Neve MBP vs. Maselec MLA-3 / other analog compressors?

[Pisi]

I own a 2500, and the small knobs aren't too fiddly to me. Au contraire, i see it as one of the most tank-built units out there. GRRREAT UNIT.

I tested the MBP agaist the Maselec MLA2, and I bought the MBP. But, that's my personal vision, also cause I did not test it against the MLA3.
I've tested the MLA3 alone one year ago, and it did not leave me any magic. Is a fine tool for sculpting and controlling the bass range, but it did give a very deep stereo panorama image.

I tested the MBP also against the Pendulum, and I found it to be closer to what I needed in that particular moment, but I found the OCL2 to be a GREAT unit. I would say to go for that if you want tubes, even because it does not sound quite the same as the other optical units.

The GML is not so difficult to operate, once you've learned the crest factor thing, which is GREAT. And is a crystal-clear unit too. I've used it a lot, but I do not own it. Mr. Massenburg always made me happy.

As I said, if you want tubes, I would leave the Manley for the OCL2. Very different sound wise, but i find to ocl2 to be more versatile and clean.

Tested the PS3 and I found it very interesting, super clean, it fell between the MBP and the OCL2, soundwise, less transparent of the OCL2, and less controls of the MBP, but still a stunning unit.

The other great thing about the MBP (if you want to raise the RMS, as you said) is the limiter. Un-detectable, super clean, and super fast.

[mixerguy]

Thanks Pisi for all the good info and thoughts...

Originally Posted by Pisi

....... The other great thing about the [Neve] MBP (if you want to raise the RMS, as you said) is the limiter. Un-detectable, super clean, and super fast.

My workflow on a stereo mix (and / or mastering job) is some digital corrections (plugin EQ) , then the entire analog chain... (compressors, eq, etc) .... then peak limiting with a good plugin.

Would it be crazy to do some limiting with the Neve MBP, then also do some look-ahead brick wall peak limiting with a good plugin?

I generally never want to peak limit a mix twice... but...... these days when some clients want LOUD

thanks

[Pisi]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

Thanks Pisi for all the good info and thoughts...



My workflow on a stereo mix (and / or mastering job) is some digital corrections (plugin EQ) , then the entire analog chain... (compressors, eq, etc) .... then peak limiting with a good plugin.

Would it be crazy to do some limiting with the Neve MBP, then also do some look-ahead brick wall peak limiting with a good plugin?

I generally never want to peak limit a mix twice... but...... these days when some clients want LOUD

thanks

I use the API2500 for fat and juice, and moderate peak smearing, then analog EQ (5500 or GML 8200) then further processing (more comp, depending on material) then the MBP, for macro dynamics, tone, panorama and, of course volume.
for loud master i ALWAYS limit with the MBP before the AD and then brickwall again.
It makes wonders.

[polybonk]

The MLA-3 is more of a problem solver than your classic compressor. I find it indispensable for mastering, never really found a need for it in mixing. Each band can tuck in the harsh parts of a track nicely with quite an invisible touch. I tend to use slowest attack and fast release on the low and mid band to catch harsh sound without killing the transient.

Some people say that there MLA-3 softens the sound of the transients just being in. I have tested my unit and all that changes in a null test (from memory) is that there is a very slight boost from 50hz dropping down and disappearing at about 130hz. Other than that its silent. I cant here any loss of 3D image/detail on my unit.

[bendermastering]

For what you need I would get an elysia... Try to demo the xpressor or even the alpha (if you are willing to spend that kind of money)!

Transparent/clean compression is one of the things that elysia does best!

[Pisi]

Originally Posted by bendermastering

From what you need I would get an elysia... Try to demo the xpressor or even the alpha (if you are willing to spend that kind of money)!

Transparent/clean compression is one of the things that elysia does best!

yes, if you are willing to spend 11,000$ it means that you entire chain is already at his best.
the xpressor is very laid back, cool sounding, plus it has the dry/wet option, which is crucial on that, given the fact that not so invisible.

[ONDRAY]

The MLA-3 is more of a problem solver. However, in linked mode works well as a very transparent stereo compressor, and the gain is Very clean. So it’s great to bring up that RMS. I’ll even use it with the compressor off sometimes, just as a 3 band very broad program eq at the end of the chain for boosting level and add final shape. Where is shines is the low and high end, great de-esser too. All-in-all, it’s more of a problem solver, but there’s almost at least one problem did could be fixed in a master.

