10 commercial compressors compared in a dance context

[akisd28]

c08.

[living sounds]

This thread at gearslutz is a very interesting read:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthre ... hlight=ssl

Follow it to the end, there are even more examples. Using a limiter makes very clear how the files compare and why the hardware unit is ultimatly superior (I think I'll build an SSL bus compressor clone soon).

[nuffink]

[8-bitter]

c08 sounds best to me.

[Hunter]

Hmm not being annoying (I'm interested in this) but surely it would be quite easy to make 8 different sounding examples with the same compressor? Unless you are matching settings exactly I'm not sure how relevant these kind of comparisons are. maybe I've drunk too much coffee today

[krank]

This thread at gearslutz is a very interesting read:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthre ... hlight=ssl

Follow it to the end, there are even more examples. Using a limiter makes very clear how the files compare and why the hardware unit is ultimatly superior (I think I'll build an SSL bus compressor clone soon).

Gearslutz is an odd place. It's supposed to be about serious audio engineers doing really serious gear talk, yet you have a popular thread like that which compares the effects of a certain type of compressor emulation - on a full, already finished mix! So everyone admits to liking the original better, and what they're in fact judging is which plug is doing the least damage. Who's really wiser for that? Elsewhere in the same forum you'll find people loading audio files into different hosts and going 'oh yeah, the highs are much clearer in this one', etc.

[living sounds]

With sufficiently developed ears you can judge the quality of a compressor even if it is not beneficial to the audio file applied on. I think this test at gearslutz makes quite clear why the hardware still rules.

This thread at gearslutz is a very interesting read:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthre ... hlight=ssl

Follow it to the end, there are even more examples. Using a limiter makes very clear how the files compare and why the hardware unit is ultimatly superior (I think I'll build an SSL bus compressor clone soon).

Gearslutz is an odd place. It's supposed to be about serious audio engineers doing really serious gear talk, yet you have a popular thread like that which compares the effects of a certain type of compressor emulation - on a full, already finished mix! So everyone admits to liking the original better, and what they're in fact judging is which plug is doing the least damage. Who's really wiser for that? Elsewhere in the same forum you'll find people loading audio files into different hosts and going 'oh yeah, the highs are much clearer in this one', etc.

[Ronny Pries]

what kind of verdict is supposed to come out of this comparison?

as far as i learn from your description the compressors are tuned to sound good to your ears which is nowhere close to a good testing situation.

in the end i hear 10 loops compressed to your liking but what does it say about the used compressors? i mean, you say yourself you're no mixing genius so i bet there's room for improvement in terms of tweaking the fx.

i'm missing some crucial information to really get something out of this. good idea, but a comparison is something else (i think).

ronny

[nuffink]

With sufficiently developed ears you can judge the quality of a compressor even if it is not beneficial to the audio file applied on.

[Alien Leg]

Ronny, I'm sure the tweakings could be improved, but I have at least tried to match RMS and peak but also the compressor parameters and not only what I liked best.
Oh and no matter what drums I throw at my favorite compressor from this test, almost always I like it the best!
I'd also like to hear a comparison with perfectly matched parameters, if that would be possible. Also this wouldn't lead to the same peak/rms-ratio I think.

[fgimian]

I must say Alien, you've done a great job providing a good comparison here and there are clear differences in the tone of some compressors which sound familiar. I wouldn't have had the patience to tune so many samples to provide to a public forum for discussion.

Just saying thanks and nice work. Out of curiosity, what are your favourties among the bunch ?

Cheers
Fots

[dr. orange]

Did I say thank you already?

The results of this comparison will determine my next buy

[dalor]

After hearing C02, i tried with my favourite Compressor to get the same result, i'm pretty close i'd say. Hear for yourself:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UENTCZ8T
(sorry, have no webspace)

[defjamm]

This thread at gearslutz is a very interesting read:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthre ... hlight=ssl

Follow it to the end, there are even more examples. Using a limiter makes very clear how the files compare and why the hardware unit is ultimatly superior (I think I'll build an SSL bus compressor clone soon).

this is from the thread from the user roho:

'I totally disagree. If you don't believe me try it the other way around. Do a mix with using an ANALOG SSL type comp (and on inserts as well if possible). Now slam it with L2 or whatever. Go past 4-5 db of reduction. Do the same with software only ITB. Now compare software and hardware.

Not comparable - one is like a paper, nasal - the other is real, hard and natural.

It's what happens afterwards, - MASTERING, further compressing limiting for client listening copy etc. Again, the difference is HUGE.'

i would NEVER go past 4-5db of reduction with an l2 or use one if i want punchy results. it is crazy to compare compressors after you have f**ked up your song with an l2.

[Kingston]

Not comparable - one is like a paper, nasal - the other is real, hard and natural.

inroducing the basics of the lanquage of american audio engineer societys stamp collector section.

All of these guys should be lined up, and given the choice of a direct headshot, or an ABX test.