Nice guide I'm going to buy next month a Thermionic Culture Phoenix for bus master and tracking vocals. U forget mention it, also the best varimu compressor aka Rockruepel and the Knif Vari-Mu, that's also great. IGS Tubecore sounds a bit thin to my taste, I thought that Retro STA level was more like an opto compressor, the vintage gates version is more varimu like.
Using them mostly for synths. The Jupiter, Juno and 101 sound like crazy. The very subtle character works amazing on the envelopes while still keeping control is an amazing application
I don't know if it was available when you did this video but the Weight Tank (same company as Locomotive Audio) is a Vari Mu type and under a grand for a full 19" rack with transformer coupled inputs and NOS RCA valves. Incredible sound and value for money plus has 'drive' mode which adds some nice harmonic attitude.
There is also the Tegeler Vari Tube Compressor which I own. It is a quite affordable compressor and it shines on mastering with a very pleasant color and glue. My mixes are always better when I put this compressor in my analog chain.
First of all I love your videos. Keep the great work going! I have a question: Do you know anything about the TL Audio C2021 valve compressor? I can't find much on internet about it. Thanks
I have to admit, when I saw you, it was hard for me to take you seriously. Then you showed your chops of knowledge and experience, and I was impressed. I'm not easily impressed, believe me, burnt city here.. I have a IGS Tubecore coming this Friday, You have to hear this to believe it. It a beautiful thing!
Hi. Great video! Non-music related question: could you tell me about that “lamp” in the top right corner of the screen? It seems to react to sound? I’ve been looking for something like that for my studio. Thanks!
Very fascinating, thank you. I'm looking forward to your take on software vari-MUs, since all I have is the Slate FG-MU, and Waves'PuigChild. I'm assuming there's an audible difference between $30,000 hardware unit and a $30 plug-in. :-)
Have you ever tried the Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Vari Tube Compressor? I love that unit. It lives on my master bus and it adds so much weight and depth to the mix and its affordable in Vari Mu terms.
I was looking at this unit as well. When I A/B some files ran into it, I found didn’t do that much. I think the catch is running hot into the tegeler unit maybe?
@@SupeBeatz I usually keep the peak of my mix bus at -6 to -3 dbFS and send it to the VTC. I set he input gain that it does -1 to -2 db of gain reduction. The VTC shapes the low end that it sounds nice, deep and focused and rounds the highs. It also does a kind of spatial positioning. All instruments sit where they should be, are transparent without losing the glue. It's definitely a tool for the last 5-10%. It doesn't jump right in you face but it's definitely audible when bypassing the unit. For me, the mix looses weight, shimmer and excitement immediately. In combination with the TAM Creme it's awesome. My go-to chain is Output -> Creme VCA -> Creme Pultec with Smiley Curve -> VTC -> Input.
Johnny Vegas I just ordered Some RCA 5670 Tubes and put them in. It doesn’t change much except how hard you can hit the compressor. The stock tubes work fine as well.
@@johnnyvegas2015 did you experiment the igs v8 ? I hesistate to go with one or other.... i D like to add character, because i already have a nice dbx for this.
What about the Wes Audio Timbre? This one is much more affordable than the units mentioned in this compilation. Anyone here that tried it, yet? Is it similar to the Retro 176?
In this video you mentioned getting 6db of gain reduction when using a VCA compressor on the 2 bus. I can't get higher than about 2 or 3db gr without things starting to sound squashed. What do you think the issue is?
Hi David, great video as usual. Could you tell me what would orient your choice between using a varimu vs. an opto compressor for a given material? With my little experience, it seems like they almost could be interchangeable... Thanks :-)
Good question, hard to answer. Let's say picking one over the other won't make or break the mix, but they are indeed different, especially at high GR. Mu actually uses tubes for the gain reduction and constantly adjust, this gives you a more transparent compression vs the opto which has the typical "squeeze" think LA2A when pushed. And by transparent I don't mean the color of the box itself, which can be obvious or not depending on what model you use for each, I mean the action of the compression. The other difference is the fixed attack and release of the opto cell, so even if it's program dependent, those characteristics will either work or not, on a MU you have variable attack and release, also a MU will have a more direct way to saturate (and adjust that saturation) with the input knob which is independent from the compression, on a 2A for example, you have a fixed threshold so the grunt is directly linked to the input and so to the saturation/color. But the main difference really is in the way one rides smoothly at high GR vs the opto that squeezes more the more you compress. Soon I will review a MU (hardware) that will probably clarify things even more
Thanks for great video. Quick question. How does Vari Mu compressors behave in mastering? Are they good option for mastering and what kind of songs benefit from them? Thank you David
What kind of song is kind of the wrong question, it could be any song or none depending on the mix. Mu's are used in mastering, is pretty common. Usually just to tap the mix with less then 1db or GR, mostly for the color of the units and for glue, not much for groove (like you would with a VCA) or actually dynamic control
@@mixbustv thank you. I've been always using SSL G Bus (VCA) in mastering for glue and cohesive sound (same little GR, just the needle barely moving). What is the difference in sound (in mastering) between VCA and Mu for glue? Thank you so much
@@mixbustv Wes yeah.. I know you love their stuff and I've had that Timbre in my radar for a bit, but I like to research the crap out of gear before I buy anything and there's just about nothing to be found on that piece. Sound, of course, is everything but I've found some unclear information out there about the tube(s). Not really sure if it's stating the unit has like 4 different tubes in it or just that it can be found with 1 of either 4 of those tubes in it... and trust me, that answer will not send it home for me because I still have to feed the need to see it in use and hear some feedback.
