Which Compressor For Rap/R&B Vocals?

[Chauvin]

I am looking for a compressor to record mainly rap but also r&b vocals. I have done some homework and have come down to 4 options which are within my £200-£300 budget.

Here are my choices :-

1. DBX 160x/xt/a

2. ART VLA

3. FMR RNLA

4. FMR RNC



I would like to know which one of these choices, would work best for my application?


Thanks in advance thumbsup

[LeoLeoLeo]

Dbx 160a

[chris carter]

VLA

[s.d.finley]

For rap and rnb I'd say RNLA.


Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

[fingerbeats]

You wanna get the Fmr Pbc 6a! An upgrade to the other fmr units and more versatile with the silk and thick modes.

£326 i think on thomann.de

[CJ Mastering]

Yea, for that price range, RNC FMR or any Joe Meek comp in that proce range will do.
Cj

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by Chauvin

1. DBX 160x/xt/a

Just wanted to point out that the 160a is a totally different beast from the x and xt.

[LeoLeoLeo]

Originally Posted by bgrotto

Just wanted to point out that the 160a is a totally different beast from the x and xt.

For sure!!!!

[Chris Lago]

Calvin, you probably know that the compressor I used on your song was the Cl1b. What is your price Range? How about a TLA100A if you're using it for tracking?

[Chauvin]

Thanks for the reply's!

CHRIS - I've used the plugin version of the CL1B, which I thought was good for singing but not raping and I cant afford the real thing right now. I really need a compressor to shine on rap vocals, as I've got a lot of Hip Hop work coming up over the next few weeks.
I will look into the TLA you recommended and thanks for the input.

[chris carter]

Of those you mentioned, the 160 is better on rap than r&b. The RNLA, while I've had very limited use of the thing, is "okay" for both. The RNC IMO is not good for vocals unless you are just limiting peaks. The TLA100 or TLA50 to my ears is pretty dark and has a high noise floor (again, limited experience). The VLA really shines on any vocal, which is why I recommended it. I have no experience with the FMR Pbc so I can't comment other than to say the sound samples I heard sounded promising and flexible.

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by chris carter

The TLA100 or TLA50 to my ears is pretty dark and has a high noise floor (again, limited experience).

The TLA50 is indeed a bit dark, and definitely has a high noise floor. The 100, on the other hand, has a lovely top end -- though it does seem to "slow down" the highest frequencies a bit, not unlike a bit of overbias, if you're familiar with that sound (nothing a little post-compression EQ can't fix, and overall IMO, it's a very pleasing effect) -- and is perfectly quiet for professional use.

[Chris Lago]

Originally Posted by bgrotto

The TLA50 is indeed a bit dark, and definitely has a high noise floor. The 100, on the other hand, has a lovely top end -- though it does seem to "slow down" the highest frequencies a bit, not unlike a bit of overbias, if you're familiar with that sound (nothing a little post-compression EQ can't fix, and overall IMO, it's a very pleasing effect) -- and is perfectly quiet for professional use.

Is it true that the top end on the TLA100a stays if you use a Telefunken tube in it?

[bgrotto]

Originally Posted by Chris Lago

Is it true that the top end on the TLA100a stays if you use a Telefunken tube in it?

Couldn't tell ya, though I imagine the tone of the box relies on a lot more than just what kind of tube is in it. But I could definitely be wrong, particularly because I don't know what part of the circuit the tube is in, nor which signals pass (or don't pass) through it.

[2Loud]

Originally Posted by Chauvin

I am looking for a compressor to record mainly rap but also r&b vocals. I have done some homework and have come down to 4 options which are within my £200-£300 budget.

Here are my choices :-

1. DBX 160x/xt/a

2. ART VLA

3. FMR RNLA

4. FMR RNC



I would like to know which one of these choices, would work best for my application?


Thanks in advance thumbsup

With versatility and price on mind - PBC 6A - excels on vocals on any genre - very musical box.

It can be very characterfull or just cleaner. You can soften up your stuff make it punchy in a great way, or push it to the limit.

I was bit confused about the initial sales description with word "aggressive" in it.

Yes, if you wake up the yellow brick it sure can, BUT it is or can be soooo smooth and sweet too.

Hi pass / thick mode give you so much options. You won´t regret I guess, and I bet it will stay with you for a long time because that is a hi end piece of gear just with a low end price on it..

Id suggest to do a search, there are Slutz who swear on this next to their 2 grand compressors. I had chance to listen to it next to some other much more expensive comps - and I was sold.
Cause it simply rocks on so much things.

Have luck with your choice.

[Marshall Oliver]

Wait, they make a Hip Hop/RnB Compressor now??!!?!?

Does it have the "Dat Bang" switch??

How about a "Street Cred" button??

For the Crooners out there, is there a "Wet Panties" mode?

Can't wait to pick one up!!!!!

[fingerbeats]

Theres no hip hop compressor as you know but by him giving the genre helps us identify the tools for that specific sound of genre!

e.g your not gonna want a dbx 160x for classical are you!

[Chauvin]

Originally Posted by fingerbeats

Theres no hip hop compressor as you know but by him giving the genre helps us identify the tools for that specific sound of genre!

e.g your not gonna want a dbx 160x for classical are you!

Exactly

In future Marshall, keep your idiotic opinions to yourself

[Marshall Oliver]

Originally Posted by fingerbeats

Theres no hip hop compressor as you know but by him giving the genre helps us identify the tools for that specific sound of genre!

e.g your not gonna want a dbx 160x for classical are you!

Identifying is one thing, saying that I need a certain compressor for Rap/R&B vocals is another. He should have just gone to a nearby studio, audio equipment shoppe, or whatever and do a shootout. Most places I buy gear from let me do this, and honestly it is probably better than just asking for help on the internet. Going in with preconcieved notions may color your judgement when actually listening to the product.

It's very misleading to say you need a compressor for job A, when that compressor can be used for jobs B-Z.