Learn the Difference of 5 Types of Compressors

[@creativesoundlab]

Free Download for All 8 Years of CSL Downloads and PDF guides: www.creativesoundlab.tv/alldownloads

[@Luisgomez-so3go]

That face at the very begining 0:01 looks like he is about to kill all of us

[@h8f8]

i was thinking that too

[@perpetualgrimace]

That's the face of someone who is super tired

[@creativesoundlab]

haha, yeah that's funnier than I realize.

[@Luisgomez-so3go]

I like all of your videos. Such a good job

[@manos6426]

Dude exactly!!!!!! Hhahahahaahahahaha

[@perpetualgrimace]

8:02 - 76A (FET) 9:27 - Successor (Diode Bridge) 10:42 - WT-COMP (Vari-Mu) 12:02 - DBX 160X (VCA) 13:18 - Teletronix LA-2A (Optical)

[@creativesoundlab]

Thank you! I'll put this in the description and KZbin will map it out in the player bar.

[@kevinhartley2538]

Can't beat the Successor really. Flexible, characteristic, feature rich, very full sound that was most pleasing to my ears.

[@nemerid]

My favorite in this test was really the audioscape blue stripe. I got a successor 2 days ago, and i need to dig it more. Love how it sounds also.

[@raymonddickson4295]

Compression is such a subtle thing. Thanks for making this and giving us a chance to really chew on the different types.

[@nocuh]

1176LN is my favorite compressor sound and the 76A is a great example. However in this comparison, I'm preferring how the LA2A flatters the source material's vibe. The 160X was most impressive in the second round! Nice demonstration.

[@Lee_music249]

My vote is for the Teletronix. Sounds so warm and so much detail and nuances from the vocals coming out.

[@gabrielazzopardi6037]

All the track sounds so good!

[@drewcarroll827]

You inspire me to start recording again. Really enjoying the channel.

[@Mikey__R]

Hey Ryan, sidechains are really hard to add to feedback compressors. The best way I've come up with is to add a secondary gain reduction FET in feedback mode to the sidechain to calculate how much reduction to apply to the primary gain reduction FET on the main audio path. Luckily, FETs are super cheap, but both the FETs in the above design need to be perfectly matched, and thermally coupled too, which often means using a transistor array chip.

[@allmetaliswelcome]

The difference between feedforward and feedback is that with feedforward you have the input signal triggering the compression DIRECTLY, and with feedback you have the output signal triggering the compression. The attenuation of the signal is happening at an earlier point in the signal chain then where the signal is being tapped off. I'm not exactly sure why but before DBX made their VCA's it was apparently almost impossible to make feedforward compressors. I believe it had something to do with the fact that a Feedback system will make linearize itself, and things like FETs aren't linear by nature so with feedforward it would be more challenging. Interesting to note is that the DBX style VCA compressors often have RMS level detectors instead of peak detectors, which is also a part of their sound. Also, some of the qualities people attribute to certain types of compressors aren't nescesarilly related to the gain control element, but i think rather to the devices they're being assosiated with. A FET compressor can be slow with very little colour if it's designed that way; it's just that most of the FET compressors available are 1176 knockoffs and the 1176 is very fast and very coloured. Same with optical compressors, they don't have to nescessarily be as slow and coloured as an LA-2A. As far as sidechain filtering goes, it can be done with both feedback and feedforward. JLM Audio makes 1176 style FET compressors with a highpass filter, and i believe there's some Serpent Audio (?) box that has it too.

[@MrWillowLacrosse]

I am surprised how much i like the DBX160X. It has that solid mid sound but lacks to lows of the others. Thanks for comparing!

[@alphanumeric1529]

Why do I love that DBX sound so much? There are cleaner, creamier, smoother, but that DBX! Its got that rusty utility blade sound to it that, dirty cut, that is still surprisingly sharp.

