Stereo Compressors
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Posted on Jun 16, 2009 05:12 pm
Quincysan
http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor Since: Nov 11, 2007
I'm in the market for a compressor. From my research so far, it looks like DBX is the way to go. I'm looking at the DBX 160a, but my concern is that I may want to use stereo. Here is my hypothetical plan:
-Assign 6 (of 8) inputs to drum microphones on six different tracks.
-The six tracks will be panned from left to right relative to where the audience would be in a live setup before recording begins.
-The six tracks will be routed to a stereo output (Analog Out 3-4 in my setup)
-Analog 3-4 will be sent to a stereo compressor. From the compressor back to the remaining two inputs (Analog In 7-8) on my interface.
-Analog In 7-8 will have a dedicated stereo track separate from the kit mix group, and it will be sent to my monitors at Analog Out 1-2
One concern I have for this setup is that I may not want to compress the entire kit. What says the collective experience of HRC?
Assuming that this is a realistic way to record drums, what might you guys suggest for compression? I've tried reading the DBX 386 article in the HRC library but the link is dead...
Here are the compressors I've looked at so far...all DBX:
dbx 1066 Dual Compressor Limiter Gate
dbx 166XL Dual Compressor Limiter Gate
And just because I hear so much talk about the DBX 160a...I'm at least moderately interested in that unit too.
What are the big differences between these three models, other than the 160a being mono instead of stereo. Why is the 160a so expensive in comparison to the other two compressors I'm looking at? Is the negative compression (Infinity + I think it's called) on the 160a truly unique to that particular model of DBX branded equipment? Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated...I know that I want stereo capability eventually. I really like the idea of negative compression, but I don't want to sacrifice stereo for that functionality...I want both!
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Jun 16, 2009 08:06 pm DBX used to make real good stuff back in the D. I used a couple of 160 VU's for a while. They sounded alright. They've got the label 'classic', 'vintage' etc. now cause DBX don't make the VU style comps anymore, and I believe, the modern day circuit equivalent of the 160 VU is the 160a.
Regarding you're comp set up, you've got 8 inputs right? I'd tack the comp on kick and snare while tracking, then play the drum mix back through the comp once its mixed, see if it adds anything.
As always though, there are a lot other things that could make you're recordings sound better. I liked this article thewombforums.com/showthread.php?t=10361
But if you've got your heart set on a comp, I totally understand, I just bought a Distressor :-P.
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Jun 17, 2009 03:47 pm
I'm primarily interested in the comp for vocals, but I figured while I was at it I'd make sure I could use it for drums too. I saw Noize recommend a TC Helicon for vocal processing...but I want to use more versatile gear for now while I'm still collecting a base of equipment.
I still haven't been able to pinpoint which make/model comp to go with...but I'll keep looking.
I haven't seen any stereo versions of the 160a. I assume buying two of them to achieve stereo would be overkill...any suggestions for an alternative 160a with stereo processing?
Thanks for the comp advice, Colonel. I'd noticed you respond to most comp threads and hoped you'd come to the rescue.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jun 17, 2009 04:05 pm Will this compressor be used during tracking?
Quincysanhttp://www.unitedmusicians.infoContributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007
Jun 17, 2009 04:14 pm For drums, yes. For vocals, no. However I do plan on using the compressor for vocals in a live setting.
how was your Hawaiian experience?
Jun 17, 2009 09:42 pm Theres not much else in the price range... RNC, maybe a secondhand Aphex 661 and the DBX stuff.
The dbx 1066's are live standards over here. My friend mark has a 2m high rack choc full of 160A's and 1066's.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Jun 19, 2009 10:30 am Hawaii was beyond awesome. Search around, I put up a post with a Google map of our adventures on Oahu.
But as far as a compressor for tracking, I have a feeling that you'd get more use out of something else for your studio. I can maybe see using it during tracking to tame a kick or snare that's simply too loud and overloading your inputs. But remember that you want to leave a ton of headroom on your digital front end.
You might be able to use it as an outboard effect for mixdown, or during mixing as an effect or something.
Now for live applications, that's a different beast. You'd get a bunch of use out of one or more compressors. But for tracking, they just don't come in that handy for the project/home studio.
Well that's my 2 cents anyways.
