Can you recommend decent compressors for getting punchy/warm drums

jlacck · 4th November 2005, 08:08 PM

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum but I've learned an awful lot in the last few days since I've discovered gearsluts.com (I've heard of it before I never took the time to actually visit here). Anyhow, I'm in need of a decent quality compressor for adding a little bit of "flavor" to my drum tracks. I usually like to add slightl compression (not for dynamics but for colour) to my drums and bass while I'm tracking. This usually helps me get closer to the sound I want before I go to the mixing stage.

I eventually want to get something like a Distressor or some type of SSL compressor if possible, but I don't have the budget yet to grab one of these big boy type of tools.

I did recently purchased an Aphex Expressor 661 (the tube one) because I've heard it in several studios and it seems to be a really solid unit. However after reading some threads in this forum, it appears that every one seems to favor the 651 version. I was going to ask if anyone could enlighten me as to what sonic benefits the 651 offers over the 661. Also, can anyone confirm if a 661 capable of creating a gritty or crunchy type of characteristic (besides punch and warmth) for drums? My unit hasn't arrived yet so thats why I haven't been able to try it out for myself. I would appreciate any feedback anyone can offer. Thanks.

r0ck1r0ck2 · 4th November 2005, 08:16 PM

what's your budget?

name your price....

jlacck · 4th November 2005, 08:45 PM

What are you selling?

Truth is I can get in the ball park of one the big boy compressors in terms of budget, however I have to sit on my funds for various reasons until a situation clears up. But if you've got any recommendations, I'm all ears. Thanks :)

bloodstone · 4th November 2005, 09:06 PM

I like Drawmer 1969, Avalon 747sp and the Distressor

robmix · 5th November 2005, 01:38 AM

You can't go wrong with the Alan Smart C2 or an outboard SSL comp.

Dave Martin · 5th November 2005, 03:47 AM

You should know that 'warm and punchy' is a hell of a lot easier if you record them 'warm and punchy'. Waiting until the mix is a laot harder...

jlacck · 5th November 2005, 04:15 AM

>>>You should know that 'warm and punchy' is a hell of a lot easier if you record them 'warm and punchy'. Waiting until the mix is a laot harder<<<

That's exactly why I want to find some tools to help me acheive this result. I usually like to have my drum tracks sounding the way that I want before I get to the mixing stage. That way, all that needs to be done is just some "polishing" and minimum tweaking. Since I like for my drums and bass sounds to have a lot of character, I like working with tools that help me impart some of those characteristics that I want onto the sound.

Anyway, I know that DBX's are suppose to decent for this kind of thing. I haven't heard the Drawmer stuff in person (no local studio has one around here). I might be able to rent an SSL comp so I can probably experiment that. But isn't that more suited towards stereo busses as oppose to individual instruments?

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4th November 2005, 08:08 PM	#1
jlacck Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 53	Can you recommend decent compressors for getting punchy/warm drums Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum but I've learned an awful lot in the last few days since I've discovered gearsluts.com (I've heard of it before I never took the time to actually visit here). Anyhow, I'm in need of a decent quality compressor for adding a little bit of "flavor" to my drum tracks. I usually like to add slightl compression (not for dynamics but for colour) to my drums and bass while I'm tracking. This usually helps me get closer to the sound I want before I go to the mixing stage. I eventually want to get something like a Distressor or some type of SSL compressor if possible, but I don't have the budget yet to grab one of these big boy type of tools. I did recently purchased an Aphex Expressor 661 (the tube one) because I've heard it in several studios and it seems to be a really solid unit. However after reading some threads in this forum, it appears that every one seems to favor the 651 version. I was going to ask if anyone could enlighten me as to what sonic benefits the 651 offers over the 661. Also, can anyone confirm if a 661 capable of creating a gritty or crunchy type of characteristic (besides punch and warmth) for drums? My unit hasn't arrived yet so thats why I haven't been able to try it out for myself. I would appreciate any feedback anyone can offer. Thanks.

4th November 2005, 09:06 PM	#4
bloodstone Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: East Coast, USA Posts: 658	Not considering price I like Drawmer 1969, Avalon 747sp and the Distressor

5th November 2005, 01:38 AM	#5
robmix Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,984	You can't go wrong with the Alan Smart C2 or an outboard SSL comp. __________________ Rob Hoffman -------------------------- http://www.elicitmusic.com http://dartone.org/

5th November 2005, 03:47 AM	#6
Dave Martin Moderator emeritus Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 3,170	You should know that 'warm and punchy' is a hell of a lot easier if you record them 'warm and punchy'. Waiting until the mix is a laot harder... __________________ Dave Martin Java Jive Studio www.javajivestudio.com Cuppa Joe Records www.cuppajoerecords.com Nashville, TN

4th November 2005, 08:16 PM	#2
r0ck1r0ck2 Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Barcelona!! Posts: 1,459	what's your budget? name your price....

4th November 2005, 08:45 PM	#3
jlacck Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 53	What are you selling? Truth is I can get in the ball park of one the big boy compressors in terms of budget, however I have to sit on my funds for various reasons until a situation clears up. But if you've got any recommendations, I'm all ears. Thanks :)

5th November 2005, 04:15 AM	#7
jlacck Gear Head Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 53	>>>You should know that 'warm and punchy' is a hell of a lot easier if you record them 'warm and punchy'. Waiting until the mix is a laot harder<<< That's exactly why I want to find some tools to help me acheive this result. I usually like to have my drum tracks sounding the way that I want before I get to the mixing stage. That way, all that needs to be done is just some "polishing" and minimum tweaking. Since I like for my drums and bass sounds to have a lot of character, I like working with tools that help me impart some of those characteristics that I want onto the sound. Anyway, I know that DBX's are suppose to decent for this kind of thing. I haven't heard the Drawmer stuff in person (no local studio has one around here). I might be able to rent an SSL comp so I can probably experiment that. But isn't that more suited towards stereo busses as oppose to individual instruments?

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