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Hi Warren & David, you both mentioned in the past that for EDM and similar genres a fully ITB production may be beneficial, right? But, how exactly do you decide if analog gear is adding value to a (EDM) production or not? What is your mindset? Simply "try and error" or more sophisticated? Thanks!
Five * * * * * stars for FMR PBC6A. This yellow brick punches way above its weight class seriously. Pretty versatile digitaly controlled VCA, great metering, hi pass, goes from snap to thwack you name it. Can be used as set and forget, or dialed up ad nauseum, as variable knee together with "Thick" mode changing attack/release envelopes alter the compressor action, providing many ways to work with material. Perfect for tracking, particularly vox. Flawless. Alsp would not say in any way it is "dirty" or kind of a distortion box at all. It is coloured. It can be clean too, though you hear its creamy texture. One of best sounding compressors for me, next to much more expensive ones I have, had or worked with. Do not underestimate book by the cover, the PBC6A deserves a lots of praise in my opinion.
Behringer composers were used by Paul Van Dyk on his legendary Out There And Back album. His production was outstandingly good for that time. The album has such a punch! It made me borrow one (the tube version t-1952) to see how it actually works. I was pleasantly surprised as it sounded better than many (but not most) plugins on drumbus. I liked it way more than Waves SSL bus comp at that time. After all, the Composer is based on Drawmer DL241 compressor. Models MDX2000 and MDX2100 are reportedly the best ones. One compressor you didn't mention and is unfortunately less known is SPL Dynamaxx. I had it and sold it (which I regret). Super transparent. I could compress 8dB or more on the 2bus and could barely hear it. It has some cool, unique features and is basically foolproof. It would be awesome if you'd review it!
I've had the ART Pro VLA II compressor (as well as the ART PRO Digital MPA II Pre-Amp) and i honestly LOVE both of these. I was kind of blown away with how good they sounded for such the low price point. They give a nice warmth and tone to my recordings, and the cool thing is you can change the tubes in them to give different tones. Definitely recommend these to any one.
I just bought both the FMR RNC and RNLA for vocal compression and I use them together with my Avalon vt737sp with the 3 to make a nice thick vocal texture
Nice to see Drawmer on your list. I bought a second hand Drawmer LX20 back in the early 90s that needed some work. I contacted Drawmer who fixed it for free, I just had to pay for the postage.I still use it. Great video. Thank you.
currently putting money aside for the 1978, - still got all my old Drawmers, dl241, 251, 441, ds201 x2 and a df320, all XLR and built like tanks - almost 30yrs old, and never one problem with any unit, - if only dbx were built as good, my 118 is still going strong, but the 166 died years ago. nice video David, and a great summary of each unit
PBC 6A in my opinion is among the best of the selection. Digitally controlled VCA, continuous variable knee for adjusting level dependent ratio. Great for tracking, although but slower in action. Absolute killer on bass, vocals, snares. Vintage sound, nice colour & texture, and wide options available, from thickening or softening material to smacking stuff to pieces. Definitely not clean, yet not dirty, but rather coloured. Side chain filter. Linked on to second unit it makes nice bus compressor. Definitely a sleeper, among many more expensive boxes.
I've been watching this video repeatedly lately as I learn compressors and shop for something entry level. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in so many great videos. You have a great approach to how you think of gear. Always honest and pragmatic.
Man...... you've just answered so many questions I've had for so many years which made me hesitant to buy certain compressors. Thank you so so much! You're always giving so much true and extremely valuable knowledge. It's good to see you still climbing up doing big things. You seem a lot happier too. Thank you again as always!
I wish more people did this kind of thing: Hello>To the point>elaborating a little bit for every product (but not rambling, you said important stuff about each product). Having said that, would the best comp for vocals a la Skid Row/Power Ballad (Sebastian Bach) be the Golden Age Project Comp-2A? Thanks.
The really nice compressor is an unbalanced comp, but you can get an ART audio unbalanced to balanced outboard converter for about 70 bucks, and that's Canadian dollars. Worth it.
My first compresor was the Alesis 3630 ........wait I know that a lot of people give bad rap on it, but back in the 90’s, I used it along Valley People, Drawmer , BSS , dBx and Behringer. Beilive me that many colleagues and producer were surprised with it. Also I Think the Joe eek and Tonelux could be on the list. Thanks for you videos.
