First Compressor to buy in a studio

[SoniqKwality]

Hey Y'all

I just bought an Aurora GTQ-2 and I'm looking to buy a compressor to compliment that well. This is the first compressor that I will be buying in my new studio.

What would you recommend for the best all purpose compressor: 1176, LA 2A, Purple, distressor? I'm mainly tracking vocals, samplers and synths, some guitars and bass as well.

I've always used an 1176 for guitars and bass, never really on vocals. Would the 1176 be a good compliment to the Aurora?

Thanks again guys!

[Marlowe]

The Distressor is a great compressor to start with because it's so damn flexible.

I'd go there first.

[SoniqKwality]

thanks man... i've heard the same from lots of people... would you say the distressor "sounds" better than the 1176? i never used a distressor so i wouldnt know how it sounds...

[Protools Guy]

+1 for the distresor. Another option I would suggest is the Tubetech CL-1B.

[rwhitney]

The 1176 and Distressor are both great, but if I only had one, it would be a Cranesong STC-8. Expensive, but the best all-around compressor I've used.

[Marlowe]

No, not better, different. The Distressor can come near the 1176 sound (including the all buttons in mode via the 'British' option) but ultimately, they are different beasts. The Distressor's Opto mode can sort do an LA2A too. It's not going to clone anything but it can move in different directions and that's what I mean by flexible.

Originally Posted by SoniqKwality

thanks man... i've heard the same from lots of people... would you say the distressor "sounds" better than the 1176? i never used a distressor so i wouldnt know how it sounds...

[sahiaman]

I have a GTQ2 also. I'm pairing it up with a ADL 1000. Its the same price as the Distressor without the britmod. However, I think the distressor sounds more modern, and if you do a lot of rock tunes it would be perfect for you.

[feyshay]

All-purpose.
You should check out the Trakker from Crane Song.
I like the Tubetech recommended above. I would not choose the 1176 or Distressor (although that has a lot of good versatiliity--I would not be thinking vocals). Of course, the LA2A has little variability but is a gem.

[SoniqKwality]

Originally Posted by feyshay

All-purpose.
You should check out the Trakker from Crane Song.
I like the Tubetech recommended above. I would not choose the 1176 or Distressor (although that has a lot of good versatiliity--I would not be thinking vocals). Of course, the LA2A has little variability but is a gem.

I have come to the realization that my first compressor must be killer on vocals... my vocal chain is: U87ai - Aurora GTQ-2 Mark III - Apogee Rosetta (older 96 version)

Do the distressor is a no on pop/r&b/hiphop vocals? i heard pharrell uses the Tube Tech on all his vocals... something to consider

[feyshay]

Nice chain. No, the Distressor IMO would not do justice to that chain for vocals. I don't think it does well with acoustic instruments. That is where the Tubetech or an LA2A would be better. Trakker has the versatility of being able to sound like an LA2A and then to get a lot of other sounds. Some will disagree with me. Tubetech yes. Trakker yes. Distressor no--if one of the main purposes is vocals.

[feyshay]

Distressor for Vocals?

I thought I'd post this to give justice to the Distressor, since some find it good for vocals.

[Daniel Antix]

I got a distressor not long ago and I love it. My first serious compressor.

[SoniqKwality]

Originally Posted by feyshay

Nice chain. No, the Distressor IMO would not do justice to that chain for vocals. I don't think it does well with acoustic instruments. That is where the Tubetech or an LA2A would be better. Trakker has the versatility of being able to sound like an LA2A and then to get a lot of other sounds. Some will disagree with me. Tubetech yes. Trakker yes. Distressor no--if one of the main purposes is vocals.

Thanks for the geat info man! I would love an LA-2A. However, that's a little pricey... the tube tech is up there as well. But yes... a solid comp for vocals would be first priority..

I was also thinking, since I have a "neve" sound with my Aurora (not a copy), I could use an avalon 737 comp to get that Dr. Dre vocal chain... what do you think about that? It would be cheaper and with an extra pre.

[NathanEldred]

Crane Song Trakker is probably my first choice for mono useage (two are great but expensive), Distressor is a good choice too. They are pretty different though and maybe only have 50% overlap if that. On a upper mid level budget, the Buzz SOC1.1 and Rupert Neve Portico comp are versatile choices and give you a great professional sound, and perfect if you need dual mono or stereo.

