Rap vocals compression

tengu · 13th July 2005, 03:08 AM

I am after a compressor primarily for rap vocals. It will also see some use compressing drums, trumpet and hopefully as a mastering tool. So I would need a stereo compressor but its main use would be as a rap vocal compressor.

I have not ruled out getting a distressor and then getting a second one later but if there are any recommendations for a stereo compressor I am all ears.

I will be using a TLM103 through a pad into an A-designs MP-2 (thanks e-cue) but will be getting a tube mic, ribbon mic and other pres down the track. I don't really want to pay much more than $2000US.

I was wondering about peoples experiences with SSL eq's and comps.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

tengu · 13th July 2005, 01:23 PM

I am also looking at the Summit dual comp. I am concerned about the three way attack...should I be? Maybe it hits the spot.????

DBX 160sl (I am stabbing in the dark here)

Wait for Sebatron to bring out a dual comp version of his Thorax (like the 24bit MPC2000XL With USB).

Warmth with the ability to be clinical is what I want, if that makes sense. I want it to give a signature sounds to my mixes.

The voices I will be working with will be more midrange gravelly not too deep. I wanna be able to take of transients and sculpt the voice a bit with the comp, so eq would help too I guess.

TOFT ATC-2 or do I go home with my tail between my legs.

The comp/purchase will hopefully get a lot of use in programmed sampled kicks and snares and later live snares. Premier, Hi-Tek, Bomb Squad, Opus are the sounds I am influenced by.

So basically I am looking for an allrounder that will cover many bases, not blow the bank and still get the job done more than admirably.

Please help. Any suggestions even if it is a little outside my range.

Maybe I am better off investing in a vocal booth but I got access to a decent one. Thanks.

warhead · 13th July 2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tengu

TOFT ATC-2 or do I go home with my tail between my legs.

The Toft is a great box, but that compressor isn't necessarily a good "go to" for vocals. It is great when you really want to clamp something down and hear the compression, and doesn't do subtle too well.

You may want to give the Drawmer 1968 a spin, very versatile comp and is stereo. That box can net you a lot of different flavors.

War

narco · 13th July 2005, 04:28 PM

someones selling two Daking compressors on the classified page at the mo for 2k. I haven't used daking comps but their eq's are fantastic, plus you get two stellar mike pres..

**Jules** · 1st August 2005, 07:44 PM

Nutmeg II. · 2nd August 2005, 12:16 AM

Simply something quick.

Urei LA22/11, Distressor, dbx160x or maybe a 1176LN.
...

**TonyBelmont** · 2nd August 2005, 12:44 AM

For cheap, just grab a pair of DBX 160Xt's and call it a day. A pair of distressors would be great if you can swing it, but those DBX's have been used on a lot of records and you won't really out grow them..

Fajita · 2nd August 2005, 01:45 AM

DBX 160x or xt. Maybe a Distressor if you want crunchy.

C.Lambrechts · 2nd August 2005, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fajita

DBX 160x or xt. Maybe a Distressor if you want crunchy.

There's no more DBX's ... E-cue bought them all

XHipHop · 2nd August 2005, 02:14 AM

I can't wait to see what the RNLA will do...

Rev. Robb · 2nd August 2005, 02:45 AM

If your budget is $2000 and you are going to be using this compressor for various tracking, then I would suggest the industry standard 1176. I just finished a two disk Hip Hop album using a Lawson L47 (U47 Clone) through a vintage API 312 to an 1176 then to an ADL CL1500 (Teletronics Clone). I was slamming the 1176 pretty good getting anywhere between 6 to 7 db reduction. I used the ADL lightly only getting about 3 db reduction. The Vox sound great! Definitely go with the 1176.

pigpen · 2nd August 2005, 04:10 AM

For 2 channell that can do alot...a Fatso can be found for less than 2 grand. You'll love it...I do. I own a Distersor, a Fatso , and a 76...they all kick ass, but if you need stereo...the Fatso does alot of tricks really well. The Warmth control can't be beaten on sibilant rappers.
My cents

Fajita · 2nd August 2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.Lambrechts

There's no more DBX's ... E-cue bought them all

he didn't get mine!

dokushoka · 2nd August 2005, 06:00 PM

A heavy dose of an 1176ln with the output slightly driven gives a real nice, upfront and gritty rap vocal. I prefer a tube pre in front of it.

jlotto · 2nd August 2005, 06:07 PM

distressor, tubetech, or comp in focusrite 430mkII

Shobiz · 3rd August 2005, 03:27 PM

I will be purchasing a RNLA today to go with my Great River MEQ-1NV (the mic pre & eq) for tracking hip hop and R&B vocals. Hopefully I should be set untill I can afford a Crane Song Trakker or Tube Tech CL-1B.