[@BadChizzle]

Off topic. Man those are some great lyrics! Wow!! Just as one example: “just to stare all day out of another window” paints a lonely sad picture, I can relate to on a painful level, man. Great Art!! Respect!!! On the topic at hand, kind of... I had no idea how important and useful a compressor can be, until years ago I had a drum overhead and a kick mic only on drums I recorded. I made that overhead go from completely useless and uncontrolled, to pretty decent, with a cheapo Art Levelor comp. wow! Confession... I own one now. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I was just throwing together a four track for friends, using a mini disk recorder. Two Guitars and drums. All basic Shure Dynamics. Had an old PE56D in kick on the pillow and a 58 overhead. 57s hanging in front of each amp from the handle. Ha ha! That recording actually did not completely suck. Ha ha Glad I thought of the compressor! I like FET. Sounds fast and very smooth to me. Which I guess means less noticeable? Thank you for your time, Ryan, Chuk

[@perpetualgrimace]

That lyric got me too

[@SoundStudio412]

They have a new single coming out soon. The Brothers Gillespie rock. www.brothersgillespie.com

[@alphanumeric1529]

Naw man, it's entirely ON TOPIC. What do those LYRICS want? How do those ideas want to come into being as sound? I'm thinking I like the 160x for that broken edge sound, that blighted sound. I think a lot of slightly artless people might just go for the "best" sounding vocals, like what makes the vocals sound good, in of themselves, so they'd put on the comp that is big and warm and creamy and smooth, and get a "good" vocal sound. That to me seems a little immature, or first level. Are the lyrics in a good place? I don't think so, I think they're somewhat blighted. That broken edge sound works so well with the broken state of mind of the lyricist and the lyrics. Just my opinion, but it is something to think about, and I really don't think it is off topic, I think it's the most on topic comment here.

[@BadChizzle]

@@alphanumeric1529 Thank you.

[@davegraham716]

FET is actually supposedly the MOST noticeable,or most "colored" ie imparts a unique character onto the sound/ the least tansparent (or at least 1 of the most colored types, as there are actually like 10 or so different types of compressors, each that lies somewhere on the colored---------transparent scale. Most are quite rare/ uncommon/ & some stupid expensive like PWM for instance). also I highly advice experimenting with different guitar or bass pedal comps for mixing/recording (don't listen to all the gearsnobs). Some pedals are actually really great in certain citiuations & can give you unique sounds, the old Ross brand comps are legendary to the point of it & its countless other pedal dirvatives & clones being nicknamed by guitarists as "Ross Style compression" (not sure if it's actually a unique type or one of the other types), MXR Dynacomps great too.

[@matthewjohnson5639]

I think the Heritage Audio compressor has a really nice transparent tone, and I really love how the vari-mu treats the sibilance and the low mids. I might have to take a look at that weight tank compressor when I find some change under my couch cushions.

[@EandVEntertainment]

Great video. My favorite is to use different compressors in succession. I love using a VCA into an LA2A one what I do. I also really enjoy the diode bridge into the LA2A.

[@alphanumeric1529]

Next level, man. I struggle to really wrap my ears around one topology. Chaining two... it gives me frights!

[@EandVEntertainment]

@@alphanumeric1529 I finally grabbed a couple of hardware compressors and it’s amazing how hard you can push the hardware without it sounding like it’s clamping down too hard, which I find a lot of plug-in emulations do.

[@allmetaliswelcome]

As far as favorite plugins go, i'm hearing great things about the Kush AR-1

[@SuperFranko96]

Awesome video Ryan! Love this channel

[@ssserotonin1373]

Wow i seen you a year ago on here and knew you seemed like youre in tune and seen another video of you comparing 160x to a 2a and now this one. I was about to pay for a 286s when a guitarcenter employee with a crazy collection of racks for his studio knowledge bombed me for the 160x. So hype dude i been using analog obsession and seen your video tonight and really find that style of compression beautiful. My first analog compressor and really almost sounds end game and i think youd agree given the tonal characteristics for personal flavor. Happy with my id22 pres i might have to upgrade them some day though if its even possible to go higher without spending a ton

[@creativesoundlab]

The 160X is great, and glad you found it useful!