I had 1 of those, and used it for gigs back in the day. It worked great for that as it was inexpensive, did what it was supposed to, and had lots of pretty led lights. The only drawback is the noise floor is hideous at low signal. In live environments, it works well as live gigs are really noisy to begin with. The noise was really noticeable when the PA was turned up with no signal going through. Cheers.
how would you compare the drawner 1978 vs the klanghelm MJCU? can you do a video comparing high end plugins like the MJCU and Cytomic The Glue vs hardware compressors under $1000? your are the only person who i think it could make a good comparison video about this, thanks!
Amazing video ! I'm considering going outside the box this year because I can't stand mixing with a mouse and screen. So having this kind of video is absolutely great :)
Yes great vid David ! I have an La Audio "Black Face" Classic compressor made by Guy Martin back in the 80's.. that's my go to harware comp along with Distressor. Also have a Fairchild 688 I use on bass and sometimes vocals. ITB I've started using the Softube FET compressor.. that's quite cool.. very usable.
Thx for sharing, and I like watching your videos. Coming to DBX 160a. They say it's not so much for vocals. In 90's when I had my set up, I use to DBX 165A, thinking back it was a very nice unit.
I remember when I bought the MDX2200, I was shocked about the awful build quality, no real knobs, but plastic pins stuck through the housing into cheap, wobbly, open pot-meters and it couldn't live up to its predecessors in any way. The sound seemed as wobbly as the knobs, the gates where bad and there was hardly any compression going on at all, it was a real piece of crap. I see this one still has the same Asian build and not the original quality, cant judge the knobs or sound from where I sit, but what I see scares me. Never the less, I still have the MDX2000 and MDX2100 and they've been performing well for me, for over 20 years, they're nice and clean and they just dont quit
I have 2 of the 500-series DBX-560A, it's really a great compressor for the bucks. I had an original '70's DBX-160 that got stolen from me, never got another until the 500-Series 560A came out. It's my go to comp. love it for Kick & bass gtr. too. Nice vid bro !
I've been following you for a while now, just wanted to say that I feel your channel is the most informative and, more importantly, I feel that I can trust you. I'm skeptical on most of the other big channels. It is most obvious to ask you to do same kind of video for EQs, but what my bigest wish is if YOU can review new K.Teknik EQP-KT. It is most affordable hardware EQ and as such, many people will get hands on, nevertheless, I'm interested what impression does it leave on experienced engineer.Thank you!
Excellent Review In my opinion you’re the first engineer that displays compassion and sensitivity regarding the purchasing of Outboard gear. I feel that you’re aware of the financial plight that many budding producers face when producing, recording and mixing the best quality audio/ music they can pending on their budget. It’s uplifting that you have conducted your review in terms of an ascension of price, and have been mindful not to downgrade outboard manufacturers in contrast to Industry standard audio Manufacturers Neve, SSL, API to name a few which retail at a Higher price point. That’s why I stopped subscribing and purchasing audio Magazines like Sound on Sound , because they always made me feel inadequate, as my Alesis Mixer will never sound as good as a Neve etc. Moreover, when they cite their own equipment, In a condescending fashion , pisses me off big Time 😤. “ This FMR compressors ok but not as good as my Dual Pultec’s ($4000 per unit) . I know, I’ve got kids 2 feed I’m Fucking not spending $8000 on EQ’s. Adding insult to injury I’m paying for their magazine to write this . I like your style , your straight to the point and I feel that you cater for all tastes and budgets in music , and what would be MOST HELPFUL if you can please do a ShootOut on Cheap vs Expensive Outboard Gear , So producers who are cash strapped can: Calibrate and evaluate their ears of their cheap outboard gear to expensive industry standard/Mastering Gear. This will give us a useful and measurable range to aspire to update our studio. David/ Mixbus TV “You’re Simply the Best!” T.T Keep up the great work’
Hi David, thank you for these reviews as it has helped me a lot in my journey in slowly building my home recording studio. I have finally pulled the trigger in getting my 1st opto compressor with the Golden Age Project Comp 3A. Keep it up. Thanks, and God bless.
Hi David, tnx for the great video. Can I use the RNC / RNLA on my guitar pedal board alongside other pedals like overdrive etc. I mean do they function as if they were pedals? Because they seem so good. Also which one would you recommend for an electric guitar, you know for sustain and smoothing everything out. Tnx a lot David, keep up the good work!
Thank You for creating this video... because of this video i bought a Behringer Composer XL and an ART PRO VLA 2-( i also bought an Alesis 3630 and a Rockville EQ - and i plan on using a patchbay... i plan on getting some of the mid level or higher end compressors later on - thanks again!
