KVR Audio

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 3:15 am

One problem I encountered whilst producing my wish list of studio gear was that compressors became my worst friend...which one is the better choice for my needs?

And I know other people are in the same predicament. Reading reviews, scouring forums etc. can only go so far. Listening to audio examples to compare can help that much more...and even better - testing them yourself can help produce that final list.

A lot comes down to personal taste so its important to hear them in action, whether you are testing them yourself or listening to other peoples examples of them in action, you need to figure out which ones are the better ones for YOU.

Each compressor has its own character, although some have very similar characteristics and sonic harmonics. But the important question is, does it work for you?

After spending days trying to find comparison threads or reviews to listen to the compressors in action I couldn't find much, and of what there was they were not in one place. Here at KVR there is already another thread (http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=110148 ) with audio examples, but I'm going to pair them up and compare them side by side.

We all use different settings on different sources, we all know that, and this thread is not going to help you finish that wish list. But what it will do is help with it. Each test has tried to keep the same settings for each compressor so that its a fair test (but by no means 100% accurate).

PLEASE ADD CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH THIS THREAD - GIVE US SOME OF YOUR EXAMPLES.

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Natural: To compare the natural sound of compression without adding harmonics or drastic musical changes.

The Glue V Vienna

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Vocals (male or female):

Vintage Warmer V LA-2A
Vintage Warmer V MixPressor
Vintage Warmer V The Rocket
Vintage Warmer V 1176LN
Vintage Warmer V Fairchild 670
LA-2A V MixPressor
LA-2A V The Rocket
LA-2A V 1176LN
LA-2A V Fairchild 670
MixPressor V The Rocket
MixPressor V 1176LN
MixPressor V Fairchild 670
The Rocket V 1176LN
The Rocket V Fairchild 670
1176LN V Fairchild 670

------------------------------------

Drums (electronic):

1176LN V MixPressor
1176LN V The Rocket
MixPressor V The Rocket

Rocket vs Glue (909 kick only) -
(First playing Rocket, then Glue) http://www.box.net/shared/m6mzd4156s

FabFilter Pro C vs Glue (909 Kick only) -
(First playing Fab, then Glue) http://www.box.net/shared/i9n6517jrq

------------------------------------

Drums (acoustic):

1176LN V MixPressor
1176LN V The Rocket
MixPressor V The Rocket

AU 6176 (Hardware) V Plug-in AU 1176LN -
Beat 1 (dry) http://www.box.net/shared/x5vu0hk7ie
Beat 1 (6176) http://www.box.net/shared/foseai872d
Beat 1 (1176LN) http://www.box.net/shared/r37syc1ovq
Beat 2 (dry) http://www.box.net/shared/v55hyi8zhl
Beat 2 (6176) http://www.box.net/shared/ihsirclx05
Beat 2 (1176LN) http://www.box.net/shared/duyjh9ube8
Beat 3 (dry) http://www.box.net/shared/dbsvopei9r
Beat 3 (6176) http://www.box.net/shared/0d98bc0s3v
Beat 3 (1176LN) http://www.box.net/shared/e341eu81h6

The Glue V SSL mix bus compressor clone V Sonnox Dynamics
Test 1: http://www.scherer.de/Download/SonnoxSSLGlue.rar
Test 2: http://www.box.net/shared/bk8gy4k74p
NB: SSL clone: http://gyraf.dk/gy_pd/ssl/ssl.htm

Note: One file, three different sources (room drums, electronica mix, drumloop), first take is unprocessed, the last three are the three compressors, presented above (in that order). A copy of "The Glue" is added which doesn't do any processing after the other two files just to add the noise. Processing was done at 192khz, converters Lynx Aurora.

The Glue V SSL Hardware
(Un-processed Beat) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_original_clip.wav
(Glue) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_A.wav
(SSL) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_B.wav

The Glue V UA 4k Buss Compressor
(Un-processed Beat) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_original_clip.wav
(Glue) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_A.wav
(UA 4K) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_C.wav

SSL Hardware V UA 4k Buss Compressor
(Un-processed Beat) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_original_clip.wav
(SSL) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_B.wav
(UA 4K) http://cmt.siba.fi/nisilen/Cute_beat_clip_C.wav

Blue Tubes CP2S V Waves C1 -
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

WavesRcomp V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

WavesRcomp V Waves C1 -
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

Voxengo Elephant V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

Voxengo Elephant V Waves C1 -
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

Voxengo Elephant V WavesRcomp -
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o

