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Hi Warren & David, you both mentioned in the past that for EDM and similar genres a fully ITB production may be beneficial, right? But, how exactly do you decide if analog gear is adding value to a (EDM) production or not? What is your mindset? Simply "try and error" or more sophisticated? Thanks!
how would you compare the drawner 1978 vs the klanghelm MJCU? can you do a video comparing high end plugins like the MJCU and Cytomic The Glue vs hardware compressors under $1000? your are the only person who i think it could make a good comparison video about this, thanks!
Behringer composers were used by Paul Van Dyk on his legendary Out There And Back album. His production was outstandingly good for that time. The album has such a punch! It made me borrow one (the tube version t-1952) to see how it actually works. I was pleasantly surprised as it sounded better than many (but not most) plugins on drumbus. I liked it way more than Waves SSL bus comp at that time. After all, the Composer is based on Drawmer DL241 compressor. Models MDX2000 and MDX2100 are reportedly the best ones. One compressor you didn't mention and is unfortunately less known is SPL Dynamaxx. I had it and sold it (which I regret). Super transparent. I could compress 8dB or more on the 2bus and could barely hear it. It has some cool, unique features and is basically foolproof. It would be awesome if you'd review it!
I just bought both the FMR RNC and RNLA for vocal compression and I use them together with my Avalon vt737sp with the 3 to make a nice thick vocal texture
Five * * * * * stars for FMR PBC6A. This yellow brick punches way above its weight class seriously. Pretty versatile digitaly controlled VCA, great metering, hi pass, goes from snap to thwack you name it. Can be used as set and forget, or dialed up ad nauseum, as variable knee together with "Thick" mode changing attack/release envelopes alter the compressor action, providing many ways to work with material. Perfect for tracking, particularly vox. Flawless. Alsp would not say in any way it is "dirty" or kind of a distortion box at all. It is coloured. It can be clean too, though you hear its creamy texture. One of best sounding compressors for me, next to much more expensive ones I have, had or worked with. Do not underestimate book by the cover, the PBC6A deserves a lots of praise in my opinion.
That behringer sucked It produced the worst distortion of u even got close to peaking. I once found a symetrix which is an older handmade rack mount that's popular among drummers I payed 40 at a used music store. And I got an art withtunes, swappedthem with USA made tubes and it's on par with a lower end avalon,
Nice to see Drawmer on your list. I bought a second hand Drawmer LX20 back in the early 90s that needed some work. I contacted Drawmer who fixed it for free, I just had to pay for the postage.I still use it. Great video. Thank you.
Hi David, tnx for the great video. Can I use the RNC / RNLA on my guitar pedal board alongside other pedals like overdrive etc. I mean do they function as if they were pedals? Because they seem so good. Also which one would you recommend for an electric guitar, you know for sustain and smoothing everything out. Tnx a lot David, keep up the good work!
revive audio dbx 166. germanium capacitors, nice fuzz on bass and kick, use for tracking and mix buss $330 for 2 channels , best bang for your buck!!!!!!
I've had the ART Pro VLA II compressor (as well as the ART PRO Digital MPA II Pre-Amp) and i honestly LOVE both of these. I was kind of blown away with how good they sounded for such the low price point. They give a nice warmth and tone to my recordings, and the cool thing is you can change the tubes in them to give different tones. Definitely recommend these to any one.
Excellent Review In my opinion you’re the first engineer that displays compassion and sensitivity regarding the purchasing of Outboard gear. I feel that you’re aware of the financial plight that many budding producers face when producing, recording and mixing the best quality audio/ music they can pending on their budget. It’s uplifting that you have conducted your review in terms of an ascension of price, and have been mindful not to downgrade outboard manufacturers in contrast to Industry standard audio Manufacturers Neve, SSL, API to name a few which retail at a Higher price point. That’s why I stopped subscribing and purchasing audio Magazines like Sound on Sound , because they always made me feel inadequate, as my Alesis Mixer will never sound as good as a Neve etc. Moreover, when they cite their own equipment, In a condescending fashion , pisses me off big Time 😤. “ This FMR compressors ok but not as good as my Dual Pultec’s ($4000 per unit) . I know, I’ve got kids 2 feed I’m Fucking not spending $8000 on EQ’s. Adding insult to injury I’m paying for their magazine to write this . I like your style , your straight to the point and I feel that you cater for all tastes and budgets in music , and what would be MOST HELPFUL if you can please do a ShootOut on Cheap vs Expensive Outboard Gear , So producers who are cash strapped can: Calibrate and evaluate their ears of their cheap outboard gear to expensive industry standard/Mastering Gear. This will give us a useful and measurable range to aspire to update our studio. David/ Mixbus TV “You’re Simply the Best!” T.T Keep up the great work’
Nice video David. This kind of videos make me sad, It's sad for someone who lives with Brazilian money. Here the "cheapest" hardware we only find used, and it costs the equivalent of how much a family spends to live for a few months. I hope someday have one of the cheapest in my studio. ;(
Awesome vid, thanks. I thought for sure an analog compressor in 2024 would be a rare and expensive item ... I'm relieved to know that's a thoroughly false assumption!
