What Compressor Would You Recommend Buying?

[@jontshyza]

Instructions unclear brought alpha compressor wife has now left me

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Try buting the unfairchild that'll win her back.

[@dannydaniel8975]

"a two hundred pound compressor is bad" Draft Punk: "hold my drink"

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

that was also 30 years ago or whatever you want a good compressor just get the brand new DBX 266xs or whatever it is they peddle. New in box.

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

pair of eb tech hum eliminators on input and output

[@dannydaniel8975]

@zvotaisvfi8678 Use whatever compressor you want. There are no rules, and public really doesn't give a sht whether it's an Alesis 3630 or a 1176 as long as you know what you're doing

[@drea7772]

I highly recommend trying the D.W. Fearn Compressor. It is not a clone and sounds like no other compressor since it has its own design.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

This is so far from a mastering compressor though

[@mistermusicenterprise3148]

I guess the SSL Bus+ works fine on Masterbus in F/B mode? Right? Normal on Mixbus or steams and in F/B for mastering. In M/S

[@sourcecompilestudios3554]

I've got an SPL Iron, Thermionic Phoenix, and Shadow Hills Mastering Comp, currently. I tried to get an Unfairchild but they made up some excuse about not being able to get tubes for their lack of building them at the moment, but the Alpha I'd love to add.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I know there is a massive component shortage worldwide so that could be true regarding the Unfairchild. A replacement pack of tubes is £1000. So I would imagine they are quite unique expensive tubes.

[@sourcecompilestudios3554]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Seems like Heritage coming out with their "Herchild" will be interesting to see how it compares and if they are using like components or tubes. Really hoping for a shootout between the 2.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@sourcecompilestudios3554 yeah it's £10k so it's going to be quality and I would imagine sound similar. I will be trying to get one to compare.

Hi Paul, have you ever tried any opt compressors in mastering, such as Manley ELOP+ or Millennia? There's engineer who swears by it and who absolutely avoids it. Curious what you think.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

We have the Shadow Hills optograph compressor. Which is very good. Also very rare. I don't swear by them but I'm not against using opto comps in mastering.

[@riktascale4]

Yes I liked how the question was answered. This would cater to most persons wants.

[@dimocka79]

Thank You for the great video! My 2 cents to tis topic: 200+ $ compressor: FMR Really Nice Compressor. Good one! From subtle results till nice punchy 1176- ish drums,vocals,bass,and even on the Masterbuss: it is a great compressor!😊

[@chriswalsh5925]

dammit I want that elysia now! I checked down the back of the sofa and came up with 2.50, it might be a long wait... cheers for the great vids!

[@owenkitto27]

Dose it not depend on style of music and type of sound you want? Like electronic music producers would look at opto for synths api for drums. Api 5500 eq sounds very musical

[@FrancisJoa]

Go and get a Distressor. With that you have three kinds of compressions in one box. They can emulate opto, VCA and Fet compressors.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

Correct me if im wrong but is this good advice still? You can get clones of each for less then the asking for a stereo pair of distressors.

[@astrangeandmysteriouspodca7168]

​@vigneshkarthikeyan8174 ... yes...the distressor is amazing. Or 1176 / clone.

[@druphoria]

Hey thank you so much for all the videos the reviews and your knowledge that you share with us!! Appreciate your videos!! Could you please do a review on Wes Audio NG Bus Comp?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This one will come soon. Thanks for watching

[@bassinblue]

Me and a mate did a project together and worked on several tracks for this company and both made £12k each. Mate was raving about the Elysia and I didn't understand what the fuss was about. Personally, I opted for building an extra room that extends to my garden, well insulated, sound proof, acoustically treated and purchased all the necessities and still had change left and went to Spain with it. So you are right, £10k can go to better areas, until one day we can afford it.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes it's a lovely thing to own and it sounds incredible. But it's a luxury item. Like you did 10k can be spent on a nice room that increases the value of your home and gives you a purpose built room. Great investment and what I would have done.

[@skybarqmx]

What would you recommend, SSL Bus+ or Portico II ? for a round a price of 3k-5k for a versatile compressor.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I would recommend the MBP over the bus plus.

[@skybarqmx]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks a lot!

[@YOLO-pj3hh]

I wish to get my mastering hardware next year and take some mastering lessons. What you think about this combination: Antelope Pure2 (audio converter), Barefoot Footprint03 (monitoring), Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2 (for EQ), Tegeler Audio Magnetismus 2 (for COMP), Singular Audio Tubedrve Mastering (polish the sound) or Rupert Neve Design 542 (polish the sound). Am I missing something? what else do you recommend for?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Only thing you could add out the box that will give you something you can't achieve in the box, is to add saturation. Something like a blackbox hg2.

