compressor for acoustic music and vocals

rollingrecords · 10th May 2007, 11:55 PM

hi, i play bluegrass and acoustic music, guitar mandolin banjo dobro bass etc, i single track all instruments myself, and ovedub. i have a gml 2032, and a great river me-1nv
traditionally, there is not a lot of compresson in this type of music but, what would be a good vocal , acoustic instrument compressor for my above stated set up, ive been looking at the purple audio mc77, and la-3as hear the ssl stuff is great but is it worth the money for what i need all help would be much appreciated

studjo · 11th May 2007, 12:13 AM

you got a lot of options - when I would be looking for a first compressor I'd go for a Buzz Audio SOC - that thing is the new 1176 IMNSHO - it has a bit of an euphonic-character - really sweet.

Jo

Tone Weaver · 11th May 2007, 05:56 PM

I have been enjoying the buzz elixir. & essence for that very same type of music.
Very detailed!
Very euphonic!
Also the tube tech cl1b I just got in is quite lovely as well

Lance

ISedlacek · 11th May 2007, 05:58 PM

CraneSong STC-8 works great for me ... Transparent, yet adding some very subtle "euphony". And so many options in it ...

gm5k · 11th May 2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone Weaver

I have been enjoying the buzz elixir. & essence for that very same type of music.
Very detailed!
Very euphonic!
Also the tube tech cl1b I just got in is quite lovely as well

Lance

how do the cl1b and essence compare to each other in your opinion?

im quite in love w/ my elixir/essence combo as well.

Musiclab · 11th May 2007, 10:46 PM

Tube tech CL1b is pretty amazing, I havent heard the Buzz audio gear so I can't comment, but it is well respected, you also can't go wrong with a Crane Song Trakker

castle · 11th May 2007, 10:54 PM

The Summit TLA100A is very useful for most acoustic instruments IMO...

studjo · 12th May 2007, 12:15 AM

I have 2 Trakkers and a SOC. The Trakkers are way trickier to use because of all those coloration options. So it's a very versatile box - the SOC is very straight forward - plug it in - fiddle with the knobs untill it sounds good - forget it.

So if I have time I try the Trakkers but when I'm under the gun it's Buzz time. Actually I prefer it most of the time to the Trakkers because it has this very nice sounding low end - not really colorless but man does it sound good.

Jo

FULL-DUPLEX · 12th May 2007, 05:20 AM

TAB U373a (solid state) vintage compressor!

Joe Porto · 12th May 2007, 05:51 AM

Are you looking for gain control, or "color" compression? If you want to stick to the traditional sound of that style, but control dynamics, I'd look into a vari-mu or perhaps an optical compressor. If you're looking for some color and squash, look into a FET type (the MC77 you mentioned) or maybe a VCA comp.

Tone Weaver · 12th May 2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gm5k

how do the cl1b and essence compare to each other in your opinion?

im quite in love w/ my elixir/essence combo as well.

I have not had a whole lot of time with the cl1b as of yet to compare the two, but first impressions maybe , the essence = optical punch. The tube tech = pillowesqe tube, or something like that. The tube tech to me sounds real clean without compression, but when you apply it, things just get beautiful!

Lance

yareck · 12th May 2007, 08:02 PM

Another vote for the Tube-Tech. I think it has great character.

gm5k · 12th May 2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone Weaver

I have not had a whole lot of time with the cl1b as of yet to compare the two, but first impressions maybe , the essence = optical punch. The tube tech = pillowesqe tube, or something like that. The tube tech to me sounds real clean without compression, but when you apply it, things just get beautiful!

Lance

nice! got some awesome compressors there

id be interested to know any details if you ever directly compared the two.

Musiclab · 12th May 2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castle

The Summit TLA100A is very useful for most acoustic instruments IMO...

Only if you like the top end rolled off

Musiclab · 12th May 2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studjo

I have 2 Trakkers and a SOC. The Trakkers are way trickier to use because of all those coloration options. So it's a very versatile box - the SOC is very straight forward - plug it in - fiddle with the knobs untill it sounds good - forget it.

So if I have time I try the Trakkers but when I'm under the gun it's Buzz time. Actually I prefer it most of the time to the Trakkers because it has this very nice sounding low end - not really colorless but man does it sound good.

Jo

Hmmm I have to say I don't think it takes anytime to get a great sound out of a trakker, It's actually astounding how hard you can hit them and not have them sound smashed. As far as the modes go just pick one

swafford · 12th May 2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollingrecords

hi, i play bluegrass and acoustic music, guitar mandolin banjo dobro bass etc, i single track all instruments myself, and ovedub. i have a gml 2032, and a great river me-1nv
traditionally, there is not a lot of compresson in this type of music but, what would be a good vocal , acoustic instrument compressor for my above stated set up, ive been looking at the purple audio mc77, and la-3as hear the ssl stuff is great but is it worth the money for what i need all help would be much appreciated

I've been using a Peavey VC/L-2 very lightly on my guitar and mandolin. I like it a lot.

kats · 12th May 2007, 09:47 PM

The Chandler TG1 used to be my go to for acst gtr, but I replaced it with the newer Zener model TG comp.