Im a newbie too - i have literally been making my beats with an MPC 2000XL and sending it into a digital mixer recorder- then into my DAW - I feel like depending on your USB Audio Interface - there should be a way to - however it all depends on how you’re tryin to use it - see i have a Tascam DP 24 - which is a digital recorder where ill be sending everything to a patch bay then routing the sound to the different pieces of gear - ill let you know how it all work out.
Great vid! Guys, the FMR RNC1773 is even better than David said in the limited time he had. I use one at home and will throw it in the travel rig with a second. It can handle anything, and super nice sounds.... super nice! This is a no brainer. Dig out the coins from the couch and get one. Street around $185
I just bought the FMR Audio RNC and the RNLA. Soon i'll buy their preamps and PBC comps too. The RNLA has no balanced in and outputs;) That doesn't matter. Great stuff. I've got 6 pieces of wonder in 2RU!
Alesis 3632 (3630 reissue with modifications...) is a low-cost classic. French house music from the 90's, speak Daft Punk.... the alesis is that sound!
revive audio dbx 166. germanium capacitors, nice fuzz on bass and kick, use for tracking and mix buss $330 for 2 channels , best bang for your buck!!!!!!
Hi david! I really love your videos! I would like to know, for you, what are the best cheap gear to make my first mastering analog chain. I think the ART PRO VLAII would be my first choice to my "compressor" instance. im a big fan of you! all the best from Argentina!
Nice video David. This kind of videos make me sad, It's sad for someone who lives with Brazilian money. Here the "cheapest" hardware we only find used, and it costs the equivalent of how much a family spends to live for a few months. I hope someday have one of the cheapest in my studio. ;(
Amigo, me están vendiendo un compresor Dod 866 en 75 dólares tiene como de 12 años pero se ve muy bien estéticamente. Será que vale la pena? Sería mi primer equipo analógico.
Dave, I just grabbed a Drawmer saturator,Comp 3A & an interface. My question is Do you feel the RNLA is better than using a plug-in comp for drum bus & drum sidechain ?
Art VLA is definitely a sleeper. David, what do you think about 3rd party mods like Black Lion Audio? Revive Audio? I have the the modded DIGI 002 and it sounds way better than a lot of new interfaces. Black Lion kicks ass IMO. Thanks.
And I agree and disagree about what u said about tubes, yes it is all about the build quality but if I take that art u had compared to the one with tubes you would say the extra 80 bucks is totally worth it even though there the same design. It makes vocals definitely cuts through the track better. Big ups from texas
I have a pair of the kt -76 and they are great comps... they are super clean and transparent so if your looking for color these are not going to be your choice
Hello David, thank you for this video, very useful. Please, I need your advice. I have a Manley Core and I'm happy with it, I don't change it for anything, but I'm missing a compressor for Bus Stereo ("master") and I want HW, could you tell me if an ART VLA2, SCL 2 or an FMR 1773 suits me better, or some other that you can think of in that price range. I want a Stereo compressor that doesn't spoil the sound quality of the Manley and be able to use it in Stereo,... If I had money, I would buy another Manley,... Thank you very much,
@@bioburden yeah, that is accurate. he only reviewed the compressor. I actually don't remember if it was supposed to be a wa-76 copy or an La2a copy. but it was one of the two.
Thanks for the info! Love your videos! I'm an electric guitarist, and I use a rack-based system. I use a pedal compressor in front of my amp for that "squash" compression sound on clean tones. I have seen some people using a line-level rack compressor (e.g., DBX160), to squash their clean tone. My question is -> Is there a "benefit" to using one method vs the other? What does the rack compressor get me, that the pedal lacks? Thanks for your help!!! :)
Generally speaking, if you get a studio grade compressor (not just because they're rack they're better) you have better control, better quality. DBX is a standard, you could also look into FMR RNC, one of the best for this purpose
@@ian1eh944 if you want color, do you want color? What kind? Do you want it all the time? Because the PBC is hella colored and it's also very tricky with the gain stage. Color is not automatically better, it's color. RNC would be a much more versatile choice, not just for color or not
@@mixbustv Ok, I am looking for a warm sounding comp for my clean guitar tones.....think funky clean rhythms from Nile Rodgers.... Thanks so much for responding too! :)
Excellent video and very informative, I have learned a lot. Could you please make a video: Top 10 Cheapest Analog Preamp You Can Buy, it would be awesome!!!