[@voodoohex72]

smart research c1La 500 series is great in the 1200 to 2000 range for VCA comp duties.

[@studionaranja]

Good morning teachers! I wanted to ask you to see if you could help me decide, which compressor bus would you choose? for analog mastering of course, between api 2500 or Elysia xpressor? I have those two options to buy. thank you very much for your help!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@studionaranja I prefer the Xpressor over the API as a mastering compressor but if you want a bus compressor the API is more suited for bus compression. I better option for bus compression would be the Wes Audio NG Bus Comp. That's what I use.

[@KaranSarup]

Thanks for this video! appreciate your advice as always ! can you please compare the Drawmer 1978 vs Heritage Audio Successor? which one would you choose? Is the Drawmer the winner bec its more flexible? it has a separate saturation knob + Dry / Wet, vs the Successor is a Neve Style compressor that has "a Neve Sound" + shaves off the top end while adding body in the lows and mids (and thus less fkexible perhaps?)

[@riqland]

Amazing Content! I currently have a 1073 pre, and Neve Portico MBP. After watching your video I’m thinking about adding the Dangerous Compressor. What are your thoughts on pairing those 3?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The dangerous compressor is a great compressor. I have a review on this channel that will give you more insight into my thoughts on it. Very affordable compressor too.

[@lk0707]

What about EQ for mixing , and other for mastering ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

This is answered in this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXaWgX6LetuDra8

[@JohnWuMastermind]

How about Elysia xpressor neo vs Heritage Successor in the 1000 -1600 range?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The elsia xpressor is a good compressor that is very well built. Essentially it is 2 500 series units in its own dedicated box. I don't have much experience on the successor. So can't comment.

[@vineetsharma3735]

What about mastering through stock plugins ? I'm not getting maximum lufs level realtime

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I've never been a fan myself of stock plugins. That's not to say stock plugins aren't good. You will find that 3rd party plugins achieve a better sound.

[@MrStax2010]

Great vid. I’d love to see you do a review of the Manley NuMu. Have you ever used one? What are your thoughts on it if you have?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

That's one compressor I haven't used. So I really can't say too much on that apart from anything made by Manley is quality.

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

Have you tried any of the Gainlab stuff?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@user-th6rh8zp3t not in detail. Only tried out in other studios and trade shows. I wasn't a huge fan. That may change if I got the chance to sit with some of their gear for a week.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

But what about DBX160A? It' a classic, and trusted by hoardes of people (and costs around $200). While there wasn't a flat out definition for "Mastery" use. And, so what are your thoughts on it from a mixing perspective?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

It's not a compressor I would use for mastering. That's not to say it isn't good for mixing or tracking purposes. Just not for me.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you for the added context. Hopefully one day, I will earn my way toward a mastering profession with experience and capital.

[@thomasshugar5636]

I really like the Tegeler Creme. I use it the mix buss. What do you think, of the Creme?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I get asked my opinion on the Tegeler Creme every couple of days. And I have to say the same thing every time. I've used it only a handful of times and never in my own workflow, so I can't comment too much on it. However, the times I did use it, I enjoyed it.

[@HugizRecords]

Great Content! If you have to choose one, what you will pick? Bettermaker Compressor, Dangerous Compressor, SPL Iron?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

If you want instant recall or its the only compressor you plan on using in a digital setup get the bettermaker. The best compressor there for me though is the SPL iron. The dangerous is incredible though too. I really love the iron for the airbass. I did reviews recently on both the iron and dangerous compressor. You'll see my detailed thoughts on both in those.

[@HugizRecords]

​@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thank you 🙏I already got bettermaker limiter, and really like it:)

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@HugizRecords in that case a great combo would be to have both.

[@HugizRecords]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I think to save more, and maybe you can help me. SPL IRON or Phoenix Mastering compressor ?:) Thank you!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@HugizRecords spl iron 100%

[@MrJeo3000]

How about the Distressor EL8?

[@JorgeGutierrez-kd4hb]

Great videos!!! Have you ever try the Tegeler Audio Creme? Any comments on that one? Thanks a lot!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Only the once very briefly. Didn't use it enough to make am informed statement on my opinion of it. From what I remember it sounded great.

[@mixedbyedd]

Would be awesome to hear the difference between dangerous and bus+ Thanks for video

[@dextercon]

The klark teknik kt-2a is an amazing really good la 2a type compressor for $400

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

When you compared it to the UAD LA 2A emulation, didn't you find it to be nowhere near as good? What were your thoughts on it compared to a plugin or even a real LA 2A?

