If you could only have ONE COMPRESSOR?! - 1176 vs Distressor vs Arouser

[@dannydaniel8975]

We, in the studio have become obsessed with compressors. I remember reading an article that was written by a famous mixing engineer and he said, in the old days, you didnt worry about what type of compressor you had, you just used what was available, didn't matter, 1176 or a radio shack compressor, you just used it. He said that the biggest worry that the engineer had in those days was getting through the sessions without the tape machine breaking down and not what type of compressor you were using..

[@3DManShadowland]

There was a limited genre of music in play just a few years ago, now sound shaping come into play with a variety of songs. Not that they are better, just different. Classic rock, Pop, and Country have completely changed. I don't think for the better, but never the less have changed drastically.

[@NuclearDeathWalk]

I came up in the 80s and you're spot on. We used the pres in the desk, we patched in whatever compressor was available - usually maybe 2-3 outbound comps were all that was in the rack. If we had the SSL to mix on we used the channel comps and rarely patched in outboard. Tracking, well, different times. The band was in the live room, the vocalist in the control room or small room, and the band played as a band, we hit record and did a few takes. And moved on to the next song. The producer would then listen to the takes, pick the one that sounded best, and then we might overdub a solo, or recut vocals and add backing vocals. It was a very different time and way of recording. Oh and we'd often just use the same mic we overdubbed a guitar solo and move it over to the shakers, or move it in front of the singer. Time was money, and we didn't have time to screw around with 10 different preamps and a dozen mics.

[@dannydaniel8975]

@@NuclearDeathWalk Right! I have a tascam 8 track cassette recorder. A Neumann tl3 mic. A UA LA-610 mic pre A Ensoniq ASR-10 sampler. If l can't get a hit record with any of that, oh well, then, it just wasn't meant to be, because I'm not buying anything else.

[@Gang-25j]

@@3DManShadowlanda few years ago? You tripping

[@Gang-25j]

Not likely could afford to have many of those compressors back then when they came out..hell it’s even worse now price wise

[@azamat19]

Track vocals with a fast setting on the distressor, mix with opto settings distressor. This thing is so versatile.

[@supergman312]

I’m absolutely in LOVE with the way the distressor makes that kick sound

[@donnas8408]

I love the way the distressor makes everything sound

[@angelbeast8863]

Hey, Colt. I think some of us would enjoy an hour long video comparison. Would have been great if you had this short version plus a longer one available. Great video, as always either way.

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’m always conflicted on that stuff… Sometimes the super long videos, flop, and sometimes people eat them up. I don’t even know what I’m doing over here half the time lol. Thank you for watching!

[@angelbeast8863]

@Colt Capperrune Ahh I see. Understandable.

[@robkuhlman585]

If you go through the trouble of making an hour long version consider level matching the examples. Without level matching the video won't be as valuable to those who really want the details of what's changing in the audio.

[@AndrewCCM]

I am always down for longer videos. Often I like to have them on while working during the day. I actually prefer longer videos with time stamps. If I want something quick I’ll just use the time stamps. Love your content.

[@timepaintertunebird8160]

I don't know how well it would do as consumable content but I know in-depth comparisons, especially blind, are some of the most practically useful producer training on the internet.

[@Rhuggins]

I know this is an older video but man, we are cut from the same cloth. I saw this was a video about comparing a distrsssor with an 1176, figured itd be a 5 minute video. NOPE. A whopping 23 minute video on 2 compressors…you are the man ❤️

[@robertmanger4179]

I think I would go with the 1176. Each has there strong points, but there is something about the sound the 1176 produces that nudges it to the top for me.

[@robertmanger4179]

Im one of those people that would have watched an hour video watching what you do! Love it!

[@agency1000x]

Been loving Kiive compressor plugin one of best ITB compressors with real analog grab.