Did you heard of the brand FREDENSTEIN David?? A few years ago I bought their vas preamp and they offer great value for money...;) ( I think it,s Golden Age Project alike )
Noob question here. If I'm using a condenser mic that needs 48v going to a compressor then audio interface. Who would provide the 48v power to the mic ? Is this where the mic pre-amps come in ?
Wow, nobody has anything bad to say about the FMR stuff. That's a pretty big endorsement by itself! thanks for the great video. hopefully I'll be getting my first hardware compressor in the next 3 months! can't decide if i want to start with the FMR's or jump up to the warm audio. You've definitely put the Golden Age on my radar though. we'll see!
I returned an RNC twice and they couldn't get it working. Twice. EDIT: But there's a happy ending (for me). I sold it on Ebay "for parts". Then I guess someone else tried to get them to fix it...
@@RDYC That's so weird. you would think if you returned something like that, they would send you a new one. not try to fix it and send it back! good to know though.
Thanks so much man you rock! If you have a chance for one question I would love to know which compressor you would pick from this list that is the most versatile. I plan on buying my first hardware compressor based off of this list and I would like my first one to be a jack of all trades that I could use on anything (vocals, drums, synth, guitars, instruments, etc.) Do you have a recommendation? Thanks again for your countless videos! I have learned so much from you bro!
actually, on second watch of the video, I think I may have answered my own question lol. Looks like the Drawner is the most versatile one. Would you agree?
I have one. question i want to start mixong with analog Gears , Butt i cznt affiet a big rack could you like single out most important gear i need to start off ,like one off each eg, comp,reverb' eq etc
Thanks for ur detailed 👌🏽 infos,would u please recommend a budget master compressor for me,i just want something i can use in my home studio to sum and master my beats..thanks for ur anticipated quick response ✌🏽
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Great video David!! This helps so many people!! You Rock my friend!
Hi Warren & David,
you both mentioned in the past that for EDM and similar genres a fully ITB production may be beneficial, right?
But, how exactly do you decide if analog gear is adding value to a (EDM) production or not? What is your mindset? Simply "try and error" or more sophisticated?
Thanks!
@@mixbustv I see, experience.
Probably the highest level of sophistication I can think off 😀!
Thanks for the answer!
Including me.
WARREN
Five * * * * * stars for FMR PBC6A. This yellow brick punches way above its weight class seriously. Pretty versatile digitaly controlled VCA, great metering, hi pass, goes from snap to thwack you name it. Can be used as set and forget, or dialed up ad nauseum, as variable knee together with "Thick" mode changing attack/release envelopes alter the compressor action, providing many ways to work with material. Perfect for tracking, particularly vox. Flawless. Alsp would not say in any way it is "dirty" or kind of a distortion box at all. It is coloured. It can be clean too, though you hear its creamy texture. One of best sounding compressors for me, next to much more expensive ones I have, had or worked with. Do not underestimate book by the cover, the PBC6A deserves a lots of praise in my opinion.
Behringer composers were used by Paul Van Dyk on his legendary Out There And Back album. His production was outstandingly good for that time. The album has such a punch! It made me borrow one (the tube version t-1952) to see how it actually works. I was pleasantly surprised as it sounded better than many (but not most) plugins on drumbus. I liked it way more than Waves SSL bus comp at that time. After all, the Composer is based on Drawmer DL241 compressor. Models MDX2000 and MDX2100 are reportedly the best ones.
One compressor you didn't mention and is unfortunately less known is SPL Dynamaxx. I had it and sold it (which I regret). Super transparent. I could compress 8dB or more on the 2bus and could barely hear it. It has some cool, unique features and is basically foolproof. It would be awesome if you'd review it!
I've had the ART Pro VLA II compressor (as well as the ART PRO Digital MPA II Pre-Amp) and i honestly LOVE both of these. I was kind of blown away with how good they sounded for such the low price point. They give a nice warmth and tone to my recordings, and the cool thing is you can change the tubes in them to give different tones. Definitely recommend these to any one.
What Tubes woul you suggest one buy to color the signal more?
But the VLA doesn't run your vocals through the tubes at all
I just bought both the FMR RNC and RNLA for vocal compression and I use them together with my Avalon vt737sp with the 3 to make a nice thick vocal texture
Nice to see Drawmer on your list. I bought a second hand Drawmer LX20 back in the early 90s that needed some work.
I contacted Drawmer who fixed it for free, I just had to pay for the postage.I still use it. Great video. Thank you.
