Master compressor?

[Spazi]

Hi guys, I've been saving up some money to buy a decent Master compressor for my music.
I'm looking for a "all-rounder", since I'm into electronic music, rock, singer songwriter and stuff like that.
The compressors that I've been checking out is:

Tube-tech SMC 2B (expensive and sky high reviews)
TL Audio Ebony A2 (cheap with handy features and great review)

Haven't been able to try one out, so I'm just checking for feedback!

Anyone tried any of them and could perhaps give me some feedback?

[leedsquietman]

are you looking just at hardware compressors ?

[jamief]

reasons built in mastering is excellent.

[freshdrumma]

ssl buss compressor, not cheap but very good, you can find some good clones around 600 on ebay

alesis 3610 very cheap and great

[Spazi]

I should have mentioned that I'm looking into compressors that have some analogue warmth to them and sounds very expensive.
I did a check on the SSL, they have the G series compressor in a 1U rack, looks very nice
Funny you should mention the Alesis, I simply adore the Alesis products, and I know that the 3630 is a very very nice cheap compressor, but it's very neutral, that's why I don't think it's suited for this one.
Never heard about the 3610 though?

PS. Stardust : "Music sounds better with you" was made with a Alesis 3630 at the master fader

[leedsquietman]

Get something like a Urei 1176 or an LA-2A.

If you have the budget and want a hardware compressor with 'character' then the Neve 33609 is a good bet.

Something like an Empirical Labs Distressor or Fatso are real character compressors.

The Smart C2 is a well liked compressor.

Universal Audio make recreations of 1176, LA2A, LA3A, Fairchild etc, check out their website
http://www.uaudio.com/products/hardware/index.html

Or you could look to build up components in an SSL X-Rack modular system
http://www.solid-state-logic.com/music/xlogic%20x-rack/

On a budget the FMR Audio 'Really nice compressor' RNC1773 is way more expensive sounding and infinitely preferable to anything by Alesis.

[shuutobi]

Om nom nom nom.

[tweeter]

I use this and I LOVE it ...

http://www.mercenary.com/dr19meedduch.html

-t-

[cbentley]

What's your budget?

I'll throw in my recommendation for a Crane Song STC-8. Not only is it a good buss compressor and mastering compressor it's also a great for tracking. Lives on my master bus for light compression.

You might also check out an RND Portico 5043. Sounds great on a variety of sources. Not always my first choice in the rack, but sounds decent on pretty much everything.

If you want to go all in, try a Shadow Hills mastering compressor.

[SWAN808]

This is a beauty

http://www.thermionicculture.com/products/phoenix.htm

On a smaller budget I 2nd the Drawmer 1968 as a good gluey master buss compressor. Has a bit of colour-but not punchy. Cranesong also a good choice. I am about to receive a TF Pro P38 which I hope will be good.

If you want the SSL style sound in a versatile package for master buss this is nice:

http://www.tkaudio.se/BC1.htm

Really depends what sound you are going for...

[Spazi]

If you want the SSL style sound in a versatile package for master buss this is nice:

http://www.tkaudio.se/BC1.htm

WoW! I've heard some samples and even a song that was mastered with this Master compressor, I was blown away!
Thx alot for the link mate!
Not much analogue warmth but extremely clear and transparent, nice SSL sound but way cheaper.
I emailed the company asking for shipping prices.
Guys, I think we found a winner?

[GUY SMILEY]

voxengo polysquasher every time.
works really well before a limiter on the master bus.

is software though