Did you heard of the brand FREDENSTEIN David?? A few years ago I bought their vas preamp and they offer great value for money...;) ( I think it,s Golden Age Project alike )
Dave, I just grabbed a Drawmer saturator,Comp 3A & an interface. My question is Do you feel the RNLA is better than using a plug-in comp for drum bus & drum sidechain ?
Hello David, thank you for this video, very useful. Please, I need your advice. I have a Manley Core and I'm happy with it, I don't change it for anything, but I'm missing a compressor for Bus Stereo ("master") and I want HW, could you tell me if an ART VLA2, SCL 2 or an FMR 1773 suits me better, or some other that you can think of in that price range. I want a Stereo compressor that doesn't spoil the sound quality of the Manley and be able to use it in Stereo,... If I had money, I would buy another Manley,... Thank you very much,
Amigo, me están vendiendo un compresor Dod 866 en 75 dólares tiene como de 12 años pero se ve muy bien estéticamente. Será que vale la pena? Sería mi primer equipo analógico.
Amazing video ! I'm considering going outside the box this year because I can't stand mixing with a mouse and screen. So having this kind of video is absolutely great :)
My first compresor was the Alesis 3630 ........wait I know that a lot of people give bad rap on it, but back in the 90’s, I used it along Valley People, Drawmer , BSS , dBx and Behringer. Beilive me that many colleagues and producer were surprised with it. Also I Think the Joe eek and Tonelux could be on the list. Thanks for you videos.
I had 1 of those, and used it for gigs back in the day. It worked great for that as it was inexpensive, did what it was supposed to, and had lots of pretty led lights. The only drawback is the noise floor is hideous at low signal. In live environments, it works well as live gigs are really noisy to begin with. The noise was really noticeable when the PA was turned up with no signal going through. Cheers.
The really nice compressor is an unbalanced comp, but you can get an ART audio unbalanced to balanced outboard converter for about 70 bucks, and that's Canadian dollars. Worth it.
Art VLA is definitely a sleeper. David, what do you think about 3rd party mods like Black Lion Audio? Revive Audio? I have the the modded DIGI 002 and it sounds way better than a lot of new interfaces. Black Lion kicks ass IMO. Thanks.
Hi david! I really love your videos! I would like to know, for you, what are the best cheap gear to make my first mastering analog chain. I think the ART PRO VLAII would be my first choice to my "compressor" instance. im a big fan of you! all the best from Argentina!
currently putting money aside for the 1978, - still got all my old Drawmers, dl241, 251, 441, ds201 x2 and a df320, all XLR and built like tanks - almost 30yrs old, and never one problem with any unit, - if only dbx were built as good, my 118 is still going strong, but the 166 died years ago. nice video David, and a great summary of each unit
And I agree and disagree about what u said about tubes, yes it is all about the build quality but if I take that art u had compared to the one with tubes you would say the extra 80 bucks is totally worth it even though there the same design. It makes vocals definitely cuts through the track better. Big ups from texas
I have 2 of the 500-series DBX-560A, it's really a great compressor for the bucks. I had an original '70's DBX-160 that got stolen from me, never got another until the 500-Series 560A came out. It's my go to comp. love it for Kick & bass gtr. too. Nice vid bro !
I've been following you for a while now, just wanted to say that I feel your channel is the most informative and, more importantly, I feel that I can trust you. I'm skeptical on most of the other big channels. It is most obvious to ask you to do same kind of video for EQs, but what my bigest wish is if YOU can review new K.Teknik EQP-KT. It is most affordable hardware EQ and as such, many people will get hands on, nevertheless, I'm interested what impression does it leave on experienced engineer.Thank you!
Yes great vid David ! I have an La Audio "Black Face" Classic compressor made by Guy Martin back in the 80's.. that's my go to harware comp along with Distressor. Also have a Fairchild 688 I use on bass and sometimes vocals. ITB I've started using the Softube FET compressor.. that's quite cool.. very usable.
I have a pair of the kt -76 and they are great comps... they are super clean and transparent so if your looking for color these are not going to be your choice
I remember when I bought the MDX2200, I was shocked about the awful build quality, no real knobs, but plastic pins stuck through the housing into cheap, wobbly, open pot-meters and it couldn't live up to its predecessors in any way. The sound seemed as wobbly as the knobs, the gates where bad and there was hardly any compression going on at all, it was a real piece of crap. I see this one still has the same Asian build and not the original quality, cant judge the knobs or sound from where I sit, but what I see scares me. Never the less, I still have the MDX2000 and MDX2100 and they've been performing well for me, for over 20 years, they're nice and clean and they just dont quit
I've been watching this video repeatedly lately as I learn compressors and shop for something entry level. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in so many great videos. You have a great approach to how you think of gear. Always honest and pragmatic.