[@OwensDrumming]

Would love to see a Retro 176 added to this comparison next time… so versatile and so amazing. Vibe for days!!!! Just picked up a pair and they are changing the game for me

[@iramatx]

Yes! The 176 is a beast of a compressor

[@damiancalcagne7976]

+1 for seeing a 176 comparison. I have a pair which are used at all times. Sick.

[@makis7234]

I would absolutely watch an hour long video comparing these compressors. Actually I would watch any one hour long video on any subject that has to do with mixing, mixing gear etc. Nonetheless thanks for the video Colt!

[@JeanmarkRodriguez]

Thanks, Colt for this video. I never sat down to understand all of what the distressor can do. This video just made me want to buy one. Very versatile and has a great professional sound to it.

[@ezstproductions_]

Colt I really appreciate this one. My very first compressor was the distressor. It was great 80 percent of the time I bought the Arousor because I didn’t like most of the distressor emulations out there and Arousor did not disappoint. Needless to say I sold my distressor because I was able to dial the Arouser in 90 percent of the time. And have multiple instances. For me Arouser is the clear winner 😎

[@kingking-lg6ki]

Right but what are you tracking with

[@ezstproductions_]

@@kingking-lg6ki I eventually ended up with Rupert Neve channel strip. Clean when I want it to be and dirty/grit when I want it to be.

[@JanusJanavas]

@@ezstproductions_ shelford, newton or portico? :)

[@ezstproductions_]

Portico

[@mrmorpheus9707]

Cant lose either way..something bout the 1176 just sounds so natural

[@tommih597]

The 1176 sounds so good to me. It's so smooth!

[@BibotoMusic]

I can't say enough about how much I love the Arouser. I'm glad you brought it out at the end. For some time I was obsessed with gear and plugins but after I got the Arouser, it's what I use 90% of the time. Having a rack full of distressors and 1176s has its appeal. And maybe they do have that magical one percent of difference but meh, I track with a FET compressor just to tame it a hair and then Arouser in the box.

[@azamat19]

Absolutely the same here. I had many projects with arousor being the only compressor.

[@Gang-25j]

@@azamat19definitely more than one percent, but yeah.

[@jrockofages5413]

I think you just helped me with I big decision. I was between the Arouser and the hardware Destressor. Money matters

[@s.a.m.recordingstudios]

I had this dilemma. I chose the distressor and am happy with the versatility. I will be getting a few flavors of 1176 eventually tho for sure

[@Gang-25j]

Same here

[@chemdrum]

For as long as I've been mixing, I'm embarrassed to say that I've picked up on the 1176 a few years ago lol. I swear that compressor has changed my life when mixing and I'm amazed at how I never knew much about it before smh lol. I love using it on kick, toms and especially on vocals! Call me weird but i love the sound of an LA-2A on snare and I'll throw that on a vocals after the 1176. I definitely wanna get my hands on a Distressor though!

[@davidhayman9330]

Thanks Colt, that was really helpful...the first part where you were running the snare through the Distressor and playing with the parameters really helped me to hear the effect of the release time...so good...also the comparison of sound between Distressor and 1176 was enlightening ...this is going in my mix vid library! From memory, Jordan from Hard Core Music Studio said he will record through a Distressor with up to 12dB of compression and then mix with an 1176 up to about 20dB of compression...you suggested the same sort of possible combination here which is interesting...

[@DavideGuerri]

important note on the Arousor, if you want to match the compression curve of the Distressor you have to bump the ratio one to the right, 4:1 on the Distressor is 6:1 on the Arousor

[@ColtCapperrune]

Interesting… I had not heard that or read it anywhere. Thanks for the info!

[@DavideGuerri]

@@ColtCapperrune you can verify with plugindoctor, i compared the Arousor to FG stress and Pro-C2 for good measure

[@northeastoutrider2124]

The Distressor has been the go to of the three you are comparing in touring FOH rigs I have built for ages. Usually as a pair.

[@thumbody1]

If I had to choose only one it would be the EL8. I have a Warm Audio 1176 clone and it works well for what it is but isn't on the same level as either the real deal or the Distressor. I have the UA EL8 plugin and it works quite well but it doesn't have the extra setting the Arouser does. It still works well though.

[@whatsthisbuttondo2885]

I’ve been thinking about picking up the hardware version, but man that plug-in sounds so good

[@ColtCapperrune]

Yeah, the arousor is no slouch!

[@austinmark1987]

While it would be a rough decision, as I truly love both the Empirical Labs Distressor and the UA 1176, I would have to pick the UA 1176 as my desert island session choice. There is something about the harmonic distortion and gritty sound that the 1176 imparts that I find pleasing and musical. Great comparison video! I really enjoyed this!

[@sleonse]

You need to do more vids about the Distressor. Also others about the 1176. Mastering them. ❤ You’re AMAZING, Colt. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@NICUofficial]

I love my Distressor :) its INSANE flexibility (plus bomb-proof construction and great value AND only 1 rack space)... that's why the EL-8 was my "desert island" choice for hardware studio compressor :)

[@LightsandMotion]

I bought the audioscape 1176RevA and I think I ran almost each track through it on a mix I made and bounced down. everything just sounded better and more up front. I would not say that the many excellent plugins gives me that same sense of forward momentum. great vid!

[@Gang-25j]

Yeah plugins are good in the end also..but that space in the audio that everyone want’s definitely comes with hardware without even trying to get it

[@conorchamberlain]

If I had to pick between these two, I would go with both.

[@AJOrpheo]

Okay the distressor is great and all but my eyes keep going to the Audioscape 260vu 😂 great vid man! I've never owned both but the distressor is on my Wishlist just because of how versatile it is.

[@ColtCapperrune]

The 260 VU is a beast! And there is a video coming on it!

[@keith_hudson]

Honestly. I would take the plugin haha. I'm an 1176 fan boy but the versatility of the Arouser was fantastic. I think I may like the hardware Distressor better when you really slam it.

[@OffShiftProductions]

Thank you for demystifying the Distressor! I use the Slate VMR version of it and it this was super helpful.

[@TheRealTMajor]

I love the distressor so bad. But the 1176 on that acoustic guitar grabbed my attention.

[@thomasmatthews8873]

Them lyrics rubbed off on me. I'm digging it.

[@hummarstraful]

I have a 1176 that is about 4 years old. The INPUT knob has gone bad and I'm about to ship it to Universal to be replaced. With shipping and repair costs I'm probably looking at $350. I'm beginning to think about saying bye to the hardware world. The 1176 sounds good but I've done A/B testing using just the Waves SSL Compressor and frankly they sounded as good as each other.

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’m surprised you can’t find anybody locally to replace that pot for you? It’s a very simple repair. Definitely to each their own, I never judge anybody for their preferences, but I’m going to have to disagree on the waves compressor. To me it’s one of the least believable options out there And in pure sonic quality the hardware 1176 is miles ahead. But as long as the waves works for you and accomplishes what you want it to accomplish, that’s awesome you have found a solution!

[@danielrecchia592]

I will also disagree on the Waves being even remotely close (or any software plug for that matter). However, I would echo the comment about the input knob going bad. I have two UA 1176 and just got back one from warranty repair of the input knob (less than 6 months old). Just as I got it back, the input on my 2nd unit is now acting up. Pretty upset about it, actually. Colt, have you have bad pot issues on yours?

[@hummarstraful]

@@ColtCapperrune Colt, I'm a afraid to have local people repair it. It's a $2k unit and I want to keep the value up as much as possible.

