Best Hardware Compressors For Music Production In 2023

[@Producelikeapro]

What are some of your favourite compressors, digital or hardware? Share below!

[@badmonkeymusicproductions3569]

API 2500 plus, is probably the best compressor ever built.

[@mystikrebel1089]

Warren what' s good common compressor settings for lead vocals ?

[@Producelikeapro]

For which compressor?@@mystikrebel1089

[@Producelikeapro]

Yowsa!@@badmonkeymusicproductions3569 That's a big statement! Even on the Master Bus?

[@badmonkeymusicproductions3569]

@@Producelikeapro I know. I reserve my judgments... Vance Powell swore by it. I tried it. It just makes everything sit right. Like unruly children in a classroom. Gets every thing to be in place.

[@legacyShredder1]

I've hit the point in my life that I own everything you've labeled as your top favorites in this mini-series, and in many cases I own pairs. At one point in time I remember thinking that a $300 microphone and a cheap interface was all I could ever afford. I couldn't have dreamt of being where I am today with a studio filled with the best gear. I love my job.

[@lortakeover2129]

What would you say your best gear for vocals

[@stevenwhite3749]

I needed to see this comment time to dream big

[@legacyShredder1]

@@stevenwhite3749 Hey Steven. Just so you know I wasn't born into money. I started out my career broke as a joke. If a dummy like me can do this then anyone can. Do it big.

[@Producelikeapro]

Dream big indeed!@@stevenwhite3749

[@Producelikeapro]

Dream big my friend! Thanks ever so much!

[@wyrlismike]

I dont think i ever liked the compression i got on my 2 bus until i got a hardware ssl g comp, all the sudden i got why so many of my fav records sounded the way they did

[@GuitarMonkey5180]

I only have one compressor, and it is the Distressor. It definitely is worth it.

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@1erwayne]

I’ve had 1 of my distressors go up twice but it was fixed in record time FOR FREE. Most versatile comps I have. Great video.

[@boonie2006]

My alesis 3630 which cost me 5 pounds about 20 years ago on eBay and still works fine!

[@Producelikeapro]

I used to have one! Fiddly to use and the low end disappears with aggressive compression

[@ostfeldhahnemoser]

My favourite one is the SSL Bus+ love it for everything!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@simmermusic3894]

At the studio facility we've worked with a Urei 1178 which has a phenomenal character to it. At home my favourites right now are the UAD distressor, as well as the UAD Manley Vari-mu (its almost always on my mixbus) and I love the UAD Fairchilds, they just thicken up the sound so nicely. Also there's pretty much always the UAD 1176 on a mix or production somewhere as well.. As for multiband I love the Lindell MBC right now, it has such an analog vibe. I do have the SSL Bus Compressor (with the UC1 and UF8) and it's great, but not on every occasion.

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

Thanks for taking the discussion on Compressors to the entire world ...... I would prefer using Distrossor too in my next big Event mix.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@tjsmith7499]

FmR RNC, RNLA, Drawmer d241, dbx 1066. All purchased used. All work fine for me.

[@EmperorKamikaze]

Nods head to Drawmer 241

[@shaharkarp4357]

Amazing video series, so much fun! Thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! Really glad you enjoyed it

[@3rdGen-Media]

Ooh I've been waiting for this one, can we get a video on the new ELI Pump vs Distressor? I am very interested in making this my first 500 series choice Yes to 1176 at the end of a chain

[@PaoloMilani]

Yes please! I'm very interested too in a PUMP vs Distressor, the 500 would be my first choice for rack space reasons

[@Producelikeapro]

Would love to do that!!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@PaoloMilaniMarvellous idea

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I'm mostly a guitarist but love learning about recording gear. All my gear is home studio grade right now but I'm SLOWLY upgrading. I'm running an Alesis 3630 currently, which was a huge step up from a Nano Compressor. Great vid. Really loving the content... 😊😊😊

[@BeauStephenson]

That purple MC77 is AMAZINGGGGGGGG. It has a really hi-fi soundstage.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@PaoloMilani]

I am astonished and amazed by the Elysia Mpressor 500 series. I use them often on either the drum bus or parallel drum bus. Great bang for the buck.

[@Producelikeapro]

So good! I should have featured them! Doh!!

