$300-400 vocal compressor
-
- ass engineer
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:59 pm
$300-400 vocal compressor
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....
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....
-
- pushin' record
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 2:40 pm
- Location: Kansas City
- Contact:
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.
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.
greetings from Flyover Country...
- Ryan Silva
- tinnitus
- Posts: 1229
- Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2004 6:46 pm
- Location: San Francisco
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.
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
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
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.
[Asked whether his shades are prescription or just to look cool]
Guy: Well, I am the drummer.
Guy: Well, I am the drummer.
- Ryan Silva
- tinnitus
- Posts: 1229
- Joined: Sat Aug 07, 2004 6:46 pm
- Location: San Francisco
Yes, much love on the kick drum.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.
"Writing good songs is hard. recording is easy. "
MoreSpaceEcho
MoreSpaceEcho
- Recycled_Brains
- resurrected
- Posts: 2346
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2005 6:58 pm
- Location: Albany, NY
- Contact:
-
- gimme a little kick & snare
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:57 am
- Location: New England
$300-$400 compressor
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
DD
-
- ass engineer
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:59 pm
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 70 guests