[@compucorder64]

For these types of comps, I'd definitely choose a Distressor; it's just a very powerful and flexible all around sculpting tool to have in your arsenal. Though from a cost PoV, the Warm Audio 76 is pretty good, and a can get a pair for the price of a Distressor, which is a consideration if on a budget. Stereo pair of Distressors gets quite expensive. So for stereo, the Elysia xpressor 500-series compressor is a super useful tool too, very flexible, and not crazy expensive for the quality because it's stereo. But, for classic sounds, I'm more of an LA-2A person. And again, the Golden Age Project Comp-2a is quite good, and can get a pair for second-hand Distressor prices. I don't record very heavy music, and at the moment not recording drums much. And I like smooth compression, on voice, guitar and even bass. Darkglass Hyperluminal digitally controlled but VCA comp is very nice on bass too. I used to have a DBX 160A, and I liked it a lot on drum machines.

[@delmixedit]

Actually would watch an hour long well done video such as this.

[@dessiplaer]

I liked the vocal with the Distressor and the guitar the 1176. Thanks for this video.

[@robkuhlman585]

I use the UAD versions of 1176's and the Distressor. I'm really satisfied with them but I must say the Arouser plugin is a game changer. That saturation knob is the bomb and the attack is extremely useful. If someone wants the best results for the least money hands down the Arouser is the winner. It's the Swiss army knife of compression giving you a basic transient designer, saturator/ clipper, of course compression but with wet/dry, HP features and advanced detector settings. Thanks Colt for the demo and comparison of the hardware and software.

[@hummarstraful]

You sold me. Got to try it.

[@robkuhlman585]

@@hummarstraful lets us know what you think of it after a day or two of putting it to use please.

[@theheatstudio]

I absolutely love my distressor, now I just need to add the 1176 to my arsenal. Great video Colt!

[@gabeatv]

Arouser? Lol. But yeah, I think they are not calling the Arousor "Distressor" because it's trade marked (and licensed to Universal Audio, for example). Great video! I'd have happily watched an entire hour of this.

[@ROQSTAR]

Would choose the CL1B 😄

[@Cefshah]

Nice video!! I love the sound of the 'Distressor'!! The 'way' it treats dynamics overall absolutely appeals to me. 🙂

[@Cefshah]

P.S. I think I'd get a "FATSO" and use the "Arousor" to add to the functionality overall. :)

[@billyhughes9776]

I like the Distressor for that vocal. For those drums, the 1176 by a hair and toss up for the acoustic. Great compare vid -- thanks for doing this, much appreciated.

[@SwiftyLions]

I liked Distressor the hardware unit because it has a very soft and smooth high-end and mid-range into it which I didn't hear in Arouser because of sample rate stuff.

[@sabbzzero]

Distressor distresses me out of my distress stresses

[@caleconrad2332]

I bet you could do a series. of short 5 minute style videos on different inputs. or 3 per. like vocal, a melodic instrument, and drums? I would definitely watch that.

[@tommih597]

The kick sounds fantastic with the distressor

[@MatthewBarelick]

The distressor is one of the most used and simplest to use that makes sound a breeze!

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

Have the 1176 and Distressor and use them every day. I would choose the 1176, but EL runs a better Instagram. That said, my one compressor would be the API T25. It's like an 1176 with tubes, stereo compression, and a D-S button.

[@hummarstraful]

If only the 1176 was stereo. I didn't even know that when I dropped 2k for mine haha. I was a noob.

[@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo]

@@hummarstraful Same.

[@Illiyinmusic]

The one time I'd rather be Distressed than Aroused. Love the 1176 as well though

[@EdwardEctor]

Greetings Colt, Yet another amazing video. I love shootouts like this and I am a Distressor Man all the way, BUT the comparison isn't really that far. When you adjust the Distressor it acts like multiple Comps to include the 1176. What I mean by this is the the comparison ends up being an 1176 vs 1176, la2a, and many more when going up against a distressor. That being said for a long time people didn't wanna use the Distressor on vocals, but I love the sound I get from mine. Keep up the good work brother.

[@sonicmaniacs]

but in reality Distressor is a modified 1176s clone)

[@RyanHarris77]

This isn’t even really a debate. The distressor is better at more things.