[@whisperthiefmusic]

I've just read your comment after leaving mine! I have the stereo Xpressor and the super quick to super slow attack and release times on these make them ssoooo useful. It took me a while to get to know it as just a small movement on the attack time can take you from super quick to medium but once you've got it worked out it's a total work horse of a unit. I love mine

[@PaoloMilani]

@@whisperthiefmusic I also have the Xpressor 500. But that sounds entirely different, the Mpressor is another animal and what it does on drums I cannot get it out of Xpressor

[@findJLF]

I have the Elysia Xpressor and Xfilter 500 series units on my Mix bus. They're such high quality, clean, effective pieces of gear..

[@nutsosix7930]

isn't that X for hardware?

[@dobrocat1]

I have many, but the RCA BA-25 is my tone fave. The Neve 543 and 545 for modern clean ones and the Chandler 124’s for virtually everything.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@BMugzMusic]

I got a Fatso from empirical labs few different compressor choices on it. def diggin it, especially the Bus option on there. Have the SSL bus compressor also and with the warmth the Fatso gives me a color I can't get with the SSL

[@whileimgaming]

My best buy for this year: Wes audio rhea. Absolute beast.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

Great video! I started, back in the mid 80s, tracking on my Portastudio with a dbx 163X Over Easy Compressor, which is an amazingly forgiving compressor that really gives good results. I mean, there's just one dial for gain and one slider for amount. How can you go wrong? Great little workhorse.

[@adamphillips6747]

1176, Distressor, 160 for mono and for buss 2500 and 33609. If you have these you’re set.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@Dan_Mahoney]

EL's Arouser, UAD Stuff and some Brainworx mastering compressors. Haven't gone hardware yet, but it will be a set of Distressors. The Arouser works very well from them. Good stuff Warren!

[@Faraday100]

Surprising to hear the repeated pushing of the Warms. They fall into the category of "looks like what it 's imitating more than it sounds like what it's imitating" and are cheap because the components and assembly are cheap. Has this been reviewed for compliance with the FTC's guidelines under the Consumer Review Fairness Act?

[@AbsurdTV1]

Fun video 🎉🎉🎉🎉 love compressors.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@PeetiePeete]

SSL G clones are awesome as well. I've got the one made by Audioscape.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@MrPaultheguitar]

Found an 1176 in reaper will use that and my tascam cassette portastudio

[@EmperorKamikaze]

I dig it

[@findJLF]

Loving this top-5 series. Thank you Warren. For compressors here are some of my favourites:: SLA level - it's a beast of a mono valve compressor. Epic on vocals. Mine is made by Giles Audio Valley People 610 - super fast , versatile. Reliable. the dBX DDP - which is a digital compressor from dBX - now discontinued. I recommend people check that out... amazing functionality in a one-RU box

[@justice6480]

Loopyrotter monster and the thermionc phoenix

[@ernestbuckley8671]

My top 5… 1) Distressor (This is the most versatile compressor ever made so get this first.) 2-5 in no specific order… 2) CL-1b… super smooth… THE #1 vocal compressor. 3) MC77… best 1176 emulation, sounds great, superior build over any other emulation 4) Neve 33609… incredible on the drum buss and great on mix buss if used gently 5) RND Master Buss Processor…. an incredibly flexible compressor. The SFE module is ridiculous, the silk modes, and the limiter just put it in my top 5. Honorable mentions: the Manley Vari-Mu and Fairchild.

[@sabomusicllc8165]

33609 is definitely one of my favorites, it’s surprisingly versatile, I like it on stereo sources like OH, piano, and it works well for bass too. Can be pretty transparent or aggressive.

[@JohnGauge790]

I like my API 2500. One of the most versatile out there. Literally can sound great on anything.

[@findJLF]

I was surprised API wasn't in the list to be honest. There were two gorgeous API desks sitting in the shot the whole time, so I guess they still 'got the face on television'. I would have thought the 2500 would be on many people's list.

[@JohnGauge790]

@@findJLF You can get it to sound like a few different comps and it’s stereo and sounds great on the 2 buss 🤷

[@siriusfun]

I love my 2500 - it's on literally every mix. I also use a Manley Vari-Mu and Massive Passive after it when the material calls for it. (incidentally, the console they're sitting at is actually a Rupert Neve Designs 5088 - also a beautiful piece of gear!) @@findJLF

[@siriusfun]

Indeed! I often use it in dual mono for an even wider soundstage. Perfection!@@JohnGauge790

[@JohnGauge790]

@@siriusfun nice. I follow mine with the Neve portico 2 MBP. Burl front to back.

