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

[@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

[@azamat19]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@ITOLDUDA]

I do the 1176 hardware to tame the vocals a bit before hitting the ADC and then slam vocals in the box with the UA Distressor plug. Clients are usually very happy with the results. "Sounds like a real record"

[@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

[@sleonse]

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

[@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

[@tommih597]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@mrmorpheus9707]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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!

[@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!

[@sparklerdynamo9187]

Actually, you can bypass the Mic Preamps on the Apollo twin or X4 by simply going into the TRS input in the front and keep the mic Pre level of the Apollo as close to 0 as possible. Another option would be to purchase something like an 500 Series rack with ADAT capability which will allow you to come in through any of the 500 series modules you have in the Rack and bypass the internal micpres from the Apollo as well.

[@OffShiftProductions]

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

[@conorchamberlain]

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

[@Bexgotthebounce]

Which preamp are you using Colt? right now im using the U87 ai mic through the warm audio wa73 pre, with the warm audio wa2a compressor. im looking to upgrade. i really want the CL1B and a distressor with maybe the neve pre?

[@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.

[@ROQSTAR]

Would choose the CL1B 😄

[@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!

[@thomasmatthews8873]

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

[@theheatstudio]

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

[@fifty7beats]

Legend! Thank you so much Colt!

[@TheRealTMajor]

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

[@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.

[@delmixedit]

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

[@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?

[@ManCalledMif]

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

[@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?

[@dessiplaer]

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

[@SteveSterlacci]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Dreza_official]

what about cl1b vs distressor for tracking hiphop or mixing later

[@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 :)

[@djonlyvibe]

I need only one Compressor right now for Rap & R&B Box.: Currently Have The Wa2a & Wa76. I’m thinking about getting the Heritage Audio Tubesessor (CL1) Is it worth it? Any recommendations?

[@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.

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

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

[@vinz_sap]

Hi, what do you think about the slate digital distressor plug in? Is it good? Is it like the hardware or totally different? Thank you for that you do on this channel. Very helpfull👍❤

[@ColtCapperrune]

It’s a decent option for sure! Personally, I like the Arouser more, partially because of the sound, but also because of the additional tweak ability

[@vinz_sap]

@@ColtCapperrune and what can you say me about Xtressor plug in? Do you know it?

[@williamtell1477]

You can pry my Distressors from my cold dead hands.

[@sabbzzero]

Distressor distresses me out of my distress stresses

[@tommih597]

The kick sounds fantastic with the distressor

[@EzyoMusic]

I wo up ld pick the Distressor for the kind of sources I record. Lots of acoustic instruments.

[@MatthewBarelick]

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

[@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.

[@Sunmoonstars1]

I have the Distressor EL8X just one and I absolutely love it. I’ve always wanted to get a second one so I could have a stereo pair for obvious reasons. I also have the Obsidian stereo compressor 19 inch rack version which is fantastic more SSL G compressor style but I find myself using the distressor a lot more. Do you think it’s worth selling the Obsidian stereo compressor to buy another distressor EL8X ? Ty

[@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.

[@Johnnymayfield00]

What mic did you use for recording them vocals Great video by the way, So it’s interface threw tube tech threw 1176 ?

[@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.

[@bikesandbeats4693]

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

[@KanzeNYC]

Damn I would've watched the 1hr video to understand the circuitry better but I also understand why you shortened it.

[@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?

[@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.

[@Steviee8]

totally unrelated to this video but I see you own a pair of iLoud MTMs. I'm curious in that set up where you run your speaker EQs LF HF and LF Extension, Desk or Flat and or did you us the ARC calibration. Also having both these and the Micros I find the Micros very delightful. Great for travel.

[@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.

[@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. :)

[@SuperdangerStudios]

haha i def would have watched the hour long one!

[@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.

[@GingerDrums]

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

[@krizzleeeqwe]

This may be a dumb question, but does the distressor have tubes inside!? Thx in advance

[@Rricdiculos]

Amazing content. Thanks for making this available.

[@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

[@AdviceandAdventures]

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

[@aleksamrkela831]

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

[@RAZALAHORI]

hey colt, have you ever tried vca compressor to track vox? i have c2 bus comp which is dual mono just curious if you recommend using it

[@ColtCapperrune]

I have never tried that, but it’s worth the experiment for sure!

[@RAZALAHORI]

@Colt Capperrune well you have so much experience, so if you never tried it, im sure it's not something that professionals do. im just gonna buy a fet for vocals for now 🤣

[@RyanHarris77]

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

[@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.

[@flavmusicman]

UA Distressor plug sounds insane on vocals,

[@pittou751]

Please a review on the FOCAL SUB12 you installed. There are none on youtube and I am planning to get the TRIO11 after your review coupled to 1 or 2 SUB12 for a mastering setup. Thank you !

[@Gang-25j]

Just ordered my distressor today

[@FerinSonny]

If I could only have one, I'd pick the EL8, just cause it's fairly versatile for whatever I've thrown at it thus far, be it Dialogue, Drums, Guitar, Cello, Trumpet, Etc. Perhaps it's just that I'm comfortable with that model though.

[@zilamike]

From time to time, i try the distressor on something....and i hate it every time

[@jonathanbobo722]

hey Colt. Can you clarify how you are able to process a stereo signal with mono compressors? I feel like I can hear some cymbals happening on the sides.

[@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 😍

[@larswillsen]

What if I can direct ypu to a REAL Fairchild 670 ? ... Go go go! :D

[@roderickaugust]

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

[@Illiyinmusic]

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

[@merochingon]

why does no body start showing how to connect a distressor? - what the hell a "floating pin" is or whatever. All I know is, there's a cord and it plugs in. When my Distressor manual says "if you use a single-ended XLR ouput, leave unused pin floating," that might as well be written in the language of Martians. How does one leave an unused pin floating? - Please help.

[@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?

[@danymalsound]

That transient knob on the arousor is NICE

[@braxal6983]

I noticed you like to mix drums as if you were behind the drums with hi-hat on the left. Is it better to mix the drums as if you were in front of the drums? Please advise.

[@braxal6983]

I meant left side as if you were behind the drums. Sorry. I just wonder from which position is better from the front of the drums or from behind the drums.

[@462dewey]

Braxal It's totally a preference thing.....drummer or audience perspective. There is no "better" way. It's all in the vision of your minds eye and what you feel works with the given tune.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidcache]

A VCA compressor, its faster than any other type of compressor, has less color than other methods and is most versatile, could be used for mixing, or mastering. My choice would be a matched pair of rupert neve 543's

[@leonardovalvassori]

Thanks, excellent stuff. Love my 1176, would sure like to add a Distressor. In the video the meter on the 1176 is resting at -1 not zero? Is it set to do that deliberately?

[@leonardovalvassori]

@Coltcapperrune1onnicegram hitting you up

[@rtdrec]

How could you build the 1176 LN so that the needle never goes back to 0? This has been a problem with this unit for years. It can't be for this price.

[@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.

[@billesposito2112]

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

[@Faithaven]

Colt are you ever going to try out the Pump 500 from EL?

[@ColtCapperrune]

I’ve been trying to get my hands on a pair of them for months. As soon as I’m able to land a pair, there will be a video on them.

[@Faithaven]

@@ColtCapperrune interestingly I was the first one to order a pump from Sweetwater. I was like cool

[@radiopete7290]

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