Charlie-O · 3rd August 2005, 04:43 PM

Rght Now I have been using either a trak 2 into a avalon 737sp, or the avalon into a 1176, good sounds either way.

Teacher · 3rd August 2005, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XHipHop

I can't wait to see what the RNLA will do...

word

tengu · 4th August 2005, 01:10 AM

Does anyone have any experience with the Summit comp and how does it fare using it for rap vocals?

Unfortunately the DBX's are out of my possibilitites. They use a 110V powersupply and I am in Aus (240V). I don't wanna buy any more transformers. The DBX's are impossible to find here.

jgo · 4th August 2005, 04:14 AM

Stupid question...
(But I've never really tracked vocals at my production studio,)

So you're saying the majority of you track vocals with compression?
i.e. Mic --> Mic Pre --> Compressor --> Recorder ?

I'm going to finally start tracking vocals & was looking at the Avalon 747 or a Neve Clone.
Would I be better off getting a unit like the Avalon with a built in comp?

XHipHop · 4th August 2005, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgo

Stupid question...
(But I've never really tracked vocals at my production studio,)

So you're saying the majority of you track vocals with compression?
i.e. Mic --> Mic Pre --> Compressor --> Recorder ?

I'm going to finally start tracking vocals & was looking at the Avalon 747 or a Neve Clone.
Would I be better off getting a unit like the Avalon with a built in comp?

The Avalon 737 is the one with the preamp...and personally I think the compressor sucks. Others like it.

I usually don't track with compression but add it during mixing...just my personal preference...

I will, however, monitor with a plugin compressor on so the singer hears themselves all leveled out and smooth...

Which neve clone were you thinking about?

Charlie-O · 4th August 2005, 02:51 PM

The 737 comp can sound good at certain settings, set as a limiter with the ratio up to 7/8 can get you good results, but of course thats assuming you set your threshold to the peaks.

tengu · 13th August 2005, 12:47 PM

Does anyone have any experience with the ISA 220 and ISA 430 both models.

What are the differences in them, what are they good for (say it again y'all), what are the strengths and weeknesses of them both, against each other as well as other possible options

primary concern, comp

Close seconds pre and other aspects of the units

I already have a tube pre and thought was interested in the ISA's for various reasons

namely

rap compressoin with my tube pre, vocal pre, acoustic instrument they sound sweet with ribbons

I will be recording a lot of my own samples and the combo looks preety sweet

I like ISA pres as well from my limited listening and Missy Elliot uses one well.....RZA, what does he use besides good MC's.

ANyone wanna sell one?

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13th July 2005, 03:08 AM	#1
tengu Gear addict Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 413	Rap vocals compression I am after a compressor primarily for rap vocals. It will also see some use compressing drums, trumpet and hopefully as a mastering tool. So I would need a stereo compressor but its main use would be as a rap vocal compressor. I have not ruled out getting a distressor and then getting a second one later but if there are any recommendations for a stereo compressor I am all ears. I will be using a TLM103 through a pad into an A-designs MP-2 (thanks e-cue) but will be getting a tube mic, ribbon mic and other pres down the track. I don't really want to pay much more than $2000US. I was wondering about peoples experiences with SSL eq's and comps. Thanks in advance for your advice.

1st August 2005, 07:44 PM	#5
Jules Gearslutz.com admin Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 11,814	Bump __________________ Jules "...there are some amazing deals to be had in this right now. it brings battleship mixing closer to the jilted generation" - reptil

2nd August 2005, 12:16 AM	#6
Nutmeg II. Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: GEARmany Posts: 905	Simply something quick. Urei LA22/11, Distressor, dbx160x or maybe a 1176LN. ... __________________ "Any recording engineer who uses a tube U47 is obviously not a professional" Stephan Temmer 1979

2nd August 2005, 12:44 AM	#7
TonyBelmont Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 10,150	For cheap, just grab a pair of DBX 160Xt's and call it a day. A pair of distressors would be great if you can swing it, but those DBX's have been used on a lot of records and you won't really out grow them.. __________________ Tony Belmont We Sell Gear! Need plugins? Check out PluginDiscounts.com

13th July 2005, 01:23 PM	#2
tengu Gear addict Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 413	I am also looking at the Summit dual comp. I am concerned about the three way attack...should I be? Maybe it hits the spot.???? DBX 160sl (I am stabbing in the dark here) Wait for Sebatron to bring out a dual comp version of his Thorax (like the 24bit MPC2000XL With USB). Warmth with the ability to be clinical is what I want, if that makes sense. I want it to give a signature sounds to my mixes. The voices I will be working with will be more midrange gravelly not too deep. I wanna be able to take of transients and sculpt the voice a bit with the comp, so eq would help too I guess. TOFT ATC-2 or do I go home with my tail between my legs. The comp/purchase will hopefully get a lot of use in programmed sampled kicks and snares and later live snares. Premier, Hi-Tek, Bomb Squad, Opus are the sounds I am influenced by. So basically I am looking for an allrounder that will cover many bases, not blow the bank and still get the job done more than admirably. Please help. Any suggestions even if it is a little outside my range. Maybe I am better off investing in a vocal booth but I got access to a decent one. Thanks.

