Your favorite voiceover compressor

[asap audio]

While I love hardware compressors for many things, I think software is the way to go for voice over compression. I do light compression/expansion, then mild, peak hard limiting.
And, always keep a copy of the original non processed vo, just in case.

[Brent Hahn]

We have a bunch of dbx 160x's, xt's and a's and they all do a nice job. In the box, I like the Massey if I want beefy, otherwise either the stock Protools plug if the levels are all over the place (the adjustable knee helps) or the MC77 if everything's more reined in. Sometimes the one followed by the other.

[audiobob]

Pretty much Waves Renaissance on all my vo's. Easy to set up and sounds great.

[Henchman]

Uad 1176 mkii

[smurfyou]

Whatever is available and convenient. Fairlight's built-in channel compressor, PT's generic Dyn III, Waves RComp, Eventide E-Channel, whatever else I find. Depends if its narration or a promo or a spot.

[nzl62]

My favorite hardware compressors are the Summit DCL200, 1178, ISA Blue range
With regard to plugins, Smack and Impact are great - really adjustable. I like backing of the the attack to allow consonants through which enhances clarity without altering level. Couple that with a fast release and you get quite a punchy vo. Reverse the settings for smooth. I often use a generous amount of gain reduction on vo's and am looking at enhancing character rather than simply controlling level - like you would a vocal track really

[mattiasnyc]

I think the Focusrite Red 7 is good, though that's part of a channel strip. But I manage to get both moderate and hard compression out of it without it being hard or pumping unnaturally.

For software I think I agree with Henchman, the UAD 1176 is actually quite good. I also use the Waves Renaissence at times.

[Whitecat]

Softube Tube Tech CL1B.

[FullFrequency]

Originally Posted by Brent Hahn

We have a bunch of dbx 160x's, xt's and a's and they all do a nice job. In the box, I like the Massey if I want beefy, otherwise either the stock Protools plug if the levels are all over the place (the adjustable knee helps) or the MC77 if everything's more reined in. Sometimes the one followed by the other.

Yep, I'm all about 2 stages, one for very subtle level control, I actually like the dyn III for that, and one for colour which depends on the VO. Varies between smack, impact and the oldskool focusrite d

[Smallbudgetguru]

Rcomp is my goto guy

[thisgoestomark]

Here is some very good advice: Retro Double-Wide.

[akinla]

neve 33609jd

[yazoo]

Originally Posted by akinla

neve 33609jd

Have always wanted to hear this on dialog or voiceovers.

is there any ITB compressor that have similar character to the 33609? except the UAD 33609.

What attack/release setting do you prefer?

regards
benny

[Chris G]

using a Shadow Hills Optograph and it's killer on my VO work. It does add some character but if you take some time to dial it in, it's very hard to hear it compress. Its a very smooth comp if used properly.

[Thomas W. Bethe]

I really don't think you can do better than this FabFilter Pro-C - Compressor Plug-in VST VST3 AU AAX RTAS AudioSuite for software and this for hardware DBX QUANTUM II Digital Multi Band Processor.

[seanmccoy]

ITB, I also use Waves RenComp regularly, sometimes UAD 1176 and occasionally UAD LA2A in the rare instance I want some edge removed. Hardware, if I'm controlling the project from recording through mixing I'll use my Aurora GTQC, usually in FET mode (probably similar to the Red 7 mentioned). If I'm handing audio off and can't get by without compression, I'll use one of my Aphex 661's for transparency.

[akinla]

33609JD, I use it on the fastest settings, 1.5/1 ratio with a fairly high threshold. I do most of my "compression" with volume graphing, manually.

[akinla]

The neve just shaves the loudest peaks nicely.

[Airon]

Hee. There you have it. Dozens of good answers to one question.


I'm most comfortable with the Waves RComp, but have used various units all over the place, including ReaComp for example, or a free LA2A clone from Antress, the Leveler to tame and control VO.


Fairly trouble free dialogue control is the opto mode of the RComp. It gets me very quick results, but VO is often more complex than that, so I hunt for the right unit with the time I have.


DMG Audio's Compassion is probably one of the more versatile units to keep performer-specific presets around for. I only ran the demo, but I already had so many compressors that I didn't need it.

One of my emerging favorites is Klanghelm's DC8A compressor. It deserves accolades of a $300 plugin, despite it's ~$30 price. One of the most versatile units I've used, and one of the best sounding ones to my ears.

Oh, and don't be afraid to use limiters. The Voxengo Elephant can be tuned to react very, very smoothly(long transient time, soft curve, El-uni algo).

Keep in mind that this is the stuff I've used and there's plenty more, as is hilariously evident from other peoples reports.

Good luck picking yours .

[Liam Judah]

UAD 1176 or Fabfilter Pro-C depending upon the VO artist, and the material.

[Shikai]

Thank you all for your answers. Here talking about compressor Softube Tube Tech CL 1B, but I do not understand how the attack works here and release and how best to put Ratio. Everything is different in contrast with standard compressors. And what do you think about PSP Old Timer compressor?? He better Rcomp or Rvox??