@@bioburden yeah, that is accurate. he only reviewed the compressor. I actually don't remember if it was supposed to be a wa-76 copy or an La2a copy. but it was one of the two.
PBC 6A in my opinion is among the best of the selection. Digitally controlled VCA, continuous variable knee for adjusting level dependent ratio. Great for tracking, although but slower in action. Absolute killer on bass, vocals, snares. Vintage sound, nice colour & texture, and wide options available, from thickening or softening material to smacking stuff to pieces. Definitely not clean, yet not dirty, but rather coloured. Side chain filter. Linked on to second unit it makes nice bus compressor. Definitely a sleeper, among many more expensive boxes.
Man...... you've just answered so many questions I've had for so many years which made me hesitant to buy certain compressors. Thank you so so much! You're always giving so much true and extremely valuable knowledge. It's good to see you still climbing up doing big things. You seem a lot happier too. Thank you again as always!
Hmm, I've recently got a very warm sounding TF CU-29 Copperhead tube mic, I'm using it with my WA73-EQ preamp and WA76 compressor for tracking male singing and it sounds great. I also have a Black Lion Audio Bl73 preamp which is perhaps a little brighter, I'm looking for a cleaner compressor to pair with it, maybe the RNC or GAP LA3A? Just for an alternative chain. (My singer sounds a bit like Harry Connick jr, I'm currently also trying a much brighter mic, the Beyer M201 thorough the WA chain)
“Sounds better” is completely subjective, personally I get way more joy getting a great sound out of the cheapest possible equipment. Be an Anti gear god.
I have one. question i want to start mixong with analog Gears , Butt i cznt affiet a big rack could you like single out most important gear i need to start off ,like one off each eg, comp,reverb' eq etc
Excellent video and very informative, I have learned a lot. Could you please make a video: Top 10 Cheapest Analog Preamp You Can Buy, it would be awesome!!!
I wish more people did this kind of thing: Hello>To the point>elaborating a little bit for every product (but not rambling, you said important stuff about each product). Having said that, would the best comp for vocals a la Skid Row/Power Ballad (Sebastian Bach) be the Golden Age Project Comp-2A? Thanks.
I just bought the FMR Audio RNC and the RNLA. Soon i'll buy their preamps and PBC comps too. The RNLA has no balanced in and outputs;) That doesn't matter. Great stuff. I've got 6 pieces of wonder in 2RU!
Good video. But please add a high-pass filter on your videos. Cut below 100 hz. Put it only on the parts with you talking. Remove it for any music. About 12 times during this video I heard what sounded like a big truck going by your house. Or someone punching in loud bass guitar in the next room.
Thanks for ur detailed 👌🏽 infos,would u please recommend a budget master compressor for me,i just want something i can use in my home studio to sum and master my beats..thanks for ur anticipated quick response ✌🏽
In the 500ish range which compressor do you think will sound best when paired with a Neumann Tlm103 & Great River ME-1NV pre? (For hip hop & pop vocals) I know the great river is transparent so I was thinking the golden age to add a little bit of color but just wanted your opinion 🙏
Tracking? Comp-2A is a safe bet, altho' I like 76 for tracking vocals (rap) better, but you can't find one for less than 1.2K (don't buy junk), so I would highly consider the FMR RNLA for you
Hi David, thank you for these reviews as it has helped me a lot in my journey in slowly building my home recording studio. I have finally pulled the trigger in getting my 1st opto compressor with the Golden Age Project Comp 3A. Keep it up. Thanks, and God bless.
Thanks for the info! Love your videos! I'm an electric guitarist, and I use a rack-based system. I use a pedal compressor in front of my amp for that "squash" compression sound on clean tones. I have seen some people using a line-level rack compressor (e.g., DBX160), to squash their clean tone. My question is -> Is there a "benefit" to using one method vs the other? What does the rack compressor get me, that the pedal lacks? Thanks for your help!!! :)
Generally speaking, if you get a studio grade compressor (not just because they're rack they're better) you have better control, better quality. DBX is a standard, you could also look into FMR RNC, one of the best for this purpose
@@ian1eh944 if you want color, do you want color? What kind? Do you want it all the time? Because the PBC is hella colored and it's also very tricky with the gain stage. Color is not automatically better, it's color. RNC would be a much more versatile choice, not just for color or not
@@mixbustv Ok, I am looking for a warm sounding comp for my clean guitar tones.....think funky clean rhythms from Nile Rodgers.... Thanks so much for responding too! :)