@@mixbustv never heard a Rhea pushed hard to get that tube distortion sound on mono materials 🙄. Apart of that, I agree on Rhea advantages of total recall and beeing a stereo unit 👌.
This compression series has been excellent, to date. Great information, thanks, David!
Audio Scape V-Comp "6386 Edition" is a great Variable-MU Tube compressor too. Great video. Congratulations David!!!!
I'm looking so forward to the next video in this series:D ... Especially because of a certain Klanghelm plugin, haha! Great stuff as always David!
Another very informative - and useful - video! Thanks David! Have a great day! :-D
Very grateful for your videos David. Valuble lessons
Nice guide I'm going to buy next month a Thermionic Culture Phoenix for bus master and tracking vocals. U forget mention it, also the best varimu compressor aka Rockruepel and the Knif Vari-Mu, that's also great. IGS Tubecore sounds a bit thin to my taste, I thought that Retro STA level was more like an opto compressor, the vintage gates version is more varimu like.
Using them mostly for synths. The Jupiter, Juno and 101 sound like crazy. The very subtle character works amazing on the envelopes while still keeping control is an amazing application
Do you record your synths in mono or stereo
I don't know if it was available when you did this video but the Weight Tank (same company as Locomotive Audio) is a Vari Mu type and under a grand for a full 19" rack with transformer coupled inputs and NOS RCA valves. Incredible sound and value for money plus has 'drive' mode which adds some nice harmonic attitude.
There is also the Tegeler Vari Tube Compressor which I own. It is a quite affordable compressor and it shines on mastering with a very pleasant color and glue. My mixes are always better when I put this compressor in my analog chain.
+1 for Tegeler Audio Manufaktur.
@@studiodebras I do own a Creme but not a "WOW" factor as everyone describes it
I love the TAM VTC. I use it on the mix bus in combination with the Creme. Awesome sounding unit.
Manley NuMu! It’s great! And affordable!
Great breakdown
Congratulations for the video. Do you know what is the type of the BSS 404 Compressor? Thanks!
Wow, buddy. Show us that VU behind your left; that looks pretty dope!
As an owner of a Retro 176 I can’t agree more bro
The UnFairchild is Eric Valentine's baby, if I'm not mistaken.
First of all I love your videos. Keep the great work going!
I have a question:
Do you know anything about the TL Audio C2021 valve compressor?
I can't find much on internet about it. Thanks
Hey David, did you have the opportunity to try that IGS since this video ?
you should have a look at the retro instruments revoler! It’s an amazing dual vari mu compressors with attack times down to 2 ms
I have to admit, when I saw you, it was hard for me to take you seriously. Then you showed your chops of knowledge and experience, and I was impressed. I'm not easily impressed, believe me, burnt city here.. I have a IGS Tubecore coming this Friday, You have to hear this to believe it. It a beautiful thing!
Superb sir
'kin 'el! You compressed a lot of chat into 14 min vid, there. Run that by me again. "Who wants a rewind?" I got a lot from this, cheers
Love my DW!! Wouldn’t give it up for anything
Have you work with Retro Revolver and IGS Tubecore 3U?
Misread the title... I wanted best and cheapest in one unit!!! 🙄😂😉
But seriously, very useful overview. Thanks!
Hi. Great video! Non-music related question: could you tell me about that “lamp” in the top right corner of the screen? It seems to react to sound? I’ve been looking for something like that for my studio. Thanks!
amzn.to/2Oa9p8L
Can you talk a little bit about buying a cheap hardware compressor versus buying a good plug-in? And how about the electricity bill? Thanks
Very fascinating, thank you. I'm looking forward to your take on software vari-MUs, since all I have is the Slate FG-MU, and Waves'PuigChild. I'm assuming there's an audible difference between $30,000 hardware unit and a $30 plug-in. :-)
@@mixbustv DDMF MagicDeathEye?)
Any experience with the Aphex Aural Exciter, and it's plugin variants?
The sound skulptor MU524, 490€ for the kit, sounds fantastic!
Have you ever tried the Tegeler Audio Manufaktur Vari Tube Compressor? I love that unit. It lives on my master bus and it adds so much weight and depth to the mix and its affordable in Vari Mu terms.
I was looking at this unit as well. When I A/B some files ran into it, I found didn’t do that much. I think the catch is running hot into the tegeler unit maybe?
@@SupeBeatz I usually keep the peak of my mix bus at -6 to -3 dbFS and send it to the VTC. I set he input gain that it does -1 to -2 db of gain reduction. The VTC shapes the low end that it sounds nice, deep and focused and rounds the highs. It also does a kind of spatial positioning. All instruments sit where they should be, are transparent without losing the glue. It's definitely a tool for the last 5-10%. It doesn't jump right in you face but it's definitely audible when bypassing the unit. For me, the mix looses weight, shimmer and excitement immediately. In combination with the TAM Creme it's awesome. My go-to chain is Output -> Creme VCA -> Creme Pultec with Smiley Curve -> VTC -> Input.
@@mixbustv you should
I bought a IGS Tubecore 3U ...it’s beautiful.
I do own a Tubecore...I am not professional mixer or master by any means...too me Is a good sounding compressor...cheers
MixbusTV yeah it sounds beautiful lol. 😂😂 ..I still need a colored Compressor but it’s the real deal.
Johnny Vegas I just ordered Some RCA 5670 Tubes and put them in. It doesn’t change much except how hard you can hit the compressor. The stock tubes work fine as well.
@@johnnyvegas2015 did you experiment the igs v8 ? I hesistate to go with one or other.... i D like to add character, because i already have a nice dbx for this.
What about the Wes Audio Timbre? This one is much more affordable than the units mentioned in this compilation. Anyone here that tried it, yet? Is it similar to the Retro 176?
Wes makes solid gear, no doubt about it. I've never personally tried that one (probably the only one I've never tried)
In this video you mentioned getting 6db of gain reduction when using a VCA compressor on the 2 bus. I can't get higher than about 2 or 3db gr without things starting to sound squashed. What do you think the issue is?
Tonal Balance/Levels
Thermionic Phoenix and Tegeler Schwerkraftmaschine.
Very interesting, thanks!
Hi David, great video as usual. Could you tell me what would orient your choice between using a varimu vs. an opto compressor for a given material? With my little experience, it seems like they almost could be interchangeable... Thanks :-)
Good question, hard to answer. Let's say picking one over the other won't make or break the mix, but they are indeed different, especially at high GR. Mu actually uses tubes for the gain reduction and constantly adjust, this gives you a more transparent compression vs the opto which has the typical "squeeze" think LA2A when pushed. And by transparent I don't mean the color of the box itself, which can be obvious or not depending on what model you use for each, I mean the action of the compression. The other difference is the fixed attack and release of the opto cell, so even if it's program dependent, those characteristics will either work or not, on a MU you have variable attack and release, also a MU will have a more direct way to saturate (and adjust that saturation) with the input knob which is independent from the compression, on a 2A for example, you have a fixed threshold so the grunt is directly linked to the input and so to the saturation/color.
But the main difference really is in the way one rides smoothly at high GR vs the opto that squeezes more the more you compress.
Soon I will review a MU (hardware) that will probably clarify things even more
@@mixbustv Wow, thank you for the extensive answer. You're the man!
Thanks for great video. Quick question. How does Vari Mu compressors behave in mastering? Are they good option for mastering and what kind of songs benefit from them? Thank you David
What kind of song is kind of the wrong question, it could be any song or none depending on the mix. Mu's are used in mastering, is pretty common. Usually just to tap the mix with less then 1db or GR, mostly for the color of the units and for glue, not much for groove (like you would with a VCA) or actually dynamic control
@@mixbustv thank you. I've been always using SSL G Bus (VCA) in mastering for glue and cohesive sound (same little GR, just the needle barely moving). What is the difference in sound (in mastering) between VCA and Mu for glue? Thank you so much
How does the RHEA stack up versus other vari-mu's? Does it hold it's own against a Manley or fall short with less tubes? Thank you in advance :)
Rhea surprised the s#it out of me, it's an amazing compressor, up there with the best
@@mixbustv Thank you for the quick reply! cheers
WHAT IS ABOVE JBL?
vari mu with hpf is god tier
Locomotive Weight Tank and Wes Audio Timbre missing!
For what kind of vocals/genres would you use vmus ?
Any experience with the Timbre?
@@mixbustv Wes yeah.. I know you love their stuff and I've had that Timbre in my radar for a bit, but I like to research the crap out of gear before I buy anything and there's just about nothing to be found on that piece. Sound, of course, is everything but I've found some unclear information out there about the tube(s). Not really sure if it's stating the unit has like 4 different tubes in it or just that it can be found with 1 of either 4 of those tubes in it... and trust me, that answer will not send it home for me because I still have to feed the need to see it in use and hear some feedback.
Tubecore500 from IGS can be the best value vari-mu comp in 500 format on the market today. I really like its capabilities and the results.
Rhea > IGS by far
@@mixbustv never heard a Rhea pushed hard to get that tube distortion sound on mono materials 🙄.
Apart of that, I agree on Rhea advantages of total recall and beeing a stereo unit 👌.
Universal audio should reissue the 176
Retro did it a long time ago. Seeing theUA reissues, I don't think they would be the best company to do that
Tegeler VTC?
Good comp
I am not a fan of 500 series, period....I do own some IGS gear and no complaints so far.
@@mixbustv lol...probably true but I do prefer 19” rack equipment...cheers
I think you dont know the meaning of cheap lol
Je m'écoute parler tout seul car je me trouve très intéressant. Et pas un seul sample à se mettre sur la dent. Pfff....