Compressor mainly for vocals

[TCM]

Hey folks,
I need some advice concerning an outboard compressor to go with my Neve 1073.

If there is a device with two channels which I can put on the 2buss, that will be cool, but not necessary.

A friend suggested a UA 1176 AE or a Distressor. As I didn't have the opportunity to test them with my mics so far. I first want to see what you guys suggest.

I don't post this on GS as there is too much marketing hype there.

My main voc mics are Brauner Phantom, BeesNeez Arabella, custom made FET transformerless U47 (from JP, the mic designer of ADK), MXL 69 ME, ADK Hamburg and believe it or not ADK S7.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance to everybody.

[barismanco123]

I have had really nice tight vocal with great warm tones using the Neve 1073 and the Drawmer 1968 Compressor. It's a very versatile compressor and has stereo or mono inputs. Sounds great on more than just vocals too which will be a bonus for you. Just for you information I was also using the Blue KIWI microphone into the pre then comp. That particular setip has always stuck in my mind - the room was treated very well and I was monitoring on NS10's.

Good luck!

[albee1952]

What's your budget? The 1176 and Distressor are both solid and proven. If you can afford those, I don't see a logical reason to NOT get one of those. For those on a tight budget, the FMR RNC is a great value(but its no 1176 or Distressor).

[Gravyblue]

Personally, I use a Summit TLA100 with my Neve 33114's, which is very nice. 1176's good, but sometimes a bit sibillant, Distressors good but maybe a bit characterless, Dbx 160rm's if you don't use too much compression, Tubetech's are nice on vocals, but again can be sibillant. Manley varimu is probably hard to justify the cost . The ssl/smart research is a great bus compressor, but not a first choice for tracking vocals. Joe meek if you prefer the sound of mp3's........

[relaxo]

the sta-level is reigns supreme

[Craig F]

Originally Posted by relaxo

the sta-level is reigns supreme

until the output tubs fail

I say one throw a nice 3" arc when it was unpatched
sent the assistant across the control room

[relaxo]

Seriously? Is my little monster known to be an executioner?

[TOM@METRO]

Originally Posted by TCM

Hey folks,
I need some advice concerning an outboard compressor to go with my Neve 1073.

If there is a device with two channels which I can put on the 2buss, that will be cool, but not necessary.

A friend suggested a UA 1176 AE or a Distressor. As I didn't have the opportunity to test them with my mics so far. I first want to see what you guys suggest.

I don't post this on GS as there is too much marketing hype there.

My main voc mics are Brauner Phantom, BeesNeez Arabella, custom made FET transformerless U47 (from JP, the mic designer of ADK), MXL 69 ME, ADK Hamburg and believe it or not ADK S7.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance to everybody.

I run two orginal UA 1176 LN outboard compressors and would not trade them for any other.

[danander11]

When I first saw this thread this morning I swear it read:

Compressor for manly vocals

I thought to myself, "I need one of those"... you see, as a singer I make a pretty good drummer. A poor Anthony Newley with gravel in his voice if you will...

I think I'm going back to bed.

[Craig F]

Originally Posted by relaxo

Seriously? Is my little monster known to be an executioner?

I don't know what the actual failure was in the unit but yes it did happen and it also took the input IC of the A820 out.

My assumption was output tube failure of some sort.