Mastering Compressor under $3k ?

[kri]

So I am almost ready to try out some hardware compressors.

I do mostly dance (130 to 170 bpm), and some bands.

I would like something that can work for mastering and individual instruments.

And I need something with color and character similar to a Manley Vari-Mu. But the Vari-Mu loses highs and the Phoenix is way to much money right now, though that is what I would wish for.

I would be willing to spend $3500.

So any ideas would be great, then i can go try them for myself.

thanks

[MASSIVE Master]

Have you tried the API 2500...?

[Cellotron]

Originally Posted by MASSIVE Master

Have you tried the API 2500...?

Highly recommended by myself for rock / dance / hip-hop - around $2600 street price and excellent bang for buck.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[DSD_Mastering]

You can usually get a used STC-8 for around $3k


Regards,

[MASSIVE Master]

Yeah, but he's looking for a "color" compressor (as opposed to "the greatest compressor ever").

[inlinenl]

save up for the phoenix .... yes you can .. and wait until the pound drops to 1:1 and order it from a box-seller in the UK

[Delta Heavy]

Originally Posted by inlinenl

save up for the phoenix .... yes you can ..

yep

the mastering version

[SUPADUPA]

Has to be said again ... API 2500 , great action , great colour .....

[Strobian]

The 2500 is a great tool, comes standard with detented knobs which is nice for recall.

I'd like a Phoenix myself someday, but yeah quite a bit of cash.

[The MPCist]

STC-8 would be my choice for mastering. VariMu never did it for me--didn't like the sound.

[Sonic Nomad]

Also try the SPL KULTUBE with the Luhndahl option...

[ONDRAY]

For color maybe you don't need a compressor, just something like the:

The Culture Vulture THERMIONIC CULTURE ALL VALVE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT.

If you do want a compressor with color check out the The Phoenix (i little more then $3k)THERMIONIC CULTURE ALL VALVE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AUDIO EQUIPMENT

OR I'd personally go for the API 2500, API 2500 Stereo Compressorvery flexible and has a nice tone.

Others; Avalon VT-747SP Avalon - NEW VT-747SP, Specs & Details and the Pendulum Audio OCL-2 Pendulum OCL-2 Tube Compressor/Limiter

[Ben F]

For faster electronic music, you may want the API as it is probably as bit faster than the Phoenix. VCA compressors are great for electronic music. A less expensive option could be an SSL clone (GSSL) you can pick up on Ebay.

[jtrainer]

man, great thread as i'm in the same exact spot. only i do mostly late 60's classic blues-rock - Zep, Jimmy, Floyd direction.

the Neve 33609 JD was highly recommended along with the STC-8. gonna demo them in the upcoming weeks to see for myself but would love some opinions from y'all.

thoughts?


thanks!

[ONDRAY]

Originally Posted by jtrainer

man, great thread as i'm in the same exact spot. only i do mostly late 60's classic blues-rock - Zep, Jimmy, Floyd direction.

the Neve 33609 JD was highly recommended along with the STC-8. gonna demo them in the upcoming weeks to see for myself but would love some opinions from y'all.

thoughts?


thanks!

The 33609 is way over $3kUSD, unless you mean to say 3,000 sterling pounds.

One thing I've learned when posting on GS, if you want a $3k unit, Say you want a $1,500 unit. That way posters will actually recommend a $3k unit.

[Delta Heavy]

Originally Posted by Ben F

For faster electronic music, you may want the API as it is probably as bit faster than the Phoenix. VCA compressors are great for electronic music. A less expensive option could be an SSL clone (GSSL) you can pick up on Ebay.

on fastest release (40ms) combined with 150hz sidechain hpf the mastering pheonix is pretty comparable to the API

[MattGray]

Originally Posted by ONDRAY

For color maybe you don't need a compressor, just something like the:

[B]The Culture Vulture

I would say this piece is probably waay too colourful for mastering. It's a distortion box & a lot different to the sound of the Phoenix.

If you do want a compressor with color check out the The Phoenix

Have you heard the Phoenix? It doesn't impart much in the way of colour it's musical, a little slow, smooth & yet quite clean.

OR I'd personally go for the API 2500 Stereo Compressor very flexible and has a nice tone.

Hear is one we can agree on for all the reasons you mentioned This unit is perfect for dance tracks or just about anything else really. This would be my recommendation to the poster as well, or you could do what I did & get the T.C. Phoenix M.E. & the API 2500 it's a powerful combo.

Matt

[ONDRAY]

Originally Posted by MattGray

I would say this piece is probably waay too colourful for mastering. It's a distortion box & a lot different to the sound of the Phoenix.

I agree, when I test drove this bad boy I thought the samething, However at low setttings it can at some warmth (distortion). Some clients like the dirt. Plus they wouldn't make a mastering version if it wasn't demanded.

Originally Posted by MattGray

Have you heard the Phoenix? It doesn't impart much in the way of colour it's musical, a little slow, smooth & yet quite clean.

you got me , I've had no where near the time you've had with this one. Accept A/B'ing it instore studio against an alan smart c2 and SSL xlogic multi-comp. I though it had some colour in comparison, guess I need to bring one home.

Originally Posted by MattGray

Hear is one we can agree on for all the reasons you mentioned This unit is perfect for dance tracks or just about anything else really. This would be my recommendation to the poster as well, or you could do what I did & get the T.C. Phoenix M.E. & the API 2500 it's a powerful combo.

API would be my first choice.