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Favourite Compressor and Why...

I hardly use any compression but I'm beginning to realize it's because I don't like the limited range of compressors I have.

I mainly use the logic compressor more than anything else because it's fairly non-descript and you can be quite subtle with it - it's more a case of it no screwing anything up rather than really I like how it sounds.

On the master channel for mastering or adding that overall glue I find the PSP mixpressor nice but for anything hard knee it's too obvious.

So give some recommendations: What do all you lot like and why?

Sonalksis SV-315: Great "glue" compressor for buss channels. A "colour" compressor, it definitely has its own sound, but in a good way.

UAD 1176LN: Very versatile. Can fatten up thin digital sounds and sounds great even when pushed to extremes. Has a certain "colour" to it that's different from any other compressor. "All buttons in" mode adds a pleasing distortion to source signals. Note: this is the LN version, not the CPU-friendly SE version.

UAD Fairchild 670: Very unique compressor. Can be a little hard to get your head around the controls, but it does things to the sound that i can't do with any other compressor. Use sparingly.

UAD LA2A: Can kill peaks without making things sound squashed. Has a limiter mode.

UAD Neve 88RS Compressor: Sounds great in the context of the channel strip. Clean compression. On a side note, this CS plugin is my favorite plugin for EQ, Gate and Compression. Everything I put through this sounds good when it comes out, even if i am not using all of the sections. Highly recommended.

PSP Vintage Warmer: Lots of versatility. Does a great job of simulating analog warmth.

Waves C1: Great "precision" compressor. More options than your average compressor. Little changes can make a big difference. Been a standard in production studios for quite some time now.

All a compressor is, is a shittyness slider, the farther right you go, the worse it sounds. :P

quote:

Originally posted by Eric J Waves C1: Great "precision" compressor. More options than your average compressor. Little changes can make a big difference. Been a standard in productions studios for quite some time now.

Used it alot but the attack is way to steep.. Not good for every sound, I'd rather go for the RComp.

quote:

Originally posted by cronodevir All a compressor is, is a shittyness slider, the farther right you go, the worse it sounds. :P

dirt is sometimes cool. look at what overdrive did to 303. the trick is to not compress everything imo but only essential parts.

I don't even use compressors really, Infact I have never even taken the time to sit down and learn what each function "ratio/thresh" do.. Something with volumes. But what I do know is that if you don't need one, then don't use one. Though I should probably learn, because I do need limiters, and I just lost my best one.

quote:

Originally posted by cronodevir I don't even use compressors really, Infact I have never even taken the time to sit down and learn what each function "ratio/thresh" do.. Something with volumes. But what I do know is that if you don't need one, then don't use one. Though I should probably learn, because I do need limiters, and I just lost my best one.

You will going to...... eventually

Compressor is simply a very subtle sound shaping tool, just like the envelopes on a synthesizer, only u can apply it on anything and changes arent that drastical.

I only use the Cubase built in one.. because it is there.

I have like 12 compressors lol.

A bunch of limiters, but none of them limit.

I used to use the FL Limiter, and it was nice, no matter how loud my vsti was, it wouldn't let anything passed -2db, the ones in cubase are...meh...

I need a limiter because my vstis peak alot. [blame rgcaudio..not me]

I like (in this order):

Waves Renaissance Comp
http://waves.com/Content.aspx?id=171

FabFilter Pro C
http://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-c.php

Waves C1
http://waves.com/Content.aspx?id=237


I hear that UAD stuff is bad ass... might consider getting the UAD card after my next computer upgrade.

quote:

Originally posted by cronodevir I don't even use compressors really, Infact I have never even taken the time to sit down and learn what each function "ratio/thresh" do.. Something with volumes. But what I do know is that if you don't need one, then don't use one. Though I should probably learn, because I do need limiters, and I just lost my best one.

Nice work on not answering the thread question.

In no particular order:

JoeMeek OneQ (hardware channel strip) - I love its opto-compressor on vocals and bass, particularly my fretless. It's got some very nice color to it and can squash a signal like a cockroach if you push it.

Sonitus Compressor - it's sidechain capabilities are locked to Sonar, so it's the software compressor that I use most often. Fortunately, it also kicks ass! It's pretty transparent and is very similar to the Waves C1-SC in many ways. Speaking of which...

Waves C1 - great all-around compressor that is very transparent. I use it on most vocal tracks.

Waves RenComp - great all-around compressor with some character.

quote:

Originally posted by CReddick FabFilter Pro C http://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-c.php

I've been meaning to check that one out for some time now because I keep hearing great things about it.

m-class compressor in reason lmao

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik FabFilter ProC I've been meaning to check that one out for some time now because I keep hearing great things about it.

Download the full software suite working demo on their site... will operate for a month before it times out.

glad to see we had some agreement on the Waves Renn and C1. Love those guys!

Used to love the PowerCore compressor/limiter, now I can't use it anymore. Now I use:

- Waves C1
- Waves R1
- Kjaerhus Classic (not in the master chain, but it's a good "soft" compressor for pads and leads)
- TC Native Compressor DeEsser (for kick and drums)
- Nomad CP2S or FA770 (not both) - good for more acoustic/organic sounds
- A whole whack of Antress plugins that are all free and surprisingly good.

These aren't the best in the world, but I get by. I want to emphasize that last link - I stumbled upon these, I've never heard anybody talk about them, but the guy has programmed something like 25 different compressors, EQs and limiters, all pretty good quality and with their own distinct sounds.

Would love to get a UAD to replace the now-defunct PowerCore, but I'm not prepared to shell out that kind of money at this point given the minimal amount of time I get to dedicate to production.


Edit: Also the db audioware sidechain compressor, but obviously only for those rare instances when I need a sidechain, and never on the master.

I use MCompressor a lot. Its great for me since its free for non-commercial work (music is just a hobby for now).

http://www.meldaproduction.com/free...mcompressor.php

quote:

Originally posted by palm m-class compressor in reason lmao

plus 1!
Plus key on my keyboard is broken!

Reaper is my main DAW!
Some Compressor stuff for yall and some free downloads!
http://www.reaper.fm/reaplugs/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyErdF45E-4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkl2v-HO0nQ

Fruity Compressor and Maximus.

Stillwell Audio Rocket compressor, and PSP Vintage warmer are my favourites atm.

d8b FAT channel compressor

Logic�s compressor. It�s really good! Does the job just like it should. Clean sounding. (imo) For limiting I use flux limiter. Must be the best limiter I�ve heard.

At the moment i just love the UAD Precision Buss Compressor, using it over the master hitting about 2 to 3 db reduction and it defintely does that "glue" thing really well
Also started it using it on the drum bus as well and its nice!!!

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