It adds such a wonderfull shimmer that I find hard to beat. It's wonderfull on vocals as well.

**toolskid** · 12th May 2007, 09:51 PM

The Buzz SOC is just a fantastic choice for your applications! I echo all that Jo has said already, just playing with the attack time with this unit on acoustic gtr is awesome for tone and texture control!

castle · 12th May 2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclab

Only if you like the top end rolled off

Well, I've got four TLA-100A's, so I guess I do.

Musiclab · 13th May 2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by castle

Well, I've got four TLA-100A's, so I guess I do.

thats what makes the world go round

Tony Montana · 13th May 2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kats

The Chandler TG1 used to be my go to for acst gtr, but I replaced it with the newer Zener model TG comp.

It adds such a wonderfull shimmer that I find hard to beat. It's wonderfull on vocals as well.

Interesting. Are you using the Zener for tracking acoustic? What kind of setting are you using?

Yetti · 13th May 2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclab

thats what makes the world go round

4 TLA'S make the world go round?

loaf · 13th May 2007, 06:59 PM

dav bg4 might be a good choice for what you're doing, review here: DAV Electronics BG4

warhead · 13th May 2007, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollingrecords

hi, i play bluegrass and acoustic music, guitar mandolin banjo dobro bass etc, i single track all instruments myself, and ovedub. i have a gml 2032, and a great river me-1nv
traditionally, there is not a lot of compresson in this type of music but, what would be a good vocal , acoustic instrument compressor for my above stated set up, ive been looking at the purple audio mc77, and la-3as hear the ssl stuff is great but is it worth the money for what i need all help would be much appreciated

The Safe Sound Audio P1 = great sound on these sources, easy to use and musical, and you'd have to try real hard to get it to sound bad!

War

Norman Lindsey · 13th May 2007, 07:15 PM

I have a sebatron thorax that i use for most of my compression duties when tracking. it's an optical that is as fast as i need it. Running the comp in 'hot' mode gets me a grinding bass ( or vocal ) dynamic that sits level.
i also have a pair of classic black face/metered dbx160 that i use occasionally.
They are quick and easy to set but lack the attack and release control.

**Riccardo** · 13th May 2007, 07:21 PM

Buzz has already been mentioned so I'll add two other outstanding choices that can be used on vocals and acoustic instruments:
Requisite L2 MKII/or/Pal+ and Thermionic Culture Phoenix

rollingrecords · 14th May 2007, 06:16 AM

thanks for all the replies, the buzz audio is looking really good and may be what i go with its in my range, and stereo so if i wanted it on stereo sources, or try it on a buss. i try to get my tones, with my mic placement, and preamp and mic selection, and what little eq i use is the gml so its pretty transparent, i just need something for taming things that jump out, not overly colored but i would like that option, anyway thanks again, its hard to try stuff out, when you live as far in the sticks as i do, and most of the time you guys opinions have been spot on for my gear needs, have a good one

-drew

kats · 14th May 2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Interesting. Are you using the Zener for tracking acoustic? What kind of setting are you using?

Well on the TG1 I used to use comp mode with just a couple 2 or 3 dB of GR (although it probably more, the meters are slow) with a release of 2,3 or sometimes 4 depending on the song/tempo.

However with the Zener, it's too new for me to say. I used it last week of ac gtr but the player was all over the map dynamically that I kept it in a constant state of compression.

Oh I should mention that I used it for mixing not tracking. Ac gtr is an instrument that I preffer not to comp on the way in 'cause alot of times in the end the original signal sounds the best and I use compression more for effect than control.

gainreduction · 14th May 2007, 04:17 PM

+1 for Buzz SOC 1.1.

It will never leave my rack.

SPL dynamaxx is also great on acoustic instruments and won't burn a big hole in your wallet.

soundbarnfool · 14th May 2007, 05:55 PM

I don't use much compression, but I like the Daking FET II... Anybody else using it for primarily acoustic music?

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10th May 2007, 11:55 PM	#1
rollingrecords Gear interested Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 16	compressor for acoustic music and vocals hi, i play bluegrass and acoustic music, guitar mandolin banjo dobro bass etc, i single track all instruments myself, and ovedub. i have a gml 2032, and a great river me-1nv traditionally, there is not a lot of compresson in this type of music but, what would be a good vocal , acoustic instrument compressor for my above stated set up, ive been looking at the purple audio mc77, and la-3as hear the ssl stuff is great but is it worth the money for what i need all help would be much appreciated

11th May 2007, 12:13 AM	#2
studjo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 1,899	you got a lot of options - when I would be looking for a first compressor I'd go for a Buzz Audio SOC - that thing is the new 1176 IMNSHO - it has a bit of an euphonic-character - really sweet. Jo __________________ www.myspace.com/studjo1