@@mixbustv Ah sweet. I'll check out the review
currently putting money aside for the 1978, - still got all my old Drawmers, dl241, 251, 441, ds201 x2 and a df320, all XLR and built like tanks - almost 30yrs old, and never one problem with any unit, - if only dbx were built as good, my 118 is still going strong, but the 166 died years ago.
nice video David, and a great summary of each unit
I really don't comment much but you are so clear, concise and to the point it's just fantastic
🙏
PBC 6A in my opinion is among the best of the selection. Digitally controlled VCA, continuous variable knee for adjusting level dependent ratio. Great for tracking, although but slower in action. Absolute killer on bass, vocals, snares. Vintage sound, nice colour & texture, and wide options available, from thickening or softening material to smacking stuff to pieces. Definitely not clean, yet not dirty, but rather coloured. Side chain filter. Linked on to second unit it makes nice bus compressor. Definitely a sleeper, among many more expensive boxes.
Actually, I for real needed that! Synchronicity man.
I've been watching this video repeatedly lately as I learn compressors and shop for something entry level. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in so many great videos. You have a great approach to how you think of gear. Always honest and pragmatic.
what did u end up getting? and howd it work out? im looking for something myself
The 160x, 160xt, and 160a were also used as front end on large touring sound systems two bus. Also one of the best snare comps there is.
I’ve never used it on the two buss, but man. It does give such a great shape to drums!
I was seriously looking at the FMR’s for my first “serious” comp, thanks for the review
Man...... you've just answered so many questions I've had for so many years which made me hesitant to buy certain compressors. Thank you so so much! You're always giving so much true and extremely valuable knowledge. It's good to see you still climbing up doing big things. You seem a lot happier too.
Thank you again as always!
I'm still rocking my 3630 and I love the thing. Hard recommend as an honourable mention
I wish more people did this kind of thing: Hello>To the point>elaborating a little bit for every product (but not rambling, you said important stuff about each product). Having said that, would the best comp for vocals a la Skid Row/Power Ballad (Sebastian Bach) be the Golden Age Project Comp-2A? Thanks.
The really nice compressor is an unbalanced comp, but you can get an ART audio unbalanced to balanced outboard converter for about 70 bucks, and that's Canadian dollars. Worth it.
The Golden Age sounds so good!
I was not expecting to get so much insight and information from just one short video. This was awesome, keep it up!
Can you do an updated video? 2020 Best hardware Comps for Vocals, and best Comps for Mix Bus ?
My first compresor was the Alesis 3630 ........wait I know that a lot of people give bad rap on it, but back in the 90’s, I used it along Valley People, Drawmer , BSS , dBx and Behringer. Beilive me that many colleagues and producer were surprised with it. Also I Think the Joe eek and Tonelux could be on the list. Thanks for you videos.
I had 1 of those, and used it for gigs back in the day. It worked great for that as it was inexpensive, did what it was supposed to, and had lots of pretty led lights. The only drawback is the noise floor is hideous at low signal. In live environments, it works well as live gigs are really noisy to begin with. The noise was really noticeable when the PA was turned up with no signal going through. Cheers.
Love your work . Thank you .
Interesting statement
when you said
“PLUG INS CAN’T do SATURATION .”
Hardware rules but nothing soft about software.😋😋😋
Good to see you still doing these. Keep it coming Dave.
how would you compare the drawner 1978 vs the klanghelm MJCU? can you do a video comparing high end plugins like the MJCU and Cytomic The Glue vs hardware compressors under $1000? your are the only person who i think it could make a good comparison video about this, thanks!
Amazing video ! I'm considering going outside the box this year because I can't stand mixing with a mouse and screen. So having this kind of video is absolutely great :)
Yes great vid David ! I have an La Audio "Black Face" Classic compressor made by Guy Martin back in the 80's.. that's my go to harware comp along with Distressor. Also have a Fairchild 688 I use on bass and sometimes vocals. ITB I've started using the Softube FET compressor.. that's quite cool.. very usable.
I tune in to these vids, and even though I'm all in the box and outside of the hardware arena, they're great to watch
Thx for sharing, and I like watching your videos.
Coming to DBX 160a. They say it's not so much for vocals. In 90's when I had my set up, I use to DBX 165A, thinking back it was a very nice unit.