[@LesterWayneDobos]

Kind of sad nothing was mentioned about the Neve 2254 in the right rack. Been falling back to the UAD-2 version after trying the Lindell 254 which is a fantastic iteration by the way.

[@7400TWISS]

I think the best imo is the dw fearn vt7. Just landed one a month ago and my sweet goodness. Amazing for vocals, no artifacts. So much dimension for mix bus

[@peterlawlor5237]

Great video and great selection. Two of my favourites that weren't featured: 1. Thermionic Culture Phoenix 2. Valley People 610 (which I've had for a long long time).

[@MrTele57]

Phoenix here also and the original Buzz Audio Also DAV electronics with the filters.

[@findJLF]

Agreed - the Valley People 610 is so versatile. Talk about fast ...

[@galgogergo]

​@@MrTele57what about the Buzz, how do you find it sonically?

[@MrTele57]

@@galgogergo Buzz Audio SOC 1.1. Words can be so subjective, here goes : I find it has a presence , a sheen ,authority solidity if that makes sense. Kind of use it on everything at tracking ,to taste, and great for 2 buss. Great metering , which can help one perhaps back off preamp levels at times 😎. Really good for guitar stems . From memory I believe it’s an opto design but fast for an opto. Definitely has a vibe. Great for vocals and bass. Hope that helps.

[@galgogergo]

@@MrTele57 yes, thanks! Could you compare it to other comps? (Especially optos if possible) I've heard people say it reminds them to the Tube-tech, interestingly.

[@Audiojunkk]

Great video!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Audiojunkk]

@@Producelikeapro my pleasure, you have done so much for the community with these wonderful videos and insight. Just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work over all these years! It really is appreciated!

[@WanderingRobotStudio]

Love my looptrotter monster, or a pair of neve portico II channels.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@MCEEZR]

I use the WA76 in conjunction with the 2A-KT. They are budget compressors but I love them both. Especially the wa76. I also have the RNC 1773, a 76-KT and the dbx 266XL comp/gate 2 channel unit. I’m in budget hardware comp heaven.

[@legacyShredder1]

Budget hardware comp heaven.. lol that's hilarious. But good for you, I hope you're doing cool stuff with them.

[@shaft9000]

"budget hardware comp heaven" ....or financial hell? Because using 2 great compressors is much better than making do with 5 or more decent-to-mediocre ones that add up to similar money. The FMR stuff is good value but not going to beat anything over $500, while the KT and WA will break down sooner than later.

[@antcall6779]

Klanghelm mjuc & mv2 great as always warren 🤘

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely LOVE the MJUC!

[@josemora9907]

Hi Warren, all this quality equipment is very expensive and even more so if they are stereo, could we pass a stereo signal through a mono equipment, passing l and r separately, process them in the same way and join them again in a stereo file? Would there be problems? Thank you for your teachings. Kisses from Palma de Mallorca

[@DanielS10291]

I often wonder this, apparently not, but i havent had it explained to me why exactly, if theyre ‘linked’ with the same settings how can it make a difference?

[@J-DUB-F1]

My first experience with a Vari Mu was having a project mastered at Capitol. I was watching the thing carefully and the needles never moved. I asked the engineer if it was on?. He said oh yes, and I mentioned the needles weren't moving. He then explained why he rarely ever wanted to see them moving more than a pinch......He told me, as you stated, if you see them really moving it's too much. In the $1000-2000 range, the WA-1B and Distressor are compelling options. For $1200 you get very VERY close to a classic, and for a few hundred and change more, you get ultimate versatility.......????? 🤔. Think about this, you can have both of them, for less than one CL-1B. I think you're pretty much covered if you can only have two hardware comps 💁‍♂👍

[@J-DUB-F1]

and one more thing...........can't gloss over those superb socks!! 😉👍

[@Producelikeapro]

Hahah thanks for the sock comment! Always good to have a little eccentricity

[@shaft9000]

"ultimate versatility" = (at least) a pair each of VCA, opto, vari-mu, diode bridge, PWM, feed-forward and mid/side-capable compressors

[@richfab8667]

Here is my collection 2x UREI LA-4A with EC mods, Alan Smart C1, API T25, JDK R-22 , DBX 166A - DBX 166XL . UA 1776, WARM WA 76, 2x Daking 9179 FET. I also have 2x Joemeek channel strips with his opto compressor's built in. All this routed through an SSL Matrix with it's digital insert patch bay.

