Compressors & Preamps

[curb]

Hi I have been looking through numerous amounts of compressors and preamps made by many different companys, but the only true way to decide on a good product is to see it in action. Right now Ive got about $1700 to spend on one good compressor, and one good preamp, directly focused on vocal tracking. What do you guys use out there or have heard is worth spending your money on? (starting my first studio)

Brody B

[PTUser NYC]

The best advice I can give you is to make a list of things you would buy if you had a budget of $10,000. Then buy something from that list. If you don't get a mic pre AND compressor - that's ok.

I don't think $1,700 is enough to get a mic pre AND compressor of superior quality. You'd hate to spend $1,700 on something that you would sell later. Much better to buy something you'll keep forever.

The usual suspects:

Neve 1073 (or 1089) or Neve 1272
API 312
1176LN
LA2a

Any of these you'll keep forever.

[doug_hti]

i'd have to say definately a avalon vt737.
preamp/comp/eq...
I love mine!
yes the comp will be criticized by some, but I use as a very mild limiter with vocals (high ratio, high threshold) and it works fine!!!
There are also some top session players running all their guitars through a 737 as well and slamming the compressor.

[seeds]

I agree with the 737 if you only have 1700 because it will do great for many other things (bass, guitar, etc)

But if you could afford a tad more I'd get the Vintec 1272 and a distressor. Maybe both for around $2100-2200.

[Kenny Gioia]

Neve 1272 and Distressor. A bit more but hey!!

[tptman]

Focusrite Red7 has worked great for me for this situation.

[Helminthes]

I'm curious if anyone's tried the Distressor trick where it mimics an LA2A. I should be correct in saying if you turn the Distressor's Attack and Release times up to 10 and also the ratio to 10:1 it's supposed to be just like an LA2A. I haven't worked with an LA2A and am curious how this sounds to you guys. Also, what are the best applications for the (once again) LA2A? Thanks.

Mike

[audiaudio]

Originally posted by Helminthes:
I'm curious if anyone's tried the Distressor trick where it mimics an LA2A.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Produceher,

From listening to your work, I suspect that you're using the Distressor on vocals to mimic the LA2A.

Would you mind sharing your settings?

Gracias.

[audiaudio]

Originally posted by Fidelis:
Where can I find a Neve 1272?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Go to the Brent Averill website.

Averill's 1272 is a beautiful thing.

Buy one. You won't be sorry.

[MidnightFlyer]

Ditto on those 1272 modules. Beautiful. I went to Brent's shop and A/B'd the Neve 1272's and the 1272 modules that he makes. Identical sound, only his modules are a hundred dollars less than the Neves. The only reason to have the word 'Neve' written on the module is to impress clients, I guess. If that's not an issue, save a hundred bucks and get a 1272 module. (or two) [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]