I remember when I bought the MDX2200, I was shocked about the awful build quality, no real knobs, but plastic pins stuck through the housing into cheap, wobbly, open pot-meters and it couldn't live up to its predecessors in any way. The sound seemed as wobbly as the knobs, the gates where bad and there was hardly any compression going on at all, it was a real piece of crap. I see this one still has the same Asian build and not the original quality, cant judge the knobs or sound from where I sit, but what I see scares me. Never the less, I still have the MDX2000 and MDX2100 and they've been performing well for me, for over 20 years, they're nice and clean and they just dont quit
I have 2 of the 500-series DBX-560A, it's really a great compressor for the bucks. I had an original '70's DBX-160 that got stolen from me, never got another until the 500-Series 560A came out. It's my go to comp. love it for Kick & bass gtr. too. Nice vid bro !
😂 Great to see, Behringer gets some ❤
I've been following you for a while now, just wanted to say that I feel your channel is the most informative and, more importantly, I feel that I can trust you. I'm skeptical on most of the other big channels. It is most obvious to ask you to do same kind of video for EQs, but what my bigest wish is if YOU can review new K.Teknik EQP-KT. It is most affordable hardware EQ and as such, many people will get hands on, nevertheless, I'm interested what impression does it leave on experienced engineer.Thank you!
Your video was so good, I subscribed. I’ve used most of the comps on your list, and I agree with you 100% on your reviews. Thanks for the video.
Excellent Review
In my opinion you’re the first engineer that displays compassion and sensitivity regarding the purchasing of Outboard gear.
I feel that you’re aware of the financial plight that many budding producers face when producing, recording and mixing the best quality audio/ music they can pending on their budget.
It’s uplifting that you have conducted your review in terms of an ascension of price, and have been mindful not to downgrade outboard manufacturers in contrast to Industry standard audio
Manufacturers Neve, SSL, API to name a few which retail at a Higher price point.
That’s why I stopped subscribing and purchasing audio Magazines like Sound on Sound , because they always made me feel inadequate, as my Alesis Mixer will never sound as good as a Neve etc.
Moreover, when they cite their own equipment, In a condescending fashion , pisses me off big Time 😤.
“ This FMR compressors ok but not as good as my Dual Pultec’s ($4000 per unit) .
I know, I’ve got kids 2 feed I’m Fucking not spending $8000 on EQ’s.
Adding insult to injury I’m paying for their magazine to
write this .
I like your style , your straight to the point and I feel that you cater for all tastes and budgets in music , and what would be MOST HELPFUL if you can please do a ShootOut on Cheap vs Expensive Outboard Gear , So producers who are cash strapped can:
Calibrate and evaluate their ears of their cheap outboard gear to expensive industry standard/Mastering Gear.
This will give us a useful and measurable range to aspire to update our studio.
David/ Mixbus TV
“You’re Simply the Best!” T.T
Keep up the great work’
Hi David, thank you for these reviews as it has helped me a lot in my journey in slowly building my home recording studio. I have finally pulled the trigger in getting my 1st opto compressor with the Golden Age Project Comp 3A. Keep it up. Thanks, and God bless.
Hi David, tnx for the great video. Can I use the RNC / RNLA on my guitar pedal board alongside other pedals like overdrive etc. I mean do they function as if they were pedals? Because they seem so good. Also which one would you recommend for an electric guitar, you know for sustain and smoothing everything out. Tnx a lot David, keep up the good work!
Great video, straight to the point, no BS filler. Thanks mate, this video was very useful for me. Cheers.
Thank You for creating this video... because of this video i bought a Behringer Composer XL and an ART PRO VLA 2-( i also bought an Alesis 3630 and a Rockville EQ - and i plan on using a patchbay... i plan on getting some of the mid level or higher end compressors later on - thanks again!
Im a newbie too - i have literally been making my beats with an MPC 2000XL and sending it into a digital mixer recorder- then into my DAW - I feel like depending on your USB Audio Interface - there should be a way to - however it all depends on how you’re tryin to use it - see i have a Tascam DP 24 - which is a digital recorder where ill be sending everything to a patch bay then routing the sound to the different pieces of gear - ill let you know how it all work out.
Great vid! Guys, the FMR RNC1773 is even better than David said in the limited time he had. I use one at home and will throw it in the travel rig with a second. It can handle anything, and super nice sounds.... super nice! This is a no brainer. Dig out the coins from the couch and get one. Street around $185
So much value packed in your advice. I wish I had seen this video before I bought so much other stuff. I wish I had gone for 1176 styles.
I just bought the FMR Audio RNC and the RNLA. Soon i'll buy their preamps and PBC comps too. The RNLA has no balanced in and outputs;) That doesn't matter. Great stuff. I've got 6 pieces of wonder in 2RU!