[@nahswille5463]

Super great stuff really, how about Shadow Hills?

[@PharaohLawLess1]

My favourite compressor that I own is the Warm Audio Bus Comp. But I think my favourite I would love to buy is the Weight Tank by Locomotive Audio (a vari-mu compressor) and the TubeTec cl-1b. I would love to have those 2 one day in my life. Now in terms of plugins I love the Acustica Audio Titanium 3. And I love the UVI Opal and I love the Leapwing DynOne 3. On a mixbus I’m gonna reach for the God Particle

[@1loveMusic2003]

Find the right 2 bus compressor after gain staging and mix into it. It works!

[@jeremythornton433]

As a low budget home studio guy, I'd love to see your "best bang for the buck" video on pre-amps and compressors. I'm using a Presonus StduioLive 32 SC as my main interface but for vocals I first go through my Behringer Tube Ultragain Pro 11953 stereo Pre-amp into my ART Pro Vla II compressor. These run into channels 1 and 2 on my mixer with the gains properly adjusted. I'd love to get into the high end gear but I simply can't justify it nor afford it. It's just a hobby studio. But a nice little one.

[@rjb7569]

I wholeheartedly agree. More advice on moderately priced gear would be beneficial. I imagine there are more of us watching Warren than top end studio folks (of course, they view) simply because there are more of us out here with more moderate studios.

[@shaft9000]

Under $500 it's these two, all day every day: FMR RNC for transparency and/or the RNLA for vinrage-y color. A dbx 160X or 160A can be another good investment, but by the time you have 5+ cheap ones it's way better to sell them all and put it towards a $1000+ unit. Warm and KT are ok for low-demand work, but will break sooner than later under heavy duty session work.

[@clintonmaher6930]

Looptrotter Emperor 500 series! (I'm sure the rack version is great too). That thing is different to anything else around.

[@PeaKock-be]

Wes audio really improved the ssl bus comp

[@papa_da_engineer]

Awesome video 🎉🎉👍👍💯💯

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

That warm audio 1176 is in my list to try out this hybrid thing.

[@shaft9000]

imho WA is junk, save a little more and buy an Audioscape instead - far superior

[@dbaker5478]

Great video!!!!!..... I think that at least one of the Audioscape 76 compressors should have been mentioned... Their 1176 style compressors are absolutely amazing in my opinion!!!!!....

[@hauntedbytheliving1175]

This was a sales pitch/commercial for Sweetwater sold gear only.

[@mccorrisken]

Great mini series, marvelous content as usual. I'd love to see a follow up series based on the 2nd hand market and hidden gems / secret weapons. For instance, no one really talks about Orban or similar products available at decent prices in EU & USA. 😊

[@raaresh]

Btw the Distressor is a digitally controlled VCA compressor. Exactly like the best cheap hardware compressor out there, the RNC made by FMR.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! It sounds the best of them all by far!

[@EmperorKamikaze]

Yet the rnc looses bottom end, where distressor booms strong

[@PeaKock-be]

As far as 1176 clones I think stam audio is at the top of the food chain, especially with the extra features

[@billmcginnies1002]

My choices are a bit different than yours. My compressors are: Rupert Neve Designs Master Buss Processor, 5043 (2), 543 (2), API 2500, 527 (2), Daking FET3, Manley ELOP+, Elysia Impressor, Warm WA-76, WA W2, Drawmer DL441, and of course, the cheap but cheerful ART Tube Limiting amps.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your opinion!!

[@cchimozmin]

Chiswick Reach compressor is awesome on bass

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@christopherthomasrichardso9014]

Can you /have you done a best vst compressors video?

[@doug.heartstringssound]

Thanks Warren! I needed this. I want hardware, have never had hardware compressors or the like. I've started that direction with the SSL UC-1 for my first hardwarish piece of EQ for mixing besides monitors, mic and interface. Everything else is 'in the box'. So, with starting my hardware build, beginning with the SSL 360 model, using my UC-1 gives me the SSL Native 2 channel strip for both EQ and Compressor, my other favorite is my SSL 2 channel bus compressor. Handling these main plugins with my UC-1 gives me the feel of using a console through my PC. My next piece is the UF-8 for sync with UC-1. All that being said, I know I will want to add hardware compressors so, with that in mind, wanting an all around great compressor for a variety of instruments and vocals, and possibly as a 'end of the chain' bus compressor, which hardware compressor would you recommend for my build? You Rock!