[@guitar8617]

Have the Warm Audio 1176 and a pair of Distressors. Maybe unfair that it's not the UA hardware but find myself using the Distressor much more often. Use the WA76 if I want to do the LA2A/1176 combination which sounds nice.

[@DuncanTembo]

Honestly the 1176 just sounds so much better to me. The distressor sounds like a comp with distortion or saturation (soft/hard clip) on by default 😂 the 1176 just sounds like a premium studio compressor 😍

[@roderickaugust]

I own a Brit mod Distressor but I gotta say…that 1176 understands the assignment.

[@GingerDrums]

1176 sounds softer, less agressive. The Distressor is very gritty and spitty.

[@aleksamrkela831]

I don't know why, but I have a soft spot for the Distressor. Love its action and the grit it gives. And the Arousor is a killer plugin, even if it doesn't sound exactly like the Distressor.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Completely agree! Thanks for watching!

[@jhardy0786]

How about a compressor for someone on a budget any cheaper hardware compressors thanks

[@AdamsDuhStuff]

@@jhardy0786 FMR RNC is the budget compressor I recommend.

[@aleksamrkela831]

@@jhardy0786 Stay away from Klark Teknik and Behringer, and you'll be fine!

[@GYMusic]

Hey, Colt. Own an UA-1176 rev F and two Distressor EL8X. I use both all the time, but for me.. the Distressors are more versatile.

[@anthonyrock5039]

Dude! If you have the full length, just go with it. You can always have an index.

[@flavmusicman]

UA Distressor plug sounds insane on vocals,

[@ManCalledMif]

2:14 thanks for explaining that so clearly. 🙏🏼

[@Rricdiculos]

Amazing content. Thanks for making this available.

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Distressor is very versatile, but I just love how natural the 1176 sounds....pretty blown away by the 1176 excerpts....magic.

[@danymalsound]

That transient knob on the arousor is NICE

[@SuperdangerStudios]

haha i def would have watched the hour long one!

[@calimusic2007]

Call me greedy but I love both. I generally use the distressor with a 1073 tracking guitars and 1176 tracking bass. Vocal tracking is a toss up. I remember doing a vocal session where I had the vocalist sing his loudest passage to get a level on the distressor . When I hit record, he came in much louder. I didn’t want to stop the recording cause he was killing it. Even though he was hitting the distressor much harder , it sounded great, and if I could, describe the distressor as “forgiven” when pushed to higher level of compression, where if I had been using the 1176 his vocals would’ve been squashed.

[@supergman312]

I was thinking the same thing about the hour long version! I’d watch it too. I know views matter for the algorithm and stuff. Maybe you could start posting “directors cuts” on your website and put a link in the bio? Food for thought

[@EdgetoneStudios]

I would choose Distressor. However I only have one compressor and it's a Heritage Audio Successor.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Love this! When do we get the electric guitars workflow?!

[@radiopete7290]

The Fairchild 670... if I could only afford one..

[@jeremy_woods]

Year late to the party, but here because I'm looking for the "one" compressor. For me, I've just never gotten a bad sound out of the 1176. Sucks it's $2600! Buy once, Cry once 😂

[@williamtell1477]

You can pry my Distressors from my cold dead hands.

[@ErixSamson]

Wow the Arouser is really cool

[@johnisrael5183]

That Tube Tech and DBX Cloan Comps you got Ive got the TIm P Blue Mu and the dbx160A and 18 and Pres Amps Live Analog Sampled 90% Identical to the Hardware $50.00 Vs $5000 and trust me bro...Nebula Nailed the Sound of both of those Units Spot on If you heard them you would wanna sell those...LOL

[@johnisrael5183]

I would definately go with 2 Distressors I mix with Nebula Plugins...and a ART Stereo FET with my GCom from WA Bypassed on individual busses And then run the mix after vocals through GComp with -2db Gain Reduction and my Stereo FET Open with a Acustica Audio Strip on Music On Whole Mix being looped through My Rack over to my SoundCraft LX7II and back into my UAD 476 Volt, back into the DAW

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

I actually liked the 1176 better all around. Never messed with them much personally, owned a Distressor a few years ago and never took to it in person either. But wow, the 1176 just has a open feel to it, great vibe. The Distressor works well in a mix but there's a claustrophobic feeling I get from it haha. It's odd, not a fan.