The API's threshold knob is pretty easy for recall I find. It's my go to stereo compressor.

How do you find the Dramastic Audio Obsidian? is it the 500 series version or 19"

[mixerguy]

Thanks everybody for the good thoughts.

Originally Posted by ONDRAY

.....How do you find the Dramastic Audio Obsidian? is it the 500 series version or 19"

I really, really love the Obsidian.

I have the 500 series.... the designer told me that it sounds 100% identical to the 19" version (and he did a lot of testing)

I use the 330 hz sidechain EQ feature all the time.... and the 1.5:1 ratio all the time. If i remember correctly the 19" version lacks both those exact options. I think the 19" starts at 2:1, and lacks the specific 330 hz sidechain setting.

everything is stepped, and very easy to recall.

the thing is super awesome sounding. like an SSL compressor, only better. stays wide, tonality stays even.... just sounds fantastic.

[Frank Oglethorpe]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

Thanks Pisi for all the good info and thoughts...



My workflow on a stereo mix (and / or mastering job) is some digital corrections (plugin EQ) , then the entire analog chain... (compressors, eq, etc) .... then peak limiting with a good plugin.

Would it be crazy to do some limiting with the Neve MBP, then also do some look-ahead brick wall peak limiting with a good plugin?

I generally never want to peak limit a mix twice... but...... these days when some clients want LOUD

thanks

Regarding peak limiting, it may be worth you trying the MASELEC MPL-2? A comment from a recent purchaser was "I wish I'd found this earlier" and "This thing is indispensable! I've run three diverse projects with it and I cannot imagine doing better work with anything else."

Best of luck with whatever you choose and apologies if I've just added fuel to the fire.
Regards
Frank

[ONDRAY]

Originally Posted by mixerguy

.....
I have the 500 series.... the designer told me that it sounds 100% identical to the 19" version (and he did a lot of testing)

I use the 330 hz sidechain EQ feature all the time.... and the 1.5:1 ratio all the time. If i remember correctly the 19" version lacks both those exact options. I think the 19" starts at 2:1, and lacks the specific 330 hz sidechain setting.

everything is stepped, and very easy to recall.
....

not so interesting that the 19" wouldn't have those options ... Seems like a pretty heavy duty 500 Series comp though. Why not dry out the vandorgrah from shadow hills if all your after is another analog comp...

[mixerguy]

The shadow hills doesn't have enough control for what I would like.

:-)

[Ruairi]

Mixerguy,

Are you in LA?

Cheers,
Ruairi

[J_Flux]

I'm in a similar situation and I'm looking at the MLA-3, Neve MBP I also have the possibility for bargain API 2500 or Dramastic Obsidian.

The MLA-3 appeals to me as I think it could really help out with a lot of the harsh ITB mixes I work on. But perhaps it doesn't have the same mojo as the other comps I've listed?

To the OP you should really check out the Thermionic Phoenix, I just got this unit and it is amazing. It has a very big sound but it can also be be quite transparent when compressing. Since I've had it I use it on everything. Would definitely complement your other units.

[astralpen]

I own an mla-3. It is a great piece, but for me I use it almost exclusively for tightening up and adding punch to the low end. It also works as a high frequency limiter or program de-esser. I love what it does to a mix, but it's not really a compressor..at least in the way one normally thinks of one.

[J_Flux]

Originally Posted by astralpen

I own an mla-3. It is a great piece, but for me I use it almost exclusively for tightening up and adding punch to the low end. It also works as a high frequency limiter or program de-esser. I love what it does to a mix, but it's not really a compressor..at least in the way one normally thinks of one.

How about dealing with harsh/lumpy mids and highs? Do you use it much for that as well, or is it better for dealing with bass?

[astralpen]

Originally Posted by J_Flux

How about dealing with harsh/lumpy mids and highs? Do you use it much for that as well, or is it better for dealing with bass?

I really never use it for mids...I have used it very sparingly on highs with a long release to smooth things out a bit...but where it really shines is on cleaning up the low end with the crossover set at 100 hz...