[@kytul]

They mention that in the video. A pair of Distressors.

[@echothenatives]

totally waiting for this!! lol

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! Glad to oblige!

[@Weissman111]

Tend to stick to my AMS Neve 33609N

[@Producelikeapro]

Wonderful, great compressor! Thanks ever so much

[@JonOsborneOfficial]

Thanks for the awesome video Warren! My personal favorite brand is Chandler LTD and I know you love them as well. I would love to hear your direct comparison between the TG1/Zener and the Audioscape D Comp. I have heard mixed things about Audioscape and I have yet to see direct comparisons with sound clips.

[@ReverbAndEcho]

I own a ton of compressors and have built a ton. The best sounding most all round comp IMO is the Great River PWM 501. It’s a better sounding more flexible distressor. I do enjoy distressors but the 501 wins.

[@Lexbannister]

🤫

[@srv200024]

Hey man, I am curious about how Charlie Watts got his snare to "pop" .... to me his snare sounds the best ever in a recording and live... how did he get that sound in a recording? How was a compressor used on his drums?

[@shaft9000]

on Exile and StickyFIngers that's Andy Johns' battery of 1176s mics , console and room-sound mattering as much, of course

[@lofimat3856]

FNR Realy nice compresor.

[@suparickyprime]

J. J. Blair is a musical engineer, producer and musician who has worked with such artists as Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Rod Stewart and The Who.Blair produced and engineered June Carter Cash's 1999 Grammy Award-winning album "Press On".Blair was an engineer on Johnny Cash's 2005 box set The Legend and all of the first three Great American Songbook albums by Rod Stewart. Blair has also engineered songs for many artists, including Weezer, George Benson, Smokey Robinson, Unwritten Law, Lee Dewyze, Kelly Clarkson, P. Diddy, The Black Eyed Peas, Ryan Adams, Bird York, Stephen Bishop, David Cassidy, Melissa Etheridge and others.

[@davidosullivan1687]

I have an Atomic Squeeze Box Mono, this would give that tube tech CL1B a good run for its money Ryan.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@alexanderburrell-mixengine1149]

Warren, I know your a busy man but wondering if you have a min if you could throw any light on the SSL pure drive octo pre released around a couple of month or so ago, have you tried one or familiar with the unit ? Any thoughts ? I know the pre’s are from the Origin console Thanks man Take care and have a awesome Xmas

[@cristianojeda810]

Dear Warren and fellow PLP community, I know the following question is out of the video’s context, but I would appreciate your feedback on this important decision. I’m thinking on switching from my Mackie CFX20 console to a Tascam M-2425. Does any of you know something about this console? Do you recommend it? I’m trying to level up my recordings and mixings as well, that’s the reason why I’m pursuing a new mixer. I thank you in advance for your help

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Cristiano! My honest answer is it's probably a sideways step

[@philmartin7474]

Retro Sta-Level & Chandler Germanium, RND MBP ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!

[@alainlarose4766]

Drawmer 1960 Tube compressor, this one I never quite hear about it. I wonder what the top engineers think of it?

[@thomasshugar5636]

I like the Tegeler Creme~

[@barneyrubble8255]

Isnt the 1176 more expensive than the distressor by quit a bit?

[@Mixedbyquadeyg]

Wow what about the La2a I have a real one it sounds phenomenal

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! I owned one for years too! It was amazing for clamping down percussion, however the very slow release time meant the choking that occurred was a bit much for me.

[@Producelikeapro]

They are great for driving bass guitars! Dave Jerden used to use them for DI’s on Bass guitar and just cranked the gain

[@siriusfun]

Indeed. I love the RETRO 176 as it's part 1176, part LA2A. Fully controllable and best of both worlds. Perfection!@@Producelikeapro

[@paulmolive1821]

Try the Manley Nu-Mu on the drum bus!