[@TheLeon1032]

SUCCESSOR YES PLEASE, great video man, thanks and big kudos for helping people out, jeremys chanel is a blast and a refreshing change, I've learned so so much from you)) go easy brother

[@halcyo]

For a light listen thru, the LA2A was the only one that drastically had it's own tone to my ears. The Vari Mu had a sort of "sounds like a record" thing going on as well.

[@SufyMusic]

love your tutorials mate

[@chriscapaudio]

First of all, LOVE that you are using Studio One! Secondly, I really liked the 1176 Blue FET at 4:1... seemed like it was perfect for the vocal on this track! Great work!

[@tonstudiometzingen]

in the first round I liked audioscape because it made the performance a bit more alive and gave it more movement. LA2a would be my 2nd choice. In the 2nd round all sounded not that good, I would not compress so much with just one comp, if its not a sta level or atomic squeeze box. But of course it was about showing their character and so on, so totally legit. nice vid!

[@thgdecastro]

Great comparison, man! Thank you for this! The one I loved more was the FET 76. It has a grit to it and the vocal is so glued to the song, even so higher in volume. I didn't like the Vari-Mu, for me it simply didn't work here. The Diode Bridge is too clean. The optical is beautiful, but the vocal became detached from the song. The second i liked more was the VCA, Dbx, not so pleasant as the 76, but the vocal became at the same time highlighted but glued to the song. Edit: the plugin is really nice, but compared to the 76 it becomes a little sterile, maybe you could solve this adding some saturation.

[@h8f8]

Such a cozy looking place ;-;

[@JackReafer]

Came for the Compression but impressed by the Camera Lens. It looks Beautiful what are you using ?

[@infinagon]

I never was a fan of the look of dbx's compressors, but you can't deny they always performed well. (I'm not finished watching yet, but the compressor that's numbered 6 character I like a lot. Has some hair to it)

[@greenenoiseaudio]

Another great video Ryan! Just a note though, I believe the successor is based on the 2254. Their HA-609 is based on the 33609! Similar designs in many regards but they do have some distinctive features as i'm sure you know. Keep up the great work!

[@robertkent4929]

I believe this as well

[@OverdriveMusic]

1:23 Ryan really wanted to say "Based on the 1176", but refrained.

[@renanterezan9922]

About the optic functioning... There is a electronic component that varies it's resistance according to the light that it is exposed to (light dependant resistor, LDR), and this controlls the amount of compression and when it start compressing. The light that activates it is a led or sometimes a very small light bulb (meant for this application) and it lights up in the same amount of the input signal strength. Nowadays you can't reallyy see the thing working because both components are built in just one package, but you can inject different signals and observe the measurements.

[@renanterezan9922]

If someone feels more interested about the components related, search for the datasheet of those parts: LOC110 IL300

[@FrozenSparky]

DBX 160X shines on drums if you're looking for that snappy hardcore sound.

[@jurgenschuler8389]

Very nice video!

[@dknstrkt]

Love the example track, killer lyrics. I miss this kind of sound. Who is the band? Great video all around, I'm a particular fan of diode-bridge circuits. It's heavy handed with personality, but its like butter.

[@creativesoundlab]

The Brothers Gilespie “Billerry Blues”

[@SoundStudio412]

They have a new single - 16 Gears coming out soon. The Brothers Gillespie rock. www.brothersgillespie.com

Awesome video, as always very very informative! We can see your Kali Audio in this video, could you maybe do a review on those? Thanks!

[@djtrets]

Hey Ryan just wanted to let you know that you are my favorite audio channel on youtube. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and knowledge. I really appreciate it :) !! Btw wish i had that range of compressors to make a selection, the 1176 and dbx 160 are beasts. What do you think about the fairchild 660 ? xD

[@gmxstudiomixingmastering753]

For me the best one is the Successor and after the l2a ☺️

[@kevinhartley2538]

Totally agree.

