compressor question
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Posted on Nov 17, 2010 07:17 am
Geoff
SM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic's
Contributor Since: Jun 20, 2002
Hay guys ,
I’m shopping around again trying to improve my vocal chain . I haven’t use a rack compressor in the vocal chain for a while because I’ve had a good vocalist that can control their voice. I’m re-opening my studio once I get back to CA and I will be working with a mix of everything from screaming metal vocals to quiet mousy vocals. I have a # of good mic’s and a P-solo as my main pre for vocals . I have a few compressors that I used to use for recording but they’re not that great for my signal chain any more (composer pro, not bad for live stuff) . I want a transparent comp that’s versatile and doesn’t add a lot of color (I’ll use plug-ins for tone shaping if I need to) , I’ve narrowed it down to FMR RNC, DBX 160A, or 166XL . I’m open for suggestions and I have a little bit of a budget to play with . I’m trying to stay under a grand , something comparable to my P-Solo would be great.
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cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Nov 17, 2010 10:47 am I hear really good things about the RNC and am saving up to order the RNP, the DBX units are solid but i think their more popular for live use, nonetheless their quite transparent.
A few other popular options are the Joe Meek, the Distressor (which i believe is quite pricy).
But if ur giong for transparent y not stick with the plugins? it seems nowadays with how powerful plugs r ppl only use "colorful" outboard gear unless there is a piece of kit that hasn't been usably emulated yet.
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Nov 17, 2010 12:29 pm a destressor is nice ,i'm really thinking about one . As far as why , not just use a plugin ? having a good compressor after a nice pre at the most set to a 4:1 , it'll help level the take and help things from not clipping. There are camps that say use a comp and just the same that say don't if you do most of the stuff ITB. I've used the joe meek stuff , nice, but it has it's own sound . I got the P-Solo to get "the wire with a gain" clean lot's o head room and it just sound nice. I'm just looking for a comp that's on the same level also with a true bypass.
Nov 17, 2010 06:02 pm Well, just to let you know. A compressor by nature colors the sound. Being that it compresses the wave in towards 1 khz. Nothing you can do about it. It's just the nature of the beast.
Being in the live market, and also being familiar with DBX. I can tell you that DBX love to just obliterate the top end frequencies. Especially the 160. It kills all that it sees in the high end of your wave. So, I would tend to leave that one alone. Other then putting it on a bass.
The others that you have listed, I'm not able to give an opinion on. Being that I have never used them. But, if your worried about the signal strength coming to your pre. They all have make up gain on the outputs.
There is one other that I have used that is good for both. And my friend Bill Coe is selling off. It's called a compex. And is the most transparent compressor that I have ever used. But, it's not a simple unit. You really have to know what your doing with it. But, your experienced, so I don't think that it's out of your league. I'll have to get back to you here in a few hours. Being that I have the price list at home, and I'm still at work.
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Nov 17, 2010 07:24 pm yeah like i said it's been a little while since i've used any out board comps . I remember using a 160 on bass and you're right it does work nice . I know that adding anything to the signal chain is going to change the sound , i'm just looking for something that's not too colored ...right now . i'd be happy to hear back about the compex.
Nov 17, 2010 08:39 pm Nuts! They are a little more expensive then I thought he was selling them for. But, (I hope this works!) I copied the PDF. So I hope that it posts here.
Unless noted, all insert points are tip send, ring return and usually are combined with an additional “post patch” that allows chaining units with single cables. If used with unbalanced cables (no ring connection), they function as conventional in and out connectors. Balanced XLR’s are wired pin 3 hot.
Manuals and modification/service notes will be supplied as scans unless noted.
Pickup in the Philadelphia, PA area is encouraged. Please contact Bill Coe at [email protected] or at 610-688-8232.
A&D/R:
F760-XR/S: Dual Compex classic English compressor, peak limiter, expander/ gate.
Recapped and tweaked to death: these are possibly the finest examples ever offered for sale. These are the rare gold chassis versions (high serial numbers) with improved power supplies. Unbalanced insert jacks installed. 2 available: $1800 each.
F769X-R: Vocal Stresser: Same as above, except 1 Compex channel is replaced with a 4 band sweep EQ: amazing on kick, bass or…. Vocals! 2 available: $1400 each. Historical note: the unit with the yellow sticker came from Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, where it was used for his main vocal. Both are rare gold chassis/ high serial numbers.
Oh well! The pictures are in a PDF format. So, I can't get them to post here, or even take them out as a file and post them. I'll have to get the originals from Bill.
Nov 17, 2010 08:41 pm Here is what the units look like.
These are not Bills. But, it is the same units.
cruxTypo SzarMember
Since: Jul 04, 2002
Nov 17, 2010 10:03 pm can i just say... PURRTY??
GeoffSM7b the Chuck Noris of Mic'sContributor
Since: Jun 20, 2002
Nov 20, 2010 05:56 am Rob-i googled em and thought"nice" but finding them can be an issue . I think I'm going to give the guys at FMR a chance and pick up one or two RNC's and call it a day . They have a great rep and seem to be what i'm looking for .
Nov 22, 2010 06:55 pm well the dbx160a is a classic. I would reccomend that based solely on how many times i've heard it mentioned by name from engineers and producers.