[@compucorder64]

Haha, yes, the Empirical Labs Distressor runs on Secrets :) That made me laugh. It's a very useful and cool box of tricks. I've wanted a pair of these for over 20 years. No love for the LA-2A here though? I'm surprised. I'm kitting out my project studio now, I plan to buy a Warm WA-76 and GAP Comp 2A and DBX 160, FMR RNC, before the Distressor. Just because the four cost about the same as one new Distressor. But after that, I'll be saving up. Until then, it's learning it, via the plugin approximations (UAD & Arouser). For sheer vibe, I think a 76 and 2A are more characterful, and for utility compression, there's great plugins both for compression, and saturation (HG-2 Blackbox, the Arturia ones and Soundtoys Decapitator/Radiatior.

[@shaft9000]

imho its much better to have a pair or two of great HW comps, and not a gaggle of mediocre ones and yes - use software for cuts, utility and "lesser" tracks, use HW for coloration, boosting and impact of featured tracks

[@alexanami9948]

Do you like the Drawmer 1978?

[@rainbowmade1880]

Highland Dynamics BG1- killer compressor. Expensive but worth it.

[@DanielS10291]

As a beginner i considered buying a wa2a, but instead i bought a used 1176 to learn and will use the la2a plugin, too many pros saying it was cheap trash in comparison to the real thing and to stay away from warm. No idea the validity of this, i could get the warm for £400 which is cheap, but i dont want to learn what the la 2a does with it if it isnt close

[@shaft9000]

WA is a dice-roll because of many instances of inconsistent QC. There's a lot to be said for buying quality (i.e. buy once dont look back). weekenders may be fine with WA , but for heavy session use I wouldn't trust it for very long...ymmv

[@kisho2679]

when prefer the "Drawmer 1978" instead?

[@jonathankessler9853]

I’m getting to that point where I just want a 33609 to live on my mix bus. I totally in the box right now but I’ve got a 33609 plug-in on my mix bus that lives in my template and I just want the real thing. Audioscape just put out their own 33609 and I’m very sad cause I can’t afford a first run of theirs but I’ll get one eventually

[@ReverbAndEcho]

The Vintech version is cool as well.

[@yaveeya2992]

FMR RNC should have been mentioned. You can cop one for about 300 bucks and it sounds and does what a 1000 dollar compressor can do. The Really Nice Compressor. If you only got 400 buy that one. If not save your money till you got about 1200 or more.

[@3rdGen-Media]

Lol no

[@shaft9000]

indeed it is one of the best for under $500 and has been for a long time... but dont be silly if it did the job like a $1000+ unit does then it would sell for that accordingly (!) you almost always really do get what you pay, especially in a highly-saturated market like audio gear is now

[@G_handle]

TL Audio C1

[@Rqmod]

No chandler zener?

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes!! Chandler are amazing

[@davids840]

What about Drawmers? Dont hear much opinions about them around Once tried softube's multiband drawmer and had a lot of character (fingerpicking guitar and drum buss)

[@siriusfun]

Drawmers are great - when they're working. And good luck finding parts for their best pieces (1960, 1968 etc) these days.

[@thomaslthomas1506]

Haha my favorite compressor is a cheap Donner pedal. Why because it always comes up is the same state as last left......

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous! Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@user-th6rh8zp3t]

no api 2500?

[@ernestbuckley8671]

The MC77 is the best 1176 option. It sounds just as good as the originals but the build quality is far superior. On a side note: its so disappointing to see how Sweetwater and Warm Audio are gently twisting the arms of so many YT influencers. Warm Audio cuts corners on parts, build quality, and QC. Their gear is junk and has no resale value.

[@siriusfun]

Couldn't agree more. Two guys I know bought the 1176 and it's barely useable. Imparts some 'grit' that sounds more like unmusical distortion. The build quality leaves much to be desired, as well. Spend the extra money and get the Purple.

[@shaft9000]

second paragraph is spot on = WA seem to spend more on ads and affiliations than they do on gear production first para used to be the norm, competition has increased though

[@alastairgames_]

No Gates STA-level? 😮 I'm surprised!

[@TheThinker43]

All the blind test I’ve done the Ua 1176 smoked the rest. And the warm 1176 was not as good as cla76 or uad 1176.

[@danield2000]

I had a Purple from new ad the pots became noisey after a year. Ended up selling it.