[@jamesyoungmusic]

Yup! For this example at least

[@saintjames7387]

compression is one of those things where it works best when you cant tell its there

[@kevinhartley2538]

I disagree. Compression can be used as an "effect" just like anything else, and often is used that way. Krautrock completely obliterates drums with compression and you could never reproduce that live at all. Thom Yorke (from Radiohead) has solo albums where he is praised for using compression as an effect in very creative ways. Dance music's side chain compression is legendary for creating noticeable dips in the sound. If you don't want it noticeable, great, if you do, great. There's no right way to do it.

[@saintjames7387]

@@kevinhartley2538 can i go back to my post and put "when not used as an effect" ?

[@chinmeysway]

@@kevinhartley2538 werd. I’ve been curious for years about why Can’s drummer sounds so good. Compression? Maybe? What are your sources, and what krautrock bands fit this description?! Thanks, great comment.

[@KrachWerke]

Very good!

[@phuzbrain]

The first one Audioscape sounded much creamier and warmer than the others.

[@thgdecastro]

totally agree.

[@BadChizzle]

Thiago Yes

[@alphanumeric1529]

Yeah, but who wants cream when you can have a mouthful of pop rocks? (dbx!) Like, okay, the song is looking for that cream range, right, everything is pretty creamy in there, got that huge foot, drums are tiny. And of course a creamy vocal should sit right in that cream. But, to my ears, and that really is what it is about, right?, But to my ears, the dbx 160x has a bright, ragged sound that suits the subject matter, AND, I think it would allow you to drop the vocals a couple db's, and bring up a little drum buss to get a better overall mix, but the vocal would still easily cut. But really, it is a preference thing. What do you want the vocals to do? For that down and out sound, I don't think cream is right, I think the edgy cutting sound is right, a fellow on the edge! NEWAY, all the best!

[@xzaviay]

Tremendous work

[@suriyadunya9994]

hi there. for tracking vocals, what do you recommend for two compressors pair, i already have la3 clone,, i was thinking about pairing with RND 535, or should i go the 1176 route?

[@c03x157]

Peak voice 08:30 fet 09:55 diode 11:11 vari mu 12:30 vca 13:45 óptico

[@unggoysolid940]

What song you used in here sir? Thanks for the video

[@Ambitiouz_mindset]

Im new to this but what does 3:1 ratio mean? With 3 to 5bd gain reduction mean on let's say the dbx? Just tryna tame some aggressive rap vocals while tracking not heavy compression just yet

[@EriksonRudy]

Awesome. What mic did you use in this vocal ? I guess something tube ?

[@creativesoundlab]

It was an SM7B with the SE Dynamite, into a Warm Audio TB12.

can't believe you didn't go all-in-beast-mode on that 1176 :D

[@BlameItOnGreg]

I’m surprised at all the comments liking the FET for this song. While FETs are great, I don’t think it fits this song; too much grit for the downtrodden vibe. Similarly I find the VCA too bright for the vibe. I actually like the diode bridge on a higher ratio for this song.

[@ADGreen-es6hm]

Ryan do you still use warm audio

[@ludovicmorelon6771]

I did not like the dbx and the teletronics, the way the sound is compresed is not natural to my ears and there's to much ssss, especialy with the dbx. The AS sounds very large and clear and in the face in a beautiful way. The successor sounds small to me and with a roll off in the top end but sounds very natural and warm. The vari mu sounds some kind of in between the two first. If i had to choose one for that song that may be the vari mu. Thanks for your videos.

[@benkrueger]

What is the track?

[@claudiowiesflecker413]

The Dbx 160 brings out the sibilants a little too much

[@Gretsch0997]

Wow, that was not subtle at all. G-Reduction was going deep , Especially on the 160X

[@MichaelGuy]

the pitchy vocal is a huge distraction