A bit of a generalization, I know - but why not?
Given the massive amount of compressors out there, what ones are you using and what for?

Let me give a small example:
I personally have gone overboard for the Universal Audio compressors. The LA2A is great on Vocals, and is "instant Sound". Cannot live without it.
The 1176LN is a killer on Drums & Bass, especially in "all buttons" mode.
And as for the Fairchild, well - words utterly fail me.

To mt somewhat biased mind, nothing else even comes close and the real beauty is that as they are on a DSP card there is no CPU overhead at all.

So what's your favourite then?
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I'd have to say that the Tube-Tech SMC-2B is my favorite. I wouldn't even think about mastering a CD without this great stereo multiband tube compressor. It really helps reel in those problem frequencies without affecting the remainder of the frequency spectrum.

Unfortunately I am not familiar with this one.
I don't have the budget for the hardware I would like, so I generally remain in the digital domain.

Love to try one though.
How does it stand up against the Fairchild?
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I've never had the luxury of using a fairchild, but I have a friend who has one and loves it. The Tube-Tech uses optical compressors, but you split the input stereo signal into 3 frequency ranges that can be processed separately. You can really tighten up the bass without affecting everything else. If you've never used a multiband compressor, I'd highly recommend trying one out.

I've tried multibands on many, many occasions and with so far no exceptions I have hated them all.

I agree there are occasions when mastering when I have no option but to use one, but my personal feeling is that if you need a multiband on the mix, then the mix is wrong.

Just my opinion. I'd rather record it right than "fix in the mix", and I'd rather mix right than "fix in the mastering".
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Quote:

Just my opinion. I'd rather record it right than "fix in the mix", and I'd rather mix right than "fix in the mastering".

Interesting that, this must be dependant on the medium though I guess? I mean is a radio mix not a whole lot different to an album mix, for just one example?
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AC wrote:

Quote: Just my opinion. I'd rather record it right than "fix in the mix", and I'd rather mix right than "fix in the mastering". Interesting that, this must be dependant on the medium though I guess? I mean is a radio mix not a whole lot different to an album mix, for just one example?

I don't normally do the heavy multiband thing for a "radio" mix, as by the time it's been through the stations compressors it will alter the sound somewhat anyway.

The only time mixes are usually different (from my perspective) is album mix versus the single mix. A radio edit is usually just shorter, not mastered differently. There is no need if the master was done right in the first place IMHO.
Lets face it - we still hear Led Zep/Eagles/Neil Young on the radio, and they only ever did the one version.
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Hi Guys! With regard to the digital domain, have any of you used the T-Racks 24? I got it through the protools upgrade and it sounded ok, but I don't know what to compare it to, since I am not skilled at mastering yet. I use it to "demo" my mixes. It worked pretty good, but I was wondering what I could do to improve on it? Budget will not yet allow for rack compressors, man they are EXPENSIVE!

Thanks for the advice

I have a Focusrite Voicemaster which is obviously designed for vocals. Has all the bells and whistles but still very easy to use. I also bought a cheap tube unit called "the Fat Man". It does exactly what it says. I use it more as a tube preamp but the compression it provides if very good. Kind of a character piece of gear (like a Joe Meek product). It's cheap and I love it. Ideal for those guys like me with a non-existent budget.

HighNoteProductions wrote:

Hi Guys! With regard to the digital domain, have any of you used the T-Racks 24? I got it through the protools upgrade and it sounded ok, but I don't know what to compare it to, since I am not skilled at mastering yet. I use it to "demo" my mixes. It worked pretty good, but I was wondering what I could do to improve on it? Budget will not yet allow for rack compressors, man they are EXPENSIVE! Thanks for the advice

Yeah, I got that when I got protools as well, but haven't used it as much as I have my JoeMeek Compressor. I think we're in much the same boat though, I don't really know how to master and all that good stuff yet...but in time...