[@eddwardmusic]

Hey it would be cool to see the 1 hour video as well, I don't mind watching that 1 hour and dig deep into all the info ;)

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

I love the 76, I only own the Waves plugin but I just love it. Not the biggest fan of it on vocals, but besides that I love the 76 on basically anything. That would be my go to comp if I could only choose one

[@TheDwarfInvasion]

Attack time on 1176 at 5 is a lot faster than attack time with the distressor at 5. Would be interested to see how they compare when theyre set for the same tupe of effect.

[@johntomanio3374]

Great comparison, Colt! But I was bummed that you didn't compare the kick and snare on the Audioscape 260VU we got a good look at each time you showed the Distressor. I'd like to know why you need the DBX clone when you get such great results on the 1176 and Distressor! I'd love to see the longer video you decided against!

[@Gang-25j]

Different colors/flavors

[@shadowchaos288]

They all have there own distinct sounds. The arouser to me is a improvement over the distressor. I'm a big fan of the fullness, presence and warmth of the 1176. The warmth and presence seem to be lacking somewhat in the distressor and the arouser.

[@TecDruid]

the warm audio bus Compressor did the thing for me.. i hope to have money for all the stuff.

[@NuclearDeathWalk]

Distressor for me hands down...my go to for snare. Sometimes it works with vocals, sometimes not.

[@daylightinbetween]

Another awesome video! Do you usually track acoustic guitars through a compressor? If so, which do you prefer and how much do you usually compress on the way in?

[@Deriolama]

The 1176 has its own sound while the Distressor is full of different flavors, the 1176 is still easy to get a sound with full character..

[@kayzweller_dj]

yeah I am gonna love to watch that 1 hour video, need in deep explanation tho :D

[@Gang-25j]

Just ordered my distressor today

[@billesposito2112]

I only record vocals . I have the UAD Distressor plug in and I love that on my voice . Distressor for me.

[@heythere6983]

I preferred the distressor for vocals over the 1176. You know what mic was used for vocals? Btw you think not buying a matched pair is an issue if I just buy one and the later want to add another?

[@TonyPuccioMusic]

Both are Amazing, but for me it’s the Distressor all day.

[@Dreza_official]

what about cl1b vs distressor for tracking hiphop or mixing later

[@MasterTheSound1]

Amazing video. When are we getting that 260vu video?

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

I agree on how you Hear/See it! It's a Hard Call

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

@Coltcapperrune1onnicegram not going Hit you up! You told me it’s a SCAM. ALL GOOD See you @ NAMM 2023 !!!🎚🎧🎤🎹🎸🔊

[@LESINDES]

Nice comparison! But as you worked so hard on it why didn't lower the volume of your voice by 50%? Are you trying to build up an aversion against it?

[@MegaRHayden]

Great video Colt!

[@Sample_Props_Official]

All it`s fine, as long as the output signal from the previous device is pumped into the input from the next device. Don`t be afraid - it`s a +4dB ;) The 1176 learns how to work one of two possible ways - an analog amplifying or digital compensation. peace

[@fifty7beats]

Legend! Thank you so much Colt!

[@MySilver5oh]

Love your videos Colt! Would you believe I sold an OG dbx 160 VU to fund an Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x? No regrets whatsoever. I really love the Fatso. What’s your take on it? Ever used one?

[@justpercyworldwide6791]

WHAT REVERB IS THAT COLT..SOUNDS SOO GOOD..

[@JakeNolen]

I adore both of my EL8X’s 🥰

[@bikesandbeats4693]

Do you gate your drums in an actual mix and if so, before or after compression?