Recommended compressor for voice recording?

[Sean Sullivan]

You know, I'm really impressed with my new LA610. I had a M610 for some time, but the compressor is really useful. It works great on giving that all import "warmth" to vocals and is also an amazing bass DI.

[mdavenue]

There's always the RNC. I've gotten some good vocal compression in supernice mode.

I also can recommend the Focusrite TrackMaster. It's a channel strip that includes a pretty good pre-amp and incredibly simple (2 knobs) compressor. I've seen 'em for around $300, which is a great price given that you can't touch any focusrite preamp for that amount.

[Nick Sevilla]

There's always the RNC. I've gotten some good vocal compression in supernice mode.

I also can recommend the Focusrite TrackMaster. It's a channel strip that includes a pretty good pre-amp and incredibly simple (2 knobs) compressor. I've seen 'em for around $300, which is a great price given that you can't touch any focusrite preamp for that amount.

+1

I own both. but I still prefer for some things the LA2A.

I like the RNC on more "home-y" productions, where it can be less "flawless" sounding, and I like the trakmaster for heavier compression use.

Cheers

[mdavenue]

no doubt about the LA2A. But those things are, what upwards of $2500?

[biasvoltage]

You know, I'm really impressed with my new LA610. I had a M610 for some time, but the compressor is really useful. It works great on giving that all import "warmth" to vocals and is also an amazing bass DI.

+1 from me on this box - love it for many vocals (not all, but fortunately mine work great through it!), it is a fantastic bass DI, and I like it for clean guitar too - sometimes direct, with a little delay. Wurly and Rhodes sound great with this preamequalicompressifier as well.

[Nick Sevilla]

no doubt about the LA2A. But those things are, what upwards of $2500?

Yes.

But, you get what you pay for.

As an example, I was recently recording electric bass guitar. And old 1958 Fender Precision, to be exact.

I ran it DI, to the LA2A to a PTHD.

The bass player asked why I put the LA2A "It's for vocals, no?"

Then I bypassed the LA2A. "Hey where'd my fatness go?"

AHA!

the bass did not exert the LA2A more than 3 dB gain reduction. It was more of a "Honey I'm hooooome" bass, than a plunky bass sound.

WAY fatter, without having to do much work. NO EQ NEEDED.

Cheers

[dijon]

In the meantime - I could suggest the Art Pro VLA - I know, I know...Art! but seriously, they're blowing these version 1 models (v2 is just out) out for $199 and I'll be damned if it doesn't sound like a lot more money on a pretty wide array of signals.

If you're saving for something super sweet, I would suggest this as a decent intermediary. Even after you get the distressor or the chandler, I guarantee you'll still find uses for this thing.

[joninc]

actually the VLA is a good option for a first compressor - it won't blow you away but it is really hard to screw up and sounds decent on a lot of sources. plus being 2 channels you can run them in series and experiment with different ways of compressing. AND when you want something down the line that has a bit more of a SOUND you'll probably still keep it and find uses for it as a more basic utility comp. mine lives on guitar buss now.

[pootkao]

I've been quite curious about the ADL stuff myself.
I like a lot of colour, and love those guys' work, and like the price.

Any other ADL users around here with input?