$300-400 vocal compressor

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calebrwilliams
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$300-400 vocal compressor

Post by calebrwilliams » Tue Mar 16, 2010 8:25 pm

I realize there have been some previous posts similar to this, but I've thumbed through them and was wanting more input.

Essentially, I have 3 decent preamps and an soundcraft series II, but I'm looking for a compressor under 400 (preferably 300) to run (with light reduction) to tape and possibly later in mixing. I'm primarily wanting something for vocals (obviously the price range is not ideal), but also will use it for a strummy acoustic guitar and other random things. I'm already on tape and vintage preamps/mixer, so the "warmth" factor is getting up there...but I'm kind of a sucker for that sound.

I've been looking and the DBX 160 and the like, which could work, but seems like its better suited for drums (and maybe if I can save $ on my voc comp, I can sell some stuff and get a 160 as well for that flavor). Maybe I'm wrong? I've only used the 160 a time or two. How about the art VLA II? JoeMeek? Not as interested in RNC. Tell me what you've got and like....

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Post by Chris_Meck » Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:01 pm

Pro VLA is great for all of those things, plus, it's stereo, plus its in your price range.

I love the DBX 160XT-it's a great compressor, and also good for all those things, but you won't get 2 channels at $300-$400.

I'd go VLA, either original or the II version.

I also have the RNC...and while it's okay, I find that it's usually the last compressor I patch in for anything. It's fine, but doesn't have much character.
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Ryan Silva
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Post by Ryan Silva » Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:37 pm

I've used a DBX 160a on vocal many times with sucsess, just not every time. but in your price range I really don't think it can be beat.

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Post by KennyLusk » Tue Mar 16, 2010 10:58 pm

To me the pro vla is nice on vocals and fantastic on acoustic guitar when you want it there. I've been enjoying a pair of RCA 12AX7's in mine lately.
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Post by rty5150 » Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:25 pm

i like my dbx 160x's on vox. they are my second in line after my toft atc-2.
hell, even the dbx 166 does a really good job on vox, but it is a little slow.


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Post by kinger » Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:54 am

I've got a couple of the ART Levelars that I got used for around $50 each that sound great on vocals; pretty much the same thing as the VLA.

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Post by JWL » Wed Mar 17, 2010 7:49 am

I also like the Levelar circuit (same thing inside the TubePAC) for some applications, but it is definitely NOT the same as the Pro VLA. One is starved plate, the other isn't. And the ProVLA has a ton more controls.

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Post by kingtoad » Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:15 am

I think the dbx 160 is definitely one of the best compressors in that price range, but I've never loved it on vocal. Mind you, all the compressors I have loved on vocal have been a lot more expensive, and the 160 is definitely something you won't grow out of - nothing works better on kick drum in my opinion.

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Post by mertmo » Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:34 am

vocals?

VLAII for sure, it's character is great on vocals. owned one briefly, loved it on vocal.
original VLA, not so much on vocals. never liked it there personally...

don't rule out the inexpensive 163x, it rules on vocals i think.

i have the original VLA, 163x's, symetrix 501. 163x is my fave on vocals. always
wanted to hear a 160x though...

what about the FMR PBC-6A? i'd love to hear that one too...
slightly above your price range at 500 bucks, but might be worth a look:

http://www.mercenary.com/fmrpbc.html

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Post by T-rex » Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:53 am

I really like my DBX160A for vocals, especially in over easy mode for tracking. You can find them used in great shape all day long for $250. I can't say I ahve used it for acoustice etc but it's on my vocal buss quite a bit at mixdown too for a little more squeeze.
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Post by Ryan Silva » Wed Mar 17, 2010 9:27 am

kingtoad wrote:I think the dbx 160 is definitely one of the best compressors in that price range, but I've never loved it on vocal. Mind you, all the compressors I have loved on vocal have been a lot more expensive, and the 160 is definitely something you won't grow out of - nothing works better on kick drum in my opinion.
Yes, much love on the kick drum. :^:
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Post by Recycled_Brains » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:07 am

DBX 160X makes a great vocal compressor in my experience.
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detroitdiesel
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$300-$400 compressor

Post by detroitdiesel » Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:50 am

If you pop into a dbx 286A AFTER the pre that gives a good sound. (on the insert) I have a rack of these and I love em.

DD

calebrwilliams
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Post by calebrwilliams » Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:34 am

Thanks everyone for the input. Just bought an ART VLA II on ebay for 250, which means I've got about a 150 head start on saving up for a 163 or 160 (I think it would be great to have both options).

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Post by trodden » Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:06 am

Recycled_Brains wrote:DBX 160X makes a great vocal compressor in my experience.
yep. that and the original VLA are my two vocal comps.

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