[@dextercon]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I compared it with a friend's warm-audio, we had almost no difference. The plugins from UAD, I haven't used it (maybe for later) but there are very positive tests on youtube comparing it with the original. For my part, I no longer use emulation since I bought it.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@dextercon the warm Audio would be another cheap compressor though. When you get a chance do a direct comparison between the kt2a and a LA2A. You'll find it very interesting.

[@alvincornistamusic8754]

Are you talking about compressors for mastering only? Just to clarify

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes this is mastering related

[@johndean5860]

What do you think about the xpressor?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I used to own the xpressor 500 and it was brilliant. Very affordable too. I sold it to replace with the museq. Found it to be a very round eq. Won't be your go to surgical eq but it'll be a great addition to add another flavour eq to the chain. The neo looks great. Be aware I think something new is coming from elysia in the new year. Not sure what but reading between the lines.

[@ukrop-chik]

What about modern drawmer? Say, 1978?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'm personally not a fan. It could work for some people.

[@karlmulligan5829]

I have a 76-KT for 200 that sounds better than the plugins

[@Groove.Saturation]

elysia alpha compressor vs shadow hills mastering compressor

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Elysia Alpha takes the win

[@Groove.Saturation]

Plugins same ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@Groove.Saturation plugin has far more flexibility

[@officialnickdavis9279]

you havn't mentioned HCL Varis?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I like the varis. I just like other compressors better in that price range. The HCL Thermos v3 was in my list of EQ'S I'd recommend

[@officialnickdavis9279]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thank you for quick reply mate, LOVE your channel ! great information.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@officialnickdavis9279 thank you

[@mchamerhead]

alpha or 670 ?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Alpha. The 670 is brilliant but the alpha is an all round Swiss army knife compressor.

[@Chris-hy6jy]

So you've never tried an FMR RNC then?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Haha good one 🤣

[@Chris-hy6jy]

@AudioAnimalsStudio I'll take that as a no then.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Chris-hy6jy oh I thought that was a joke. Yes I've used the FMR RNC and it's not something I would recommend. But if you like it you can recommend it to others. I personally wouldn't.

[@mikehunt576]

best compressor by login alliance is the amek mastering compressor...so which one would you recommend buying...even if you get them for free of pirated sites?

[@owenkitto27]

Api2600 on drums

[@viciousblissvideos]

Paul, I’m not seeing a different edition of Unfairchild anywhere. The ones for sale all seem to look like they have what your’s does based on memory. Guess maybe today I will find out what I can finance. If they give us a limit under 10k, I can go Shadow Hills or UnFairchild. Maybe Alpha. Pay the difference. Since you’ve said the Unfairchild will make its cost back decently fast, I wonder if I could take that and use the revenue to afford other things I need. Otherwise I’d have to try something like a combo of the Dangerous compressor, Looptrotter Monster, and maybe a Bettermaker Eq. Or a Blackbox in place of one of the compressors. Could also use the SPL PQ plugin until I could afford the Buzz Req 2.2. Ever try the VSC-3 plugin? Vertigo’s examples show it to be about as close to the hardware as the SPL PQ plugin is to its hardware counterpart. I’ve held off on getting the VSM-4 and VSE-4 until I know what kinda budget I’ll have for hardware.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I have the UnFairchild 670m mk2 with the expansion box. Might be the expansion box you are missing.

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio The accessory box adds a lot. Another $2400. It’d be over 12k for the demo deal and the box. Up there with the Alpha price. Hopefully I can finance that and a Buzz Req 2.2 as well. If I get lucky enough, maybe I can throw in a SHMC or Alpha. Otherwise I’m gonna have to do the 48 month stuff like Looptrotter and IGS. Maybe Dangerous on 36 months. Shadow Hills on 36 month may also be possible if we don’t get the bigger 60 month financing.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@viciousblissvideos the expansion box is essential for me. Gives so much more flexibility. It doesn't have a pre amp. It is called UNFa-1

[@viciousblissvideos]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio I just edited the message above. Thanks for all the help and I’ll make a real effort to send people your way whatever happens. If I do get this Unfairchild and have trouble making the money back, I’ll be hiring you for your consultancy services I saw you mention earlier. Actually, I will most likely do that even if I get all this stuff and people are paying me to use it.

[@iggswanna1248]

you should record your own music they said... ...yeah right.

[@antskaljurand3091]

EL8 for 1500.00

[@MELOPSMUSIC]

And IGS Tubecore.....

[@JuanNungaray]

Manley Mastering SLAM! 😉💯