What's the most versatile good sounding...

[gvees]

... Compressor around in RTAS format to use with PT LE..?
(And don't tell me to get a hardware external one since there's no ADC yet-pun intended)

I kind of like the stock digi Dyn3, but feel that it colours my vocals to much in an annoying way.. It sounds a little thinner.

Do you guys know which comp out there is way better and sounds thick (UAD quality like)..

[AlexLakis]

I don't think there's one end-all compressor plugin that does it all; I use a few depending on what I'm going for:

Sonalksis SV-315 is very versatile, but is pretty transparent (you won't find your "thickness" here.)

Massey's CT4 is very simple, quick, and affordable, and colors the sound subtly in a specific way (I've found it makes the sound more "narrow" in most cases, which is not a bad thing if used in the right places.) Still, not what I'd consider "thick."

Stillwell's Rocket is a very colorful compressor that can sound thick as hell and can apply varying degrees of pleasing harmonic distortion to your signal (although I wouldn't classify it as a "clean" or "transparant" plugin.) It's VST only, tho, so you'll need to invest in Fxpansion's VST-RTAS wrapper if you want to use it.

Sonnox Sony Oxford Dynamics might be the most versatile out there, as it incorporates many different stages. I didn't wind up using it enough to purchase it, tho (just my preference, I guess.) Still, this might be a good option for you.

Those are my three go-to compressor plugins in Pro Tools; I sold my UAD-1s a long time ago and I don't miss them one bit. Check out the manufacturer's websites and download some demos and see which one gets you where you want to be! I should also say that I use hardware compression/limiting on the way in a lot, tho (1176, Fatso, DBX 160XT, RNLA.)

[gvees]

Great info, thanks..!

I just did some video watching on the site of UAD and I must admit that their plugs sound great, very musical.. from your description I'll first take a look at Sonnox's.. thanks!

And I just found this one: http://audiomidi.com/Blue-Tubes-Anal...al-P12838.aspx
Anyone familiar with it? at $15 it really looks like a 'no-brainer'.. :)

[AlexLakis]

I've demo'd out Nomad Factory plugins in the past, and their sound quality has been TERRIBLE. Maybe they've gotten better over the years, but their plugins were easily some of the worst-sounding I've ever come in contact with. Straight up digital clipping sounds better than their idea of "harmonic distortion."

Again, try the demos, it's really the only way you can ensure you'll get what you want!

[albee1952]

While I have several others (SSL, Waves Mercury bundle) , I prefer the BF76 and SMACK! as my "go to" compressors. Maybe its the way they "work" as opposed to the way they sound? I find them very predictable and easy to use. I use the Waves SSL bus compressor for drums. Opinions will vary.

[daeron80]

I just bought that Nomad Blue Tubes Analog Tracker plug and love it. Demoed it for a few days, and decided for the price, I just had to have it. The compressor combined with the tube saturation makes for a pretty big sound, I think. The high shelf EQ seems to be silky-smooth, too. It's only gonna be $15 for a couple more days, so grab it while you can. Even if it doesn't end up being your main vocal compressor, it will be a great tool for lots of things.

[mano111]

The relatively new Waves CLA 1176 is my new favorite. Perfect for vocals. Waves classic V-comp (Neve style sorta) is also amazing in its unique coloring.

[soundmaster]

I would also try out Voxengo "Voxformer" and "Marquis". VST only but very musicaly sounding. I´ve tried a LOT and Voxformer is my way to go for Vocals and Marquis mostly for the Drum-Bus. For RTAS "Smack" is fine too.
I tried out Blue Tube today and am not impressed.

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by gvees

Great info, thanks..!

I just did some video watching on the site of UAD and I must admit that their plugs sound great, very musical.. from your description I'll first take a look at Sonnox's.. thanks!

And I just found this one: http://audiomidi.com/Blue-Tubes-Anal...al-P12838.aspx
Anyone familiar with it? at $15 it really looks like a 'no-brainer'.. :)

I just took the $15. plunge. I just need to find an empty spot on an ilok.

[ondruspat]

Originally Posted by TOM@METRO

I just took the $15. plunge. I just need to find an empty spot on an ilok.

Empty spot on an ilok??? You don't have yours filled with expired demos?? I thought everyone did!!!...


(but I did find enough space for the $15 deal!! LOL!!)