Alesis 3632 (3630 reissue with modifications...) is a low-cost classic. French house music from the 90's, speak Daft Punk.... the alesis is that sound!
I'm not sure alesis "is that sounds" I don't really think it had a big impact on it :D
Nice review! Klark Teknik KT-76 and KT-2A could be in the list.
Definitely agree the Klark Tekniks should be on the list! Very cheap on Thomann
Really appreciate you sharing your valuable experience with us, man. subbed.
No mention of the Aphex series. Another avenue definitely worth checking
revive audio dbx 166. germanium capacitors, nice fuzz on bass and kick, use for tracking and mix buss $330 for 2 channels , best bang for your buck!!!!!!
Hi david! I really love your videos! I would like to know, for you, what are the best cheap gear to make my first mastering analog chain. I think the ART PRO VLAII would be my first choice to my "compressor" instance. im a big fan of you! all the best from Argentina!
Nice video David. This kind of videos make me sad, It's sad for someone who lives with Brazilian money. Here the "cheapest" hardware we only find used, and it costs the equivalent of how much a family spends to live for a few months. I hope someday have one of the cheapest in my studio. ;(
Amigo, me están vendiendo un compresor Dod 866 en 75 dólares tiene como de 12 años pero se ve muy bien estéticamente. Será que vale la pena? Sería mi primer equipo analógico.
This may have been made before the Klark Teknik stuff came out but the kt 2a is an insanely good compressor.
@@mixbustv Of course you would say that, in english we call that "ownership bias" :)
This video is like a great compressor-- Adding what was missing. Just the exact review I was looking for! Thank you.
Dave, I just grabbed a Drawmer saturator,Comp 3A & an interface.
My question is Do you feel the RNLA is better than using a plug-in comp for drum bus & drum sidechain ?
Art VLA is definitely a sleeper. David, what do you think about 3rd party mods like Black Lion Audio? Revive Audio? I have the the modded DIGI 002 and it sounds way better than a lot of new interfaces. Black Lion kicks ass IMO. Thanks.
Hi, great clip! thanks for sharing :) which of those 10 Comps work best on drums?
And I agree and disagree about what u said about tubes, yes it is all about the build quality but if I take that art u had compared to the one with tubes you would say the extra 80 bucks is totally worth it even though there the same design. It makes vocals definitely cuts through the track better. Big ups from texas
Such a great resource this channel!!
I have a pair of the kt -76 and they are great comps... they are super clean and transparent so if your looking for color these are not going to be your choice
Pro VLA is dual mono / stereo
very knowledgeable and helpful advice! thanks for sharing
Another excellent, straight to the point, no BS, vid Thanks
Hello David, thank you for this video, very useful. Please, I need your advice. I have a Manley Core and I'm happy with it, I don't change it for anything, but I'm missing a compressor for Bus Stereo ("master") and I want HW, could you tell me if an ART VLA2, SCL 2 or an FMR 1773 suits me better, or some other that you can think of in that price range. I want a Stereo compressor that doesn't spoil the sound quality of the Manley and be able to use it in Stereo,... If I had money, I would buy another Manley,... Thank you very much,
Finally a honest video about cheap compressors! Please check warm audio WA76 (620 euros).
First!! I have RNC and RNLA 👍 Got both very cheap used!
Would love to see you check out the Klark Teknik compressors and EQs for those on a serious budget.
White Sea has a decent review of the Klark Tecnic.
@@slavesforging5361 Only the compressor I believe. They also make a limiter and EQ.
@@bioburden yeah, that is accurate. he only reviewed the compressor. I actually don't remember if it was supposed to be a wa-76 copy or an La2a copy. but it was one of the two.
Nice to see your face man! First time to see it. Been following your channel for a while. Was a big fan of your review with the Klanghelm MJUC.
Hi. It is COMP-2 A hot device? Do You have some temperature issue with it?
Great job I needed this wow have I spent money on some junk...thanks
you'v missed the most important from the electronic music scene. Alesis 3630 (Daft Punk, Alan Braxe, Kavinski, Sebastian etc..)
True, definitely a classic in its own right
Wow! Approved by Warren !!! Nice
Nice video. Gave me some good ideas. That drawmer sure looks nice.
Thank you !! Great like always D !! What about Eqs ??
You are doing very, very good job. Well done.
Great review. Crisp, succinct. Bang on the money. GAP Comp 3A in the post. Thank you, Sir. 😊😊😊
Thanks for the info! Love your videos!
