Need Good Compressor For Vocals

[SHC]

I've got an old dbx 1066 and Waves Native Gold Bundle with its various compressors. I've been told, however, that vocals need to be compressed prior to hitting my DAW (G4 w/dual 500's) so Waves won't help and the 1066 isn't doing the job. I'd like to spend $1,000 or less and would appreciate anyone's opinion. Thanks.

Scott

[bassmac]

Save up a little more and get a 1176 or a Distressor.

[danocaster]

I got a distressor used on ebay for $1000 and you can use it on EVERYTHING w/ great results. Certainly one of those swiss army knife tools- highly reccomended !!

[unclemurray]

...or you could save $1000 and get an FMR RNC compressor for like $200. They KILL on vocals! Save the dough and get a good mic or 2 to go with it...

[murph16]

It doesn't HAVE to be recorded with compression, just a good idea. You CAN record dry and add the Waves comps later, but tracking with a mild, smooth compression keeps the track workable, and gives the vocal some "life".
For a grand, you could spend months comparing great, pro-quality tube compressors. just a matter of preference. The first piece of outboard gear I bought after Digi001 was the DBX 576 (mic pre AND comp). I use it EVERY day!
It lists for $1000, sells for around 800. They all do.
Happy compressor shopping! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[asterox]

i've heard good buzz about the RNC. what are others' opinions of it? I've heard it compares favorably to much more expensive compressors...

[where02190]

The TL Audio C1 mic pre/compressor is a great unit. The Distressors are God.
Be wary of the cheap stuff.
What you using for a mic and preamp?
True you do not need to comp vocals when tracking, however I almost always do, using either the previously mentioned TL unit or an HHB Radius preamp with a Distressor. Vocal mics of choice are (in no particular order) AKG C400B, AKG C414B ULS and Audio Technica 4033a.
Our website has many tracks that you can listen to for examples.

[asterox]

where02190 - i've read alot of your posts and you seem pretty knowledgeable. have you used the RNC? I'm on a pretty tight budget so I can't really look at the HHB or the TLAudio equipment seriously.

What might be a good compressor for around 500 bucks? Or at least serviceable? I'm doing mostly rock so it doesn't have to be absolutely silky smooth and pristine sound.

Thanks for your time!

[valvebrother]

I use a mono UREI LA4 for vocals, and it sound great. 650 or thereabouts. Great on bass and electric guitar also.

Damon

[lwilliam]

I used to use a DBX 166 or a Urei/JBL 7110 for vocals. They are now collecting dust in my rack since I got the RNC. In the "Super-Nice" mode, the RNC's about as transparent as I've heard. When adjusted properly, I have a hard time telling that I'm compressing anything.

It's NOT a "character" compressor like some of the "classic" comps, but just clean. $175 from Mercenary. It's definitely one of the best buys on the market - in any category. I know some guys that own several of them and use them as well as Distressors, 1176s, etc.

There are three negatives to it:

1. It operates at -10 unbalanced only (1/4" jack); this isn't a problem for most 001 users.

2. You can't use it as two mono compressors. It's stereo only - or in the case of vocals - mono only.

3. It uses a wall wart type of power supply.

All three of these negatives are a good chunk of what keeps the cost incredibly low. They didn't compromise on the sound.

The RNC is normalled between my preamp output and RME converters. I use it on every vocal track and probably will continue to do so until I can afford to spend $1000 on a comp.