Which Limiter/Compressor to buy

[Duffster]

I am about to head to the states to pick up some gear for the completion of my mastering studio. So far I have:
Crane Song HEDD 192
Weiss EQ MK2
Waves MaxxBCL

I will buy the Crane Song Avocet and a compressor?
Which one is the question:
Chandler TG1
Crane Song ST8
?

I have no tube gear and don´t feel a real need to have it in my signal chain. I just want a really good compressor/limiter to help out a bit. One in the about $5000 range.
Thanks

[yareck]

Different compressors work in a different way.

If you want to soften your tracks and add some "analog warmth" you can buy STC-8.... If you want more dynamic and aggressive sound, buy Smart C2... if you want some real power without so much compromise I have found Tube-Tech STC-8 very useful... there are many other compressors...

IMO buy at least 2 compressors, may be used. One compressor has too few flavours for the mastering.

I'm not sure if the TG1 would be the best option for the mastering. Zener Limiter has HPF option it might be better... Chandler has foggy sound, it's not perfectly clean. Depending what you search for, one may like it one not.

[Lagerfeldt]

Of the mentioned units (and in general) I wouldn't hesitate getting the Crane Song STC-8. It's a smashing great unit.

I agree with Yareck it would be wise getting two different compressors, e.g. the STC-8 and another more aggresive or "fun" compressor or perhaps an SSL type comp.

The MaxxBCL has the L2 right? Don't know if you should get an analogue limiter too, probably not. I'm very satisfied with the digital solutions in the L2 and Sony Oxford Limiter, and clipping maybe.

Personally I find that spreading out compression and even limiting in several units often sound better and is more flexible. Chaining two different types of compression for instance, e.g. low & slow and then slightly faster peak compression. The downside of more processing steps (be it analogue or digital) is usually outweighed by the end result in my experience. I don't think the puristic approach is necessarily true.

[carlsaff]

The STC-8 is a great first-choice comp. You likely won't use the limiter.

The API 2500 is a great, affordable complement to the STC-8. It can be a bit more "exciting" than the STC-8. Those two along with my Requisite L2M, and I have little want for more in the way of dynamics processing.

[Duffster]

I looked at the Requisite L2M but wasn´t sure I needed to spend that much at the current moment. Is it worth the cash? A lot of people have told me the the SPL Kultube is quite good too. I would like to avoid Manley to differentiate me from the other mastering facilites in the area who use almost 100% Manley. Any thoughts on the DW Fearn VT-7?

[carlsaff]

I think the mk. III is indeed worth it, especially at the pre-order price I got it for ($5000... I think $6000 will be the street price once it is officially announced). I have no experience with the mk. I or II models, though I'm sure they're both fantastic as well. Even so, I think that a few mk. I and mk. II units will be for sale in the coming year as some people are inevitably going to upgrade.

It's a great box. Seems to do nice things to the midrange just by being in path... sort of like what tape does for hard, digital mids. The new limiter feedback control has to be heard to be believed/understood, but is essentially akin to a presence/harmonics control. I've used just that to lift dull tracks that otherwise would've needed EQ. Pretty remarkable, and certainly unique.

I can't slag the Vari-Mu, as I've never used it, and I can't slag Manley, as I love my Massive Passive... but I think that the L2M would be a fine choice for any mastering room.

[Duffster]

If you are talking about the Weiss Limiters.... they are out of my price range. $6500 is too much for me to spend at the moment.

[MASSIVE Master]

Another on the STC-8. I have a few compression choices here, but the STC-8 is rarely *not* in the chain. Ugly green knobs rule. thumbsup

[Riccardo]

Originally Posted by Duffster

I looked at the Requisite L2M but wasn´t sure I needed to spend that much at the current moment. Is it worth the cash? A lot of people have told me the the SPL Kultube is quite good too. I would like to avoid Manley to differentiate me from the other mastering facilites in the area who use almost 100% Manley. Any thoughts on the DW Fearn VT-7?