11th May 2007, 05:58 PM	#4
ISedlacek Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Czech mountains and forests Posts: 2,897	CraneSong STC-8 works great for me ... Transparent, yet adding some very subtle "euphony". And so many options in it ... __________________ Ivo Velvet Mastering Savita Music

11th May 2007, 10:46 PM	#6
Musiclab Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Elmont NY Posts: 3,220	Tube tech CL1b is pretty amazing, I havent heard the Buzz audio gear so I can't comment, but it is well respected, you also can't go wrong with a Crane Song Trakker __________________ Lou Gimenez www.musiclabnyc.com

11th May 2007, 05:56 PM	#3
Tone Weaver Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 52	I have been enjoying the buzz elixir. & essence for that very same type of music. Very detailed! Very euphonic! Also the tube tech cl1b I just got in is quite lovely as well Lance

11th May 2007, 10:54 PM	#7
castle Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 264	The Summit TLA100A is very useful for most acoustic instruments IMO...

12th May 2007, 12:15 AM	#8
studjo Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 1,899	I have 2 Trakkers and a SOC. The Trakkers are way trickier to use because of all those coloration options. So it's a very versatile box - the SOC is very straight forward - plug it in - fiddle with the knobs untill it sounds good - forget it. So if I have time I try the Trakkers but when I'm under the gun it's Buzz time. Actually I prefer it most of the time to the Trakkers because it has this very nice sounding low end - not really colorless but man does it sound good. Jo __________________ www.myspace.com/studjo1

12th May 2007, 05:20 AM	#9
FULL-DUPLEX Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 509	TAB U373a (solid state) vintage compressor!

12th May 2007, 05:51 AM	#10
Joe Porto Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 1,760	Are you looking for gain control, or "color" compression? If you want to stick to the traditional sound of that style, but control dynamics, I'd look into a vari-mu or perhaps an optical compressor. If you're looking for some color and squash, look into a FET type (the MC77 you mentioned) or maybe a VCA comp.

12th May 2007, 08:02 PM	#12
yareck Lives for gear Join Date: May 2006 Location: Poland, Warsaw Posts: 576	Another vote for the Tube-Tech. I think it has great character. __________________ FAT Sound Mastering

12th May 2007, 09:47 PM	#17
kats Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 2,366	The Chandler TG1 used to be my go to for acst gtr, but I replaced it with the newer Zener model TG comp. It adds such a wonderfull shimmer that I find hard to beat. It's wonderfull on vocals as well.

12th May 2007, 09:51 PM	#18
toolskid Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: london Posts: 2,123	The Buzz SOC is just a fantastic choice for your applications! I echo all that Jo has said already, just playing with the attack time with this unit on acoustic gtr is awesome for tone and texture control! __________________ Emre Ramazanoglu http://www.emremusic.com the wise man can pick up a grain of sand and envision the whole universe. The fool, however, will just lie down on some seaweed and roll around until he's completely draped in it. Then he'll stand up and go "Hey, I'm vine man"

13th May 2007, 06:59 PM	#23
loaf Gear maniac Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 235	dav bg4 might be a good choice for what you're doing, review here: DAV Electronics BG4

13th May 2007, 07:15 PM	#25
Norman Lindsey Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: The Bane of Oz Posts: 234	I have a sebatron thorax that i use for most of my compression duties when tracking. it's an optical that is as fast as i need it. Running the comp in 'hot' mode gets me a grinding bass ( or vocal ) dynamic that sits level. i also have a pair of classic black face/metered dbx160 that i use occasionally. They are quick and easy to set but lack the attack and release control.

13th May 2007, 07:21 PM	#26
Riccardo Mastering Moderator Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Always on the Run Posts: 1,467	Buzz has already been mentioned so I'll add two other outstanding choices that can be used on vocals and acoustic instruments: Requisite L2 MKII/or/Pal+ and Thermionic Culture Phoenix __________________ Velvet Room Mastering "What quality level does it need to be? Personally, I work on mixes that range from marvellous to hideously diabolical.......I'd suggest you aim more towards the "marvellous" end of the scale!" - Darius van Helfteren -

14th May 2007, 06:16 AM	#27
rollingrecords Gear interested Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 16	thanks thanks for all the replies, the buzz audio is looking really good and may be what i go with its in my range, and stereo so if i wanted it on stereo sources, or try it on a buss. i try to get my tones, with my mic placement, and preamp and mic selection, and what little eq i use is the gml so its pretty transparent, i just need something for taming things that jump out, not overly colored but i would like that option, anyway thanks again, its hard to try stuff out, when you live as far in the sticks as i do, and most of the time you guys opinions have been spot on for my gear needs, have a good one -drew

14th May 2007, 04:17 PM	#29
gainreduction Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,659	+1 for Buzz SOC 1.1. It will never leave my rack. SPL dynamaxx is also great on acoustic instruments and won't burn a big hole in your wallet. __________________ "You always get more than you paid for at gearslutz" - Jules

14th May 2007, 05:55 PM	#30
soundbarnfool Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville Posts: 347	I don't use much compression, but I like the Daking FET II... Anybody else using it for primarily acoustic music?