Good compressors?

[De chromium cob]

Some good compressors-

Neve 33609
Neve 2254
Neve 2264
Urei 175
Urei 1176
Urei 1178
DBX 160
DBX 160X/XT
Urei LA2A
Empirical Labs Distressor
Empirical Labs Fatso Jr
Daking 91579
EAR 660
Urei LA3A
Crane Song Trakker
Altec 436B
UREI LA4
Valley People/Allison Research Gain Brain
Gates STA-Level
API 2500
API 525
Manley Vari Mu
Manley ELOP
Helios/ADR F760
Alan Smart C2
Fairchild 660/670
Pye compressors
Tubetech CL1B
Cranesong STC-8
Chandler TG1
Chandler LTD-2
DW Fearn VT-7
Thermionic Culture Phoenix
Pendulum Audio ES-8 / OCL-2
Urei LA-22
ect.....

[brianroth]

I'd also add the Audio+Designs (aka ADR aka Audio & Designs (Recording)) Compex and the "cousin" Vocal Stresser. The latter is a Compex with a 4 band sweep EQ in the same rack box.

Bri

[username]

whoa.. thats not such a low end theory list :p

[Renegade]

DBX 160
DBX 160X/XT
Empirical Labs Distressor


Can some one give a lil info on these products and
which out of these would be good for drums and which for vocals?

also some prices would be nice.

is there anyothers I should consider that wasn't listed?

Thanks.

[pan60]

dont forget
buzzaudio SOC
purple audio MC77
Anthony DeMaria Labs ADL C/L 1000

[Scinx]

Originally Posted by Renegade

DBX 160
DBX 160X/XT
Empirical Labs Distressor


Can some one give a lil info on these products and
which out of these would be good for drums and which for vocals?

also some prices would be nice.

is there anyothers I should consider that wasn't listed?

Thanks.

160X and XT are good on drums and certain vox (e.g. hiphop). Distressor is very versatile and does well on both vocals and drums. Both of these are dependent on the source and the ears of course. You can do a search and find out about both these units. If you are budget minded, you can look more at the FMR RNC and ART Pro VLA. Try searching to turn up info

[Renegade]

Well the Disstressor isn't too pricey...I may be getting one.

Is the DBX 160's still in production I can't seem to find them anywhere?

(and I am working with hip hop beats&vocals)

[Scinx]

Originally Posted by Renegade

Well the Disstressor isn't too pricey...I may be getting one.

Is the DBX 160's still in production I can't seem to find them anywhere?

(and I am working with hip hop beats&vocals)

The 160A is the only 160 unit in production to the best of my knowledge. Most believe it doesnt have the "sound" of the XT and X. Per Tom Cram, who work(ed/s) at DBX and a couple others who know hardware, the 160A and 160X/T is the same thing - but of course, to most, it doesnt sound the same. I think this might be due to older units having less precise calibration, etc. There is also the VU - which is not in production.

[Renegade]

I came across 160SL's are those similar to the x series?

Also is there a big difference between the two distressors?

[sordeli]

Dont forguet the Focusrite Blue 230, and the Amek 9098 CL

[Scinx]

Yes - the 160SL/162SL is still in production. Forgot about them. As for comparisons -
http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...ighlight=160sl
http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...ighlight=160sl
http://gearslutz.com/board/showthrea...ighlight=160sl

There is a TON of information on almost all of the DBX compressors in GS alone. If you do a search for whatever model you are thinking about - you will see a bunch of opinions already written. You can also do a search on hiphop vocals, etc. to see what others are using (e.g. some of the Cranesong pieces, the 737, etc.)

Id recommend you get the 160X, 160XT or Distressor. If those dont tickle your fancy after you get them - the resale value is great on all of those (obviously you can buy and sell the DBX units at 0 sum gain/loss since you will be buying them used)

[Renegade]

Kay Iv'e decided to go with the Distressor should fill my needs as far as drums go.
But I need a second comp for vocals and I don't think the DBX is it...UA mabey?

[Scinx]

Why is the DBX not it? Just curious how you came to that conclusion?

[Renegade]

Cause Im a complete rookie,I don't have $$$ to blow on "hit or miss" type gear either.Basicly I want something tried and true and not too expensive.And I don't buy stuff online (it's not worth it living in Canada.)

[Scinx]

Goodluck

[Renegade]

thanks for your input.

[De chromium cob]

Originally Posted by Renegade

Basicly I want something tried and true and not too expensive.And I don't buy stuff online (it's not worth it living in Canada.)

That describes the 160X/XT perfectly- You should make an exception to your rule in this case. So cheap you cant afford to not get one.

[Renegade]

Would the DBX 160X be a good candidate for a vocal comp tho?

Sorry bout the "newbie" questions but Im a newbie!

[mrbowes]

many people have said that it works well on vocals, but i generally hear it's best for stuff like bass drum, bass guitar, and overheads...IIRC.

do a search on "160X"

[De chromium cob]

Originally Posted by Renegade

Would the DBX 160X be a good candidate for a vocal comp tho?

Sorry bout the "newbie" questions but Im a newbie!

Its not too bad- in fact it can be very good- But usually not my first choice. FWIW, the Distressor isn't my first choice for vocals either.... I tend to like optical comps for vocals about half the time (Urie La3a or the Manley ELOP come to mind)- The other half I'd go for a tube comp, FET or maybe a diode bridge type like one of the older Neves (for instance the 2254). Its really dependant on the individual track. There's no one 'silver bullet' comp that will always be perfect.

I'm just saying that for the $150 to $200 you'll spend on the 160X you get something that hangs with the 'big boys' that cost a dozen times more and will retain its value if you ever decide to sell. But you'll probably never sell it.

Just my opinion- ignore it if you want.

[Renegade]

I suppose I can find one second hand I'll pick one up it' couldn't hurt...It isn't the most visualy pleasing thing but hey it's the sound that counts!...Im still feeling I need more mmm Is UA worth considering aswell?or that song trakker I keep reading great things about it.

[Scinx]

As I said before, and will say again, the 160X and XT does a fine to great job on hiphop vox. There is basically no reason not to get one given your circumstance. But - if you want to go another route for whatever reason - thats cool...

[Renegade]

I am getting it the DBX 160X but like I said I want another vocal comp just so I have more choice.

Variety is the spice of life.

[Shobiz]

how about 160a with the jim williams upgrade