[mattoxxx]

I'd check out the Chandler Germanium compresor also. I track with Neve 1073's all the time and find the germ comp to compliment it very well. Not only do you have a very musical way of controlling the dynamics the germ comp has a very unique character to it that works well with a variety of sources. I've really dug it on elec gtr, bass, lead vox, and drum buss so far.

Hope this helps,

Matt

[Robert Sands]

I've got a bunch of nice comps. VariMu, La2a, 1176's, Joe Meek SC2, ELOP, TubeTech LCA2b, Summit DCL 200, Distressors. I say get the new Germanium Compressor for your first compressor. It sounds like butter has been poured over your music. No, on second thought ... make that thick, warm, velvety butter. Man is this thing nice!!!

[SoniqKwality]

Originally Posted by Robert Sands

I've got a bunch of nice comps. VariMu, La2a, 1176's, Joe Meek SC2, ELOP, TubeTech LCA2b, Summit DCL 200, Distressors. I say get the new Germanium Compressor for your first compressor. It sounds like butter has been poured over your music. No, on second thought ... make that thick, warm, velvety butter. Man is this thing nice!!!

haha... more like Fabio saying, "I cannot believe it's butter." haha... i'll check it out. However, can you compare the germanium sound with an 1176?

[SoniqKwality]

Originally Posted by mattoxxx

I'd check out the Chandler Germanium compresor also. I track with Neve 1073's all the time and find the germ comp to compliment it very well. Not only do you have a very musical way of controlling the dynamics the germ comp has a very unique character to it that works well with a variety of sources. I've really dug it on elec gtr, bass, lead vox, and drum buss so far.

Hope this helps,

Matt

thanks matt... i'm going to check it out!

[Robert Sands]

Both the Germ and the 1176 are FET comps so there's a little bit of similarities there. But there are sooo many more ways you can mess with the sound with the Germ. It's got the various knees (comp curves), it's got the feedback control, it's got several side chain frequencies built in, dirty/clean switch, it's got a bunch more ratios and its got the wet/dry control. Not too difficult to wrap your head around, at least I was comfortable fairly quickly with its many controls. It just sounds so damn nice. 1176 is also wonderful but there's no denying all of what that Germ comp can do. Between the 2 - I'm betting most would choose the Germ. It's going to be a classic, no doubt in my mind. It's a have-to-have piece, once you hear it and start trying the many controls.

[karas]

My first comp. was ADL-1000, exciting toy for vocal, bass and kick.

[turk sanchez]

I like the 1968 too...another option. It's pretty affordable and you get stereo. I think if you only have one unit a stereo one would be the way to go...you can do so much more with it. I had to sell mine but I am definetly going to get another one when I have the funds again. The fat switch is great. It sounds good on vocals...killer on drums...really nice on mix buss too. I loved it.

[espen askelad]

Originally Posted by waffle waitress

I like the 1968 too...another option. It's pretty affordable and you get stereo. I think if you only have one unit a stereo one would be the way to go...you can do so much more with it. I had to sell mine but I am definetly going to get another one when I have the funds again. The fat switch is great. It sounds good on vocals...killer on drums...really nice on mix buss too. I loved it.

Nice tone that works on about anything, and the compression is versatile enough to work on about anything. The output amplifier sounds great.. turning it up a little has a really good thick sound.

[Grizzly]

If I need to choose one comp for vocals, I'd take the CL1B...

[YRLK]

I've got a Manley El-Op. It's got 2 channels, and they go for far less than an LA-2A or even an 1176. It's tube, it's pretty much clean/transparent - only adds a bit of sparkle - and it sounds FAN TAS TIC on vocals, acoustic, and bass guitar. So far, that's where I've been using it.

I do plan on trying it on kick and snare eventually too. I mean, heck... I've got two channels. Plus, it's slightly faster than most other compressors out there (esp. tube ones, even though it is tube).

I was about to buy an LA-3A or 1176. So far, I have no regrets. Because it's more transparent (while some might complain), I can actually use it on MORE tracks per song, etc. And no one will know!