13th July 2005, 04:28 PM	#4
narco Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Switzerland/New Zealand/guitar case Posts: 3,463	someones selling two Daking compressors on the classified page at the mo for 2k. I haven't used daking comps but their eq's are fantastic, plus you get two stellar mike pres..

2nd August 2005, 01:45 AM	#8
Fajita Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 207	DBX 160x or xt. Maybe a Distressor if you want crunchy. __________________ Back in the 70's they use to use both sides of the tape deck when channel jumping

2nd August 2005, 02:14 AM	#10
XHipHop Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,022	I can't wait to see what the RNLA will do...

2nd August 2005, 02:45 AM	#11
Rev. Robb Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 384	If your budget is $2000 and you are going to be using this compressor for various tracking, then I would suggest the industry standard 1176. I just finished a two disk Hip Hop album using a Lawson L47 (U47 Clone) through a vintage API 312 to an 1176 then to an ADL CL1500 (Teletronics Clone). I was slamming the 1176 pretty good getting anywhere between 6 to 7 db reduction. I used the ADL lightly only getting about 3 db reduction. The Vox sound great! Definitely go with the 1176.

2nd August 2005, 04:10 AM	#12
pigpen Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Athens, GA- US Posts: 2,228	For 2 channell that can do alot...a Fatso can be found for less than 2 grand. You'll love it...I do. I own a Distersor, a Fatso , and a 76...they all kick ass, but if you need stereo...the Fatso does alot of tricks really well. The Warmth control can't be beaten on sibilant rappers. My cents __________________ Me- "You know he's not playing in key right?" Unnamed Producer A- "Really?....Uh, Does that matter?" Me- sigh...."In all other cases, Yes, in this one...I guess not so much." http://pigpenstudios.net http://www.myspace.com/pigpenstudios

2nd August 2005, 06:00 PM	#14
dokushoka Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: San Francisco / L.A. Posts: 1,082	A heavy dose of an 1176ln with the output slightly driven gives a real nice, upfront and gritty rap vocal. I prefer a tube pre in front of it.

2nd August 2005, 06:07 PM	#15
jlotto Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gotham City Posts: 640	distressor, tubetech, or comp in focusrite 430mkII

3rd August 2005, 03:27 PM	#16
Shobiz Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 56	I will be purchasing a RNLA today to go with my Great River MEQ-1NV (the mic pre & eq) for tracking hip hop and R&B vocals. Hopefully I should be set untill I can afford a Crane Song Trakker or Tube Tech CL-1B. __________________ OUT

3rd August 2005, 04:43 PM	#17
Charlie-O Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: California Posts: 543	Rght Now I have been using either a trak 2 into a avalon 737sp, or the avalon into a 1176, good sounds either way. __________________ It is not what you have, but what you create with it....... www.myspace.com/charlieomusic Grassroots

4th August 2005, 01:10 AM	#19
tengu Gear addict Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 413	Does anyone have any experience with the Summit comp and how does it fare using it for rap vocals? Unfortunately the DBX's are out of my possibilitites. They use a 110V powersupply and I am in Aus (240V). I don't wanna buy any more transformers. The DBX's are impossible to find here.

4th August 2005, 04:14 AM	#20
jgo Gear Head Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bay Area Posts: 50	Stupid question... (But I've never really tracked vocals at my production studio,) So you're saying the majority of you track vocals with compression? i.e. Mic --> Mic Pre --> Compressor --> Recorder ? I'm going to finally start tracking vocals & was looking at the Avalon 747 or a Neve Clone. Would I be better off getting a unit like the Avalon with a built in comp?

4th August 2005, 02:51 PM	#22
Charlie-O Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: California Posts: 543	The 737 comp can sound good at certain settings, set as a limiter with the ratio up to 7/8 can get you good results, but of course thats assuming you set your threshold to the peaks. __________________ It is not what you have, but what you create with it....... www.myspace.com/charlieomusic Grassroots

13th August 2005, 12:47 PM	#23
tengu Gear addict Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 413	Does anyone have any experience with the ISA 220 and ISA 430 both models. What are the differences in them, what are they good for (say it again y'all), what are the strengths and weeknesses of them both, against each other as well as other possible options primary concern, comp Close seconds pre and other aspects of the units I already have a tube pre and thought was interested in the ISA's for various reasons namely rap compressoin with my tube pre, vocal pre, acoustic instrument they sound sweet with ribbons I will be recording a lot of my own samples and the combo looks preety sweet I like ISA pres as well from my limited listening and Missy Elliot uses one well.....RZA, what does he use besides good MC's. ANyone wanna sell one?

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