT supernice mode. __________________ It's not the tools, it's the talent...

16th April 2005, 01:13 AM	#2
deadonarrival Gear interested Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 11	RNC real nice. Simple as that.

16th April 2005, 10:46 PM	#4
dj_who Gear addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: PA, USA Posts: 495	Thanks for the responses. :) I am leaning toward the RNC. Its too good to pass up. I read the link before I posted actually. that person is looking for comps for hip hop / R n B. I was kind of looking for comps that would compliment a "60's british rock" type of sound. kind of a "clean warmth with a little sweet color". whatever that means :) If George Martin was a poor slob like me...what would he use? thanks again!

16th April 2005, 11:23 PM	#5
SirPatchAlot Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 39	dbx 163x really

16th April 2005, 11:25 PM	#6
XHipHop Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,015	If you want something that sounds Beatlesish, get one of those Altec comps off ebay. They'll get you in the ballpark.

17th April 2005, 02:12 AM	#7
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,269	I adore the RNC (I own two) but it is best at being invisible on the mix buss. If you are doing rock vocals and need COLOR and some levelling instead of a clean gentle compression, go with the VLA. This is still a highly under-rated piece that is worth far more than its price. It is warm and tubey and can sound really nice! It is a favorite of mine for comping vocals that don't merit a 3k compressor but might want to sound like it. If you have 600 to spend, hell...buy both!

17th April 2005, 08:15 PM	#9
DivineMusic Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hotlanta Posts: 1,505	for rock out of the compressors listed i'd get the pro vla. i've personally only done 3-4 rocks songs my hole life but even for hiphop/r n B production i like the pro vla and the dbx160x for budget compressors

18th April 2005, 01:11 AM	#10
s.d.finley Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,947	I use the RNC on all vocals and love it....of course, depending on the vocalist and the style, will depend on the settings. What i like about the RNC, besides the smoothness, and transparency of it.....is how many different types of sounds and how differently i can get vocals to sound. The super nice button is killer too.... Now of course i will also use a comp in Pt after tracking w/ the RNC. I am really interested in the VLA too. See if you can demo an RNC somewhere..... rock sdf

18th April 2005, 09:28 AM	#12
roly Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 38	Hi Have a look at Davisound comp modules. About 200 each and you have to rack them up. They come with all connectors, switches and leds.The pots are already connected so it's simple to rack them up. They sound good on vocals, snare and bass. cheers

29th April 2005, 10:30 PM	#14
maskedman72 Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: westland, michigan Posts: 1,285	i have the summitt tla-50 and i like it on vox and bass. __________________ www.myspace.com/blackfeatherstudios www.tempermillstudios.com

29th April 2005, 10:54 PM	#15
Teacher Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NY Posts: 1,769	DBX 160XT! I just discovered it on Rap vocals __________________ "I hate it when they tell us how far we came to be, as if our people's history started with slavery...." Immortal Technique www.sicbeats.com

30th April 2005, 06:23 PM	#16
rolo Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas by way of Neptune Posts: 910	summit's got tha bigg butt hello.... my pick under 600 clams is without a doubt the summit tla50. i have tried the rnc... it's o.k, but not much character. the summit is built like a tank (unlike the rnc) and has a big mid and bottom.... great for rock vox. not to mention the people at summit are the most friendly and helpful. the ART is kinda cool for drum buss, but it's pretty blah on vox.

30th April 2005, 07:21 PM	#18
rolo Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas by way of Neptune Posts: 910	tanks and carpet, and pick-ups my rnc (before i gave it away) fell knob first on some vintage apple green shagg carpet, as soon as i could say "hand me another bloody mary", a knob broke off.

1st May 2005, 12:03 AM	#19
echorec Lives for gear Join Date: May 2003 Location: Europe Posts: 966	Check the Dynamite (1st version). Cheap and works great for vocals and more.

1st May 2005, 01:20 AM	#20
rolo Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas by way of Neptune Posts: 910	dy-no-mite!!! yes, i agree, i have an original.... great for a drum buss

1st May 2005, 10:35 PM	#23
warhead Jai guru deva om Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 7,970	Damn I thought it was a station wagon Harvey, your choice of gear is elusive. War __________________ Warren Dent Email: warren (at) frontendaudio (dot) com Front End Audio Sells Gear Tuesday Testers: Hear the Gear Shootouts Product Videos on YouTube: Overviews of Gear

8th June 2005, 09:35 PM	#24
PurpleGuitars Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Holland Posts: 94	Anybody got a link to the Dynamite compressor?

9th June 2005, 03:51 PM	#25
blackcatdigi Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: upstate, sc Posts: 1,454	I've got some nice rock vox with Symetrix 501s... Like 'em on bass, too. $1-200 on Ebay. __________________ Sincerely, Casey SC Digital Services Bob Olhsson wrote on 17th September 2002, 12:56 PM: "Music is being used to sort consumers rather than to entertain people."

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