Compressors, what are you using for what applications

tomperson · Post by **tomperson** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:02 pm

Hi all.
Since I've been very interested in using compressors in "creative" ways lately i'd like to add one or two more to my arsenal (which are basically live ones). My idea is to have some compressors with different flavours/characteristics, so I'd like to know what are you using for what applications.

Let's discuss.

Hedroom · Post by **Hedroom** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:11 pm

I use the UAD compressors which have loads of character.

Using my own trademark descriptions

LA2A - to make kick drums more "clacky"

LN1176 - to give snares more "whop"

Fairchild - to give whole drumtracks more "bazoing"

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:18 pm

When I had my UAD-1, the Fairchild was my go to for bassline, 1176 in "all buttons in" for percussion loops, and LA2A for anything where transparent compression was needed.

Now I just use the basic Sonalkis compressor for everything. Clean enough if you don't hit it hard, and just enough colored sounding if you do.

SubFunk · Post by **SubFunk** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 3:40 pm

one of my faves is a freebee, the Blockfish. i love it's character loads of colour.

djsynchro · Post by **djsynchro** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 9:51 pm

UAD-1:

1176LN On Everything
LA-2A On Everything

Sometimes
Fairchild
Gatecomp
CS1 Channel strip

Sometimes the Ableton Live Compressor 2 (for gain adjusting without colouration)

Torkjell · Post by **Torkjell** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:43 am

Sony pluggs on Powercore

paddypaws · Post by **paddypaws** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:55 am

waves C4 is a good 1 thats worth an shout out

funk313 · Post by **funk313** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:00 am

Fatso from Empirical Labs...

SubFunk · Post by **SubFunk** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:05 am

all the UAD-1 stuff is prime.

and for hardware, the Manley Massive Passive and Crane Song gear.

still as mentioned one of my faves the unreal Blockfish. and it's free, unbelivable.

rbmonosylabik · Post by **rbmonosylabik** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 9:49 am

SubFunk wrote:one of my faves is a freebee, the Blockfish. i love it's character loads of colour.

+1 for Blockfish

sniffio · Post by **sniffio** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:25 am

are we talking 'bout hardware or software ???

Do they work differently ??

I'm curious.

polyslax · Post by **polyslax** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 12:16 pm

I like to throw a little Sonalksis stereo comp on the bass, sometimes Neodynium depending on the material. I'll ocassionally put some Metric Halo Channel Strip on the drums, or maybe some Vintage Warmer or ValveTone 62.

tomperson · Post by **tomperson** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 12:41 pm

Those sonalksis plugins seem to be the bomb!

Thanks!

elemental · Post by **elemental** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:07 pm

funk313 wrote:Fatso from Empirical Labs...

you bastard

Mike Goodwin · Post by **Mike Goodwin** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:12 pm

My new faves are all from PSP Audio. Sold my UAD and bought the PSP Total Pack. I am very happy with PSP they sound very good. Check out the Vintage Warmer, Mastering Comp. And the Mix Pack, they all kick ass.