Buss compressor plugin suggestions

[RusRant]

Ok,
I've searched, researched, demoed, compared, etc. I, as of the last 3 years, am working all ITB. PC/Sony Vegas software. I am greatly missing the sound of a good buss comp to finish off mixes. I know it's not for everyone(buss compression) and I know a lot of people hate plugins. But I do not want to go out of the box with mixes for many reasons. I know hardware can be better, thanks. I am currently using waves plugs and they are OK. They get about 70% of the way there. I tried the Waves SSL stuff, but sorry, I never really was crazy about SSL's and wasn't crazy about the plugins either. I have been looking seriously at the URS 1970, UAD-1 Neve 33609 or Fairchild, etc. Something with character. Any suggestions, thoughts opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rus

[RusRant]

Hmmm. Well looking for something a little more classic rock-ish if you will. Yes, I have worked on large format consoles and am familiar with there sounds. Yes, I am aware of and own hardware comps that sound great. I do not think I will make my pc sound like a Neve console, don't worry I am not crazy. Just looking for a good mix buss plugin with some life to it. Any opinions would really help.

[lpkyer]

waves ssl compressor...will glue your stuff nicely

[Webbsound]

The UAD 33609 does sound great. I use it more than the Fairchild. One instance of the plug at 44.1 takes up more than half of the pci card though.

[lovingj]

Originally Posted by lpkyer

waves ssl compressor...will glue your stuff nicely

I second the waves ssl compressor. Absolutely one of the best ITB buss compressors (in my humble opinion of course).

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by lovingj

I second the waves ssl compressor. Absolutely one of the best ITB buss compressors (in my humble opinion of course).

too bad about the WUP extortion.....

[True North]

Sonalksis 315 has a very nice sheen to it - I find the Waves SSL a wee bit too agressive for me sometimes

[RusRant]

Thanks for your opinions everyone. I dug out my Ilok, and downloaded the waves SSL demo again. I was prepared to be underwelmed by them, as I was the first time, but they are pretty good. Especially for rock and more aggressive, punchy music. I've always liked waves stuff and the WUP doesn't bother me so much. That seems to be the way of the world, take car dealerships for example. Ouch! I may try the URS comp demos (1970 mainly) too. Any opinions on these? I think I may pick up the waves though. Sounds pretty good imo. Thanks

[verb1]

I like the URS 1970 and 1975 and use them, but I prefer Waves SSL. The Sonalksis makes a compressor my stepfather likes a lot (he says it's transparent), but I haven't really tested it.

[Agzilla]

I got the 70 and 80 URS compressors.. i hardly EVER use them, they sound like garbage to me to be honest... I like the URS EQ's.... but appart from the fact they side chain, i found the URS comps to be mostly a waste of time..

It might be me not getting the most from them, i'm no genius but i know what i like the sound of and otherwise..

I would say leave the URS comps alone and get the UAD Neve comp.. I don't know all the technical terms, but i tend to stick to stuff i think makes my music sound better.

Just my opinion..

Zz.

[aussie_techie]

read through the 'SSL vs what else? SSL' thread it compares a number of buss compressors

[H-Rezz]

Another vote for Sonalksis 315 very nice and natural sounding compressor , cann't comment on it's sound against Waves SSL or Duende, haven't tried them .

[manning1]

rusrant....
as your a vegas user i thought you might find it interesting to know
that a number of vegas users are hot on reaper (cockos.com)....
that i'm useing....includeing the vast array of plug ins.
a list >>>link
over 70 different dsp/fx routines in reaper....DO YOURSELF A FAVOR.
for lots of reasons. (read the reaper back threads...for more info....as i dont have time to go into it all in detail.)
i would seriously look at the reaper plug ins before spending a ton of money.
and talk to folks on the reaper forum if you doubt me bcos many folks really like them who are very hardened users coming from a vegas background and in fact influenced more than a few reaper feature requests.
in particular look at the stillwell plug ins. many others have been pleasantly surprised. and you might be as well.

ps..rus...i was so impressed with reaper i decided to write a song about it called I Am The Reaper....for fun...http://www.motagator.net/bands/273/song_1414_pop.php

its still being worked on (with some other rpr users)....
bass currently being added by another reaper user then theres other work to do on it.
dont take it seriously its meant for giggles...lol.

[noiseflaw]

Originally Posted by True North

Sonalksis 315 has a very nice sheen to it - I find the Waves SSL a wee bit too agressive for me sometimes

I agree. The Sonalksis plug seems smoother and a litle more 'subtle' than the SSL.

For punchy aggression the SSL is great though.

[RusRant]

manning1,
Thanks for the recommendation. I've actually tried reaper, I believe it was a post by you in the past that gave me the heads up on it. It is empressive, especially considering the price. But not looking to change Daws right now. The Stillwell plugs were very good, wish they were VST.

[mrbobo]

Originally Posted by J Twin

I like the URS 1970 and 1975 and use them, but I prefer Waves SSL. The Sonalksis makes a compressor my stepfather likes a lot (he says it's transparent), but I haven't really tested it.

I love the URS on my drum bus, and the SSL for "glue" on the master bus. That's just what my ears (amature, project studio) tell me.

[Charlie-O]

I have seen a few of these posts befor (bus plugs)



anyhow: I really like the sony dynamic plug, set to buss. Great sound, makes my mixes sound huge,

[RusRant]

Thats TDM/RTAS or is it in the TC powercore? Anyone try the PSP vintage warmer on the buss. For sparse mixes it sounds kinda cool. Adds some hair, makes it come alive. Use sparingly.

[Charlie-O]

Originally Posted by RusRant

Thats TDM/RTAS or is it in the TC powercore? Anyone try the PSP vintage warmer on the buss. For sparse mixes it sounds kinda cool. Adds some hair, makes it come alive. Use sparingly.

Excuse: thats Rtas. as well as TDM. Tried Impact. Didnt move me.

[Tibbon]

While I understand you're mixing ITB... it might not be a terrible idea to do something like build a pair of the G-SSL compressors or similar and use those. Works for rock quite well. Pretty easy to build and well documented.

[RusRant]

Great idea Tibbon. The main reason for staying in the box completly, is portability. I work in my own studio and various others as well as some non-studio locations and need to keep everything for tracking and mixing compact. I currently have a Fatso Jr that I love on the buss for some things, but don't wanna drag it around. thanks for the idea. May look into that as well. Just purchased the waves SSL bundle, the PSP vintage warmer and a a prosonus faderport. Cha-ching. Done. Don't tell the wife! Seriously, thanks for everyones input on this.