[@nutsosix7930]

Tube-Tech is not the same without the EQP-1A or pe 1c boost then attenuate sounds amazing. i like the snappy Eventide Omnipressor and having one compressing and another expanding (too much attack, watch out), get the idea from Pultech p-1a. Smooth it out with MC-77, you need to set the mc right, then superbass with the p1a.

[@nutsosix7930]

on a bus, its like a mastered transit thingy. transit plugins don't really work on a mastering track

[@shaft9000]

oh yes a pair of omnipressors _per-channel_ just to do companding hahaha

[@1sostatic]

Great comparison...... I have a saying .. "You cannot hear the cost in a mix"

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said!

[@siriusfun]

Until you slap a Manley Massive Passive and Vari-Mu on said mix. ;)

[@shaft9000]

True...if your monitors or ears aren't good-enough to tell the difference.

[@EmperorKamikaze]

​@@siriusfunI understand these can easily destroy a mix because they're finiky and technical

[@devrimayer]

intel x86 best hardware

[@fredtimothy940]

Warm Audio should make a fairchild

[@fa0179]

True

[@top5dummy]

No …hell no they need to stop makin gear , it’s cheap garbage bro

[@Czyszy]

@@top5dummy It is cheap garbage but I don't think they should stop making gear, if there is a demand and market for it. An affordable choice for the consumer is IMO a good thing. Warm Audio isn't prohibiting boutique gear from being made.

[@kytul]

Stam and Heritage Audio make one. Aside from the Unfairchild and Drip670 and others.

[@shaft9000]

it would be more like an ugly abortion than a fair child (although the bling may suggest otherwise to the uninitiated)

[@nicefish10]

The Warm CLiB clone is nowhere close to the Tube Tech….better off using the plug-in than the Warm. In every demo video online the Warm bottoms out on the low Mids. Use the money and buy a Distressor instead.

[@dannydaniel8975]

This is odd because the engineer who recorded the biggest selling record of all time (thriller) said, the only compression used was a tiny little bit of the 1176 on Michael Jackson's voice, and there no compression anywhere else on the record during the recording process, and to think, I just dropped a bundle on a tube tech compressor, now I'm wondering why? He said they used ribbon and dynamic mics on Michael's voice, no fancy, overpriced condenser mics...

[@thesameeffect]

Because the talent was enough and we are also talking about one of the best in the game with Quincy and his ears. To top it all off he used Auratones as his monitors!!!!!! Lol all of this is bonus. It’s not necessary to make a great record. Solid talent and It’s not the gear it’s the ear.

[@QuangoUnion]

Pretty much every other album ever uses lots of compression. The good, the bad and Grammys.

[@gretamcconkey3459]

Believe half of what you see and nothing you hear. That’s Bologna

[@shaft9000]

'why?', you wonder? Well, are you Michael Jackson's engineer, for one...btw, condensers are not 'fancy or overpriced' these days, an AT2020 is under $100

[@mirkomarkovic3438]

Interesting list but missing some important pieces

[@Producelikeapro]

Cool! Let us know what your Top 5 is

[@Annunaki_0517]

No one ever gives any love to the ART Pro VLA II optical tube compressor. For the price, you cannot beat that unit, and as anyone who has used one will know, they sound great in many many applications. Particularly for a channel that emphasizes “use your ears, not your ego” when evaluating gear, I’m surprised that it didn’t even rate an honorable mention in this list.

[@johnnybregar]

For the life of me, I can’t figure out why people like the ART Pro VLA II. I have one and I have tried to get to sound good on all sorts of things, but I find it too destructive for my tastes. I’ve tried different tubes, different approaches. I’m selling mine.

[@shaft9000]

Yes, its nice doing a couple dB of GR on a bus, indeed. BUT it's horses for courses. VLAII is an opto-leveler, and not a legitimate tube compressor in truth. Not so versatile and nothing like a FET, true Vari-Mu or a good VCA comp. Prior to 500-series and Reverb it was one of the few inexpensive choices around, but these days it's kind of lost in the market and not such a singularly great value.

[@RoyChartier]

Symetrix 501

[@Joey-rp5vg]

There are some cracking comps there and not all of them will break the entire budget. Lovely review thanks very much

[@schoovaertssimon7904]

Are you sponsored by Warm?

[@jimhardiman3836]

API 2500?

[@Producelikeapro]

I love that as a parallel drum bus.

[@Doctaj54]

Warren, I like the compressors but you didn't show us the socks. Those are way more important. 😁