I'm an electric guitarist, and I use a rack-based system. I use a pedal compressor in front of my amp for that "squash" compression sound on clean tones. I have seen some people using a line-level rack compressor (e.g., DBX160), to squash their clean tone. My question is -> Is there a "benefit" to using one method vs the other? What does the rack compressor get me, that the pedal lacks? Thanks for your help!!! :)
Generally speaking, if you get a studio grade compressor (not just because they're rack they're better) you have better control, better quality. DBX is a standard, you could also look into FMR RNC, one of the best for this purpose
@@mixbustv Ah ok thanks! Would the FMR BPC be preferable for guitar as it is more "colored"?
@@ian1eh944 if you want color, do you want color? What kind? Do you want it all the time? Because the PBC is hella colored and it's also very tricky with the gain stage. Color is not automatically better, it's color. RNC would be a much more versatile choice, not just for color or not
@@mixbustv Ok, I am looking for a warm sounding comp for my clean guitar tones.....think funky clean rhythms from Nile Rodgers.... Thanks so much for responding too! :)
Leaning in to Drawmer hardware a bit more after this review.
Another great video. Just what I was looking for. Glad that I found your channel.
Thank David no more secrets i will be getting one of those 5oo wes audio mimac compressor.
So what's your opinion on the new Klark Teknik comps?
Thanks David...great rundown!
Excellent video and very informative, I have learned a lot. Could you please make a video: Top 10 Cheapest Analog Preamp You Can Buy, it would be awesome!!!
Gotta echo Warren's comment.... Great video David!
Nice video, what's your opinion on plugins and plugin saturation?
Can you do a tutorial on how to set up and use 500 series lunchbox
@@mixbustv im super grateful for that. I subbed so u should get notifications. Thank you😁
Did you heard of the brand FREDENSTEIN David?? A few years ago I bought their vas preamp and they offer great value for money...;) ( I think it,s Golden Age Project alike )
Noob question here. If I'm using a condenser mic that needs 48v going to a compressor then audio interface. Who would provide the 48v power to the mic ? Is this where the mic pre-amps come in ?
You ain't gonna go with a mic into a compressor. You ain't gonna go into nothing BUT a preamp with it, from the pre you go wherever you want
Wow, nobody has anything bad to say about the FMR stuff. That's a pretty big endorsement by itself! thanks for the great video. hopefully I'll be getting my first hardware compressor in the next 3 months! can't decide if i want to start with the FMR's or jump up to the warm audio. You've definitely put the Golden Age on my radar though. we'll see!
I returned an RNC twice and they couldn't get it working. Twice.
EDIT: But there's a happy ending (for me). I sold it on Ebay "for parts". Then I guess someone else tried to get them to fix it...
@@RDYC That's so weird. you would think if you returned something like that, they would send you a new one. not try to fix it and send it back! good to know though.
The Alesis 3630, now discontinued, has a lot more character than the Behringer.
Very useful info. Thank you David.
Thanks so much man you rock! If you have a chance for one question I would love to know which compressor you would pick from this list that is the most versatile. I plan on buying my first hardware compressor based off of this list and I would like my first one to be a jack of all trades that I could use on anything (vocals, drums, synth, guitars, instruments, etc.) Do you have a recommendation? Thanks again for your countless videos! I have learned so much from you bro!
actually, on second watch of the video, I think I may have answered my own question lol. Looks like the Drawner is the most versatile one. Would you agree?
@@mixbustv Awesome! Thanks for getting back to me man!
What do think about warm audio
I have one. question i want to start mixong with analog Gears , Butt i cznt affiet a big rack could you like single out most important gear i need to start off ,like one off each eg, comp,reverb' eq etc
Do you have an updated version of this or does it still apply?
Thanks for ur detailed 👌🏽 infos,would u please recommend a budget master compressor for me,i just want something i can use in my home studio to sum and master my beats..thanks for ur anticipated quick response ✌🏽
Love watching your videos
Great video as always, bro! I want to buy LA 2A clone. The options are Warm Audio WA 2A or GAP Comp 2A. What's your advice? Which one is better?
GAP
You say with the golden age 2a you get a sound you can’t get with plugins. Does that mean former mentioned CAN be replaced with plugins?
How about BSS dpr 404 ? Should I use it?
or VLA 2 VS BSS 404 which one should I choose? Thanks!
Thank you Sir, you're being so generous everytime. Have a great day