It is is the same class as the Requisite, Thermionic and Cranesong to give you an idea.
Ideally you would try them all and start from the one you feel is really indispensable .......... knowing that sooner or later you will want to add the others

[Duffster]

Originally Posted by Riccardo

It is is the same class as the Requisite, Thermionic and Cranesong to give you an idea.
Ideally you would try them all and start from the one you feel is really indispensable .......... knowing that sooner or later you will want to add the others

I would love to try them but I live in Brazil and we have none of this equipment here. That is why I need some opinions from people who actually are using the things.

[jdunn]

The Fearn VT-7 is a great sounding unit. It's generally a bit easier to use than the STC-8... less options. The shape control is subtle but useful. I find it pretty easy to dial in the attack and release on this unit. The line amp has a ton of clean gain. The only weird thing about the VT-7 is that it doesn't have a bypass.

[Riccardo]

Originally Posted by Duffster

I would love to try them but I live in Brazil and we have none of this equipment here. That is why I need some opinions from people who actually are using the things.

Yes I understand. What I'm trying to say is that they are all VERY good units. See if you can find info leading to the "most flexible" of the bunch and maybe start from that one. I am sure you will want the others later on as budget allows.

[Fabio]

Another vote for Cranesong and, above all, Weiss mkII if you have to take just one unit!
With Weiss you can stay in digital and use Hedd for some further processing (if needed)...it could be a good solution

[quote=carlsaff;1323487]I think the mk. III is indeed worth it, especially at the pre-order price I got it for ($5000... I think $6000 will be the street price once it is officially announced). I have no experience with the mk. I or II models, though I'm sure they're both fantastic as well. Even so, I think that a few mk. I and mk. II units will be for sale in the coming year as some people are inevitably going to upgrade.

It's a great box. Seems to do nice things to the midrange just by being in path... sort of like what tape does for hard, digital mids. The new limiter feedback control has to be heard to be believed/understood, but is essentially akin to a presence/harmonics control. I've used just that to lift dull tracks that otherwise would've needed EQ. Pretty remarkable, and certainly unique.

How is the mkIII version? I haven't seen anything on the site

[inlinenl]

I second Fabio ... weiss DS1-MKII would be a nice option ... much accoustic music in brazil ????

it's more flexibel/ has more options than a straight-forward analog compressor ..
after that mayby you want some tubes .. manley vari-mu ????? ( don't push it )

wim

[Bob Yordan]

Darn it , soon I must also buy a STC-8.

Only got a Weiss DS-1 mk1 & Manley Vari-Mu in my mastering room.

And a Manley SLAM & Vintage Design CL1MK2 in the recording room.

[Duffster]

Originally Posted by inlinenl

I second Fabio ... weiss DS1-MKII would be a nice option ... much accoustic music in brazil ????

it's more flexibel/ has more options than a straight-forward analog compressor ..
after that mayby you want some tubes .. manley vari-mu ????? ( don't push it )

wim

Except for the fact that it costs $7200.00 My limit is $5000. That compressor is just way too expensive for me. Remember I pay is Reals which means that would cost me around R$16,000.00 as where anything $5000 and below is around the R$10,000.00
For me a $1000.00 difference is a huge leap.

[carlsaff]

Originally Posted by Fabio

How is the mkIII version? I haven't seen anything on the site

As mentioned above, it's great. I know that Danny is planning a site re-design very soon. The mk. III should be featured when that's done.

[fenderbender.]

Duffster,

Check out the Maselec MLA-2. It's opto., works great as a limiter and can be had from Mercenary for $4,275

[Ben F]

The STC-8 would be a very good choice as it is a flexible unit. The Chandler gear is not very flexible, even the zener limiter, it does the 70s vibe really well but I'd say they are more of a mixing tool. I don't really get chandler gear...I don't think they sound like the original TG gear...tested the zener out and was very underwhelmed.

To compliment the STC-8 a vari-mu tube compressor would work really well. As mentioned the Phoenix or Vari-mu (with HPF option) are a little more agressive and both can be flexible depending on how you drive them. It's good to have an optical and vari-mu combination, you can use either or both depending on what sound you are after.

Good luck!