Pedulum audio OCL-2 or Focusrite Red3,or Chandler TG2 VS Cranesong STC-8 (May the bes

[Syki]

Which compressor would best suite bus duties and tracking for Hip Hop, R&B, and Contemporary Gospel? (Vocals, background vocals, piano, clav type synyh parts,horns,etc)

No disrespect E-cue, but I don't get it (STC-8 )not bashing it though. It sounds to transparent!!For $4000 US dollars

For that much money I want to here that sucker working not guess (I'm not good at gaging the transparent comp sound)

I wish I could buy them all but what comps are most top hip hop and r&B engineers using (Dexter Simmons,Phil Tan,Jimmy Douglas,K.D.Davis, Bob Powers, Tony Massaratti)
Thanks Slutz, I reallywant to know what you think.

[Syki]

Sorry for all the typo's, it's late and I'm fat fingering all over the place

[zimv20]

tg2? what am i missing?

[Syki]

Sorry Tg1, I'm really tired ( I already own a TG2 pre)

[zimv20]

oh yeah -- i completely spaced on the tg1. i guess i need a nap, too.

[jazzius II]

I don't think you can really compare the sound of Dexter Simmons to Bob Power.......in the same way you can't compare these compressors....they're all different...of the 4 i know 2 well, and my choice for Rap 2-buss would be the Red 3......Maybe Brad can comment on the pendulum v. the STC 8.....

I can understand why you might find the STC too clean......i only use it on maybe 1 in 10 projects......but i'd never sell it 'cause when you need it, it's perfect.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by Syki
Which compressor would best suite bus duties and tracking for Hip Hop, R&B, and Contemporary Gospel? (Vocals, background vocals, piano, clav type synyh parts,horns,etc)

No disrespect E-cue, but I don't get it (STC-8 )not bashing it though. It sounds to transparent!!For $4000 US dollars

For that much money I want to here that sucker working not guess (I'm not good at gaging the transparent comp sound)

I wish I could buy them all but what comps are most top hip hop and r&B engineers using (Dexter Simmons,Phil Tan,Jimmy Douglas,K.D.Davis, Bob Powers, Tony Massaratti)
Thanks Slutz, I reallywant to know what you think.

For tracking probably a Tubetech CL1B.

For mixing basically anything goes.

By the way, if when tracking you want to hear the comp working on vocals, your best bet is to check out the mic instead of the comp.

[Rab]

At the risk of fuelling another "compressor-wars" thread... a guy I edit for recently did a mix buss shoot-out for a forthcoming release (hip hop/ female soul vocals) between a STC-8, C2, TG1 (which he owns anyway, although I don't think this was ever a serious contender for mix-buss compressor) and a Thermionic Culture Phoenix. The Phoenix was easily the best sounding in this case... particularly in the bottom end. If you're A/B-ing, maybe try to get hold of one of these...

http://www.thermionicculture.co.uk/phoenix.htm

I also like the Drawmer 1969 for this kind of track.

[brownmouse]

i'm in the process of deciding on a buss compressor as well and man is it hard! there are things about each one that i like. i've been auditioning the api 2500, drawmer 1969 and pendulum es-8 (i'm waiting on a stc-8), i also have a pair of trakkers. if i had to pick one at this point i guess it would have to be the pendulum es-8 although there are aspects of the others that i really like as well... oh well, you gotta start with one.
good luck,
joshua

[syra]

SMC2B...or as I call it...the Blue monster...

From the ones you have there...I know only 2...I recommend the Red3 although you should also check out the 230

peace, syra

[Fletcher]

For the rock stuff I do the Drawmer 1969 into the STC-8 is my usual chain... when it's unavailable, I'll go to the ES-8 if I'm looking for lush and the Alan Smart C-2 or the API-2500... the 2500 can get as aggressive as the C-2 but it can also get pretty clean and subtle... the C-2 does the aggressive thing exceptionally well... and it also cleans up very nicely when you want it to... and with the "crush" mode has become a pretty indispensible tracking tool.

How's that for adding confusion to the party?

[Syki]

Hey Jazz, good point and they are all really good engineers, and great compressors. I am leaning toward the red 3

Thanks Thrill, what kind of mics do you recommend? (I know you have to live with the gear before you really can make any kind of solid opinion) What gives BrownStone that ultra rich vocal sound (Besides the girls being able to sing their ass's off?

Hey Rab, thats one I've never seen before Thermionic Culture Phoenix (and the plot thickens) is it transparent or aggressive or both? How will 3db of gain reduction effect the overall mix?

Brownmouse, I like the API I also like the Alan Smart, it's a tough decision and then you have to live with the comp to truly know what it does. I don't have the luxury of hearing these compressors. (No real pro audio stores in my area) I have to go to some of the top end studios in my area and listen. Still not sure whats right for me

SMC2b hmmmm

Hey Fletch, when I grow up I'm gonna be just like you. You are having way too much fun....lol

[thethrillfactor]

Originally posted by Syki
Hey Jazz, good point and they are all really good engineers, and great compressors. I am leaning toward the red 3

Thanks Thrill, what kind of mics do you recommend? (I know you have to live with the gear before you really can make any kind of solid opinion) What gives BrownStone that ultra rich vocal sound (Besides the girls being able to sing their ass's off?

The usual suspects: Sony C800G,U67,U47,Tele 251 and C12.

Brownstone sounds is that ,excellent production and killer mixing.

[Syki]

Thanx Thrill

[Rab]

Originally posted by Syki
[COLOR=royalblue]Hey Rab, thats one I've never seen before Thermionic Culture Phoenix (and the plot thickens) is it transparent or aggressive or both?

Neither really... I'd say its main feature is a big "pert" bottom end, sweetly smooth, heavy/solid without having to crush out all the dynamics... does that make sense?

[Syki]

yea makes alot of sense. Sweeter then a Vari Mu (not that i would lean on a Mu for mix buss duties)