Looking for a Pro-sumer Compressor that works well on Screaming vocals

[cheu78]

regarding the compressor I'd check the summit audio line..like the tla-50..
(of course the BAE 10DC is very different, but also at a different price, even if it's very favourably priced for what you get).

Regarding preamps I'd check out the BAE preamps (like the DMP or the 10xx series) or you could get an Avedis MA5 with some sort of lunchbox (if you get an adesigns 2 slot lunchbox you might be able to stay around the 1k mark).

I hope this helps,



Cheu

[electricity17]

I'm a big fan of the FMR PBC-6A for vocals, you can get them for $475 each and they're linkable for stereo material. FMR makes great quality gear, lots of very positive reviews on here if you search.

[punkjesuit]

Thanks for the responses guys!

electricity17: How would you compare the pbc-6a to the RNC? (assuming you've heard both), and what do you mainly use it on?

[electricity17]

The RNC is a recent purchase, so I haven't had a chance to use it on vocals yet. So far I've found that it's a very transparent compressor, true to its reputation, it feels clean. I've been using it for parallel compression on the drum bus probably more than anything.

I like the PBC more, I don't know exactly how to describe it but it adds something to the sound that I really like, makes everything sound more full. Somebody said it makes things sound expensive which makes sense to me. I guess you could say it add thickness or weight, I always use it on lead vocals when tracking. For some of my band's recordings, I was hitting 15 - 18 db of compression and it sounded fantastic. I've been using it for tracking guitars as well and it's been good.

[alexevans917]

I would say maybe check out Overstayer for a compressor. Their stuff gets a pretty good rep. The FMR gear is all excellent- I've used the RNC on a number of projects and have friends with their other comp. Both punch way above their price range. Others have explained the differences above.

In terms of pres, there are so many options. I think your best bet would be to check out what local studios are using and listen to their recordings- even if it's out of your price range (Neve, API, etc), it at least will give you an idea of what kind of tone you're going for, and you can look for clones of that gear. For just a good all-rounder type pre, I'd definitely recommend the Focusrite ISA range. They're pretty clean but quite warm. The ISA Two is pretty comfortably under $1000, and the 428 is just over $1000 used. Another cool option would be the Sytek 4 channel for $900 new. One of the nicest studios in my area uses the Sytek alongside many vintage pres and finds that it sits really well as a simple, clean pre.

[punkjesuit]

Someone did recommend the Art Pro VLA, which I am extremely wary of because of the name/component quality. But after looking up a lot of reviews about it, it seems it is one of those rare gems/exceptions to the price point rule and cheap enough that its worth picking up used to give a try.

[TobyToby]

TLA-50 & Art Pro VLA (vanilla comps at all) do not have enough grip and will not make the signal dense enough to tame that kind of vocals and bring them upfront

DBX160 & 1176 (amongst others) do work for decades for that kind of stuff

[KRStudio]

I would go a different way. Get one kick ass comp, high end. Get a used Distresser with the Brit mod. Learn it and use it while tracking. Stereo compression ITB is often as good or better than cheaper consumer/pro-sumer comps. The better your recorded tracks, the better your mixes will be!

[punkjesuit]

Hey Toby, so would you recommend the DBX160a, 160x/xt? I know that the X and XT are same design just different outputs, and Ive heard some serious disappointment from others in the 160a.

and just for more information on it, would you say that the art is good all around, even if not so much on screaming. Is it a good unit within its used price range. The reason why I ask, is people are saying its a really good all around comp. And for the price it might be an option to pick up one of these, and if it doesnt accomplish what I want, pick up another comp such as the 160x for screaming vocals. and to have two different flavors.

[punkjesuit]

Originally Posted by KRStudio

I would go a different way. Get one kick ass comp, high end. Get a used Distresser with the Brit mod. Learn it and use it while tracking. Stereo compression ITB is often as good or better than cheaper consumer/pro-sumer comps. The better your recorded tracks, the better your mixes will be!

And I do have tons of ITB compressor plugins. Its just that none of them are squashing vocals to the point that I like. So thats the reason for wanting a good outboard compressor to put after my mic pre and hit it with compression before it even hits the converters.

[bayouland]

Originally Posted by electricity17

I'm a big fan of the FMR PBC-6A for vocals, you can get them for $475 each and they're linkable for stereo material. FMR makes great quality gear, lots of very positive reviews on here if you search.

+1000

David

[MattHiHat]

I know that you are probably looking for a hardware compressor but I just want to hint about the Waves Vocal Rider plugin. You can also use it live mode for tracking.

I think it's a good and quick way to smooth out the levels. Add some 1176 compression to make the vocals spit and bark a bit and you're home.

I know I'm going to get flamed by this. But IMHO, it's an awesome way to compress vocals. And very flexible for fine-tuning as well.

I've tried several high-end comps on vocals but this one together with a 1176 is truly awesome. Just saying you should try it out!


For preamps I would suggest something Neve 73-stylish. Very clear/3D in the highs and mids and a focused lowend.

[j2dafo]

Foolproof operation = DBX 160x. Follow that with a CBS Volumax and smash it smithereens.

[mrc]

you can try and find an used distressor or a hairball 1176 clone. the diy kit from hairball is rather easy to build, a bit tricky to calibrate but you can find a lot of info.

[punkjesuit]

Thanks for all the help guys! I just got a BLA Auteur, im going to pick up an ART VLA Pro, and then sometime within the next year pick up 2 channels of the N72 from SCA, Then probably at that point pick up a second comp most likely a fatso, distressor, or 1176.