Voxengo Elephant V T-Racks -
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao
(T-Racks) http://www.box.net/shared/m5iqqjxckb

SSL LMC-1 V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

SSL LMC-1 V Waves C1 -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

SSL LMC-1 V WavesRcomp -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o

SSL LMC-1 V T-Racks -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(T-Racks) http://www.box.net/shared/m5iqqjxckb

SSL LMC-1 V Voxengo Elephant -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao

SSL LMC-1 V Steinberg Multiband Compressor -
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag
(SMC) http://www.box.net/shared/24arjuh1fl

PSP Master Compressor V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

PSP Master Compressor V Waves C1 -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

PSP Master Compressor V WavesRcomp -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o

PSP Master Compressor V T-Racks -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(T-Racks) http://www.box.net/shared/m5iqqjxckb

PSP Master Compressor V Voxengo Elephant -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao

PSP Master Compressor V Steinberg Multiband Compressor -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(SMC) http://www.box.net/shared/24arjuh1fl

PSP Master Compressor V SSL LMC-1 -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag

PSP Master Compressor V Focusrite Saffire -
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur
(Saffire) http://www.box.net/shared/sl6f1hliq9

Blue Tubes Liquid V Waves C1 -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

Blue Tubes Liquid V WavesRcomp -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o

Blue Tubes Liquid V T-Racks -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(T-Racks) http://www.box.net/shared/m5iqqjxckb

Blue Tubes Liquid V Voxengo Elephant -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao

Blue Tubes Liquid V Steinberg Multiband Compressor -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(SMC) http://www.box.net/shared/24arjuh1fl

Blue Tubes Liquid V SSL LMC-1 -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag

Blue Tubes Liquid V Focusrite Saffire -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(Saffire) http://www.box.net/shared/sl6f1hliq9

Blue Tubes Liquid V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

Blue Tubes Liquid V PSP Master Compressor -
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur

Blue Tubes FA770 V Blue Tubes CP2S -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(CP2S) http://www.box.net/shared/nuqc7tsadp

Blue Tubes FA770 V PSP Master Compressor -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(PSP) http://www.box.net/shared/lr8hebcxur

Blue Tubes FA770 V Blue Tubes Liquid -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(Liquid) http://www.box.net/shared/s40d657uyz

Blue Tubes FA770 V SSL LMC-1 -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/d80o84a7ag

Blue Tubes FA770 V Steinberg Multiband Compressor -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(SMC) http://www.box.net/shared/24arjuh1fl

Blue Tubes FA770 V WavesRcomp -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(Rcomp) http://www.box.net/shared/q7d7zgj24o

Blue Tubes FA770 V Waves C1 -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(C1) http://www.box.net/shared/d49372ah17

Blue Tubes FA770 V Voxengo Elephant -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(Elephant) http://www.box.net/shared/no46pli5ao

Blue Tubes FA770 V V T-Racks -
(FA770) http://www.box.net/shared/qe6z4ulal0
(T-Racks) http://www.box.net/shared/m5iqqjxckb

------------------------------------

Bass (acoustic):

1176LN V MixPressor
LA-2A V 1176LN
LA-2A V MixPressor

------------------------------------

Bass (electronic):

1176LN V MixPressor
LA-2A V 1176LN
LA-2A V MixPressor

------------------------------------

Acoustic Guitar:

Fairchild 670 V The Rocket

------------------------------------

Whole track:

Duendi SSL Bus Compressor V The Glue -
(A= Glue, B= SSL) http://fridge.net.au/audio/SSLtest/

The Glue V SSL mix bus compressor clone -
(Glue first, then SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/zy4pe8h05n
NB: SSL clone: http://gyraf.dk/gy_pd/ssl/ssl.htm
Note: if there are 3 takes, then the first is unprocessed.

Glue V Sonalksis SSV315 -
(dry - unprocessed) http://www.box.net/shared/5uho35dffq
(Glue) http://www.box.net/shared/xpsrj3c3sh
(SSV315) http://www.box.net/shared/ad6kgi29fe

Glue V Waves SSL -
(dry - unprocessed) http://www.box.net/shared/5uho35dffq
(Glue) http://www.box.net/shared/xpsrj3c3sh
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/cdyr0mln81

Waves SSL V Sonalksis SSV 315 -
(dry - unprocessed) http://www.box.net/shared/5uho35dffq
(SSL) http://www.box.net/shared/cdyr0mln81
(SSV315) http://www.box.net/shared/ad6kgi29fe

Glue V UAD 4K
(dry - unprocessed) http://www.box.net/shared/09a1b6f9gq
(Glue) http://www.box.net/shared/5grasn1u5y
(UAD 4K) http://www.box.net/shared/4ra9b82k6g

------------------------------------

Other:

Bus Compression Test (not the best)

Compressors on Drums

Thank you to those who are willing to help with this. It is not only for my benefit but for others too. Sorry if you think i'm asking too much, but there's no harm in trying.

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:29 am

UPDATED: SAT 14th March 2009.

SWAN808 · Post by **SWAN808** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 3:31 pm

Dude its well worth checking out Sonnox Dynamics, also PSP mix pack (with Mixpressor)...

plus I might add that you really ought to test these yourself...audio examples at the end of the day are just a brief snapshot of other peoples settings on other peoples music...

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 3:35 pm

SWAN808 wrote:Dude its well worth checking out Sonnox Dynamics, also PSP mix pack (with Mixpressor)...

plus I might add that you really ought to test these yourself...audio examples at the end of the day are just a brief snapshot of other peoples settings on other peoples music...

I tried installing mixpack but mixpressor doesn't show up so I can't compair it with other compressors, I thus have to rely on you lot to provide examples.

Ive tested all that is AU compatible mate. The problem is some of them need an iLok to install and some don't even show up. This thread is for the benefit of everyone. I felt if I can get people to supply audio takes it will mean others can listen to them also and make their life easier when compairing. I can't install every compressor simply because not all of them are AU compatible.

macattackamac · Post by **macattackamac** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:32 pm

i did a test too, comparing the Glue, the Waves SSL compressor & Sonalksis SV-315.
here is the link containing the zip file with all wavs.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bhf06x

it is a short clip with various loops (apple loops mostly) that i made quickly, just to do the test.
All compressors have the same and in some cases similar settings.

i must say that i liked Waves SSL compressor results a bit more than the others. But my room is not perfect, so i cannot compare 100%.
look forward to what you think.

Cooker · Post by **Cooker** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:03 pm

Did you demo flux?

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:21 pm

Cooker wrote:Did you demo flux?

If I remember correctly yes I did. In fact I find I still have the demo version.

Cooker · Post by **Cooker** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:36 pm

I find it to be working for anything from mixing to mastering. Its transparent, it may not be preferred for that reason but its the best all around software comp. I know of (worth the price too).

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:39 pm

Cooker wrote:I find it to be working for anything from mixing to mastering. Its transparent, it may not be preferred for that reason but its the best all around software comp. I know of (worth the price too).

If you like and have the time you can provide some comparisons for everyone to have a listen to

If I remember right I didn't like it.

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:39 pm

macattackamac wrote:i did a test too, comparing the Glue, the Waves SSL compressor & Sonalksis SV-315.
here is the link containing the zip file with all wavs.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bhf06x

it is a short clip with various loops (apple loops mostly) that i made quickly, just to do the test.
All compressors have the same and in some cases similar settings.

i must say that i liked Waves SSL compressor results a bit more than the others. But my room is not perfect, so i cannot compare 100%.
look forward to what you think.

Thank you very much, I will have a listen and post it up when I get home.

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 11:18 pm

UPDATED: 16th March 2009.

6 New Audio files added + Cleaner interface to make life easier in finding the audio files.

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 9:39 pm

I hope people are finding these useful. Ive had 600 views but no one apart from one person has actually supplied any audio files.

Shy · Post by **Shy** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:13 pm

Sorry but I just don't understand what you want exactly.

1. you wrote "see below", but I don't understand what compressors you want to hear examples of. The ones that already have examples?

2. why make X versus Y samples instead of just post examples for each compressor?

3. compression settings can vary hugely. You can compare compressors by using subtle, more close to "transparent" settings, or more "extreme" settings, and the possible parameter combinations are huge. Usually, a compressor that sounds good with extreme settings is likely to sound good with subtle ones. A compressor may sound completely different from another at similar settings (or from itself with other settings), and some compressors may sound good with specific settings and bad with most others, which brings me to the next point:

4. the only reliable way to test a compressor is to use it yourself. Hearing a demo or several is usually not going to give you a very clear sense of all that the compressor is capable or uncapable of. Hence the next point:

5. software compressor demo plugins are available. Aren't they enough? You can get all the answers you want and more by just testing the compressors you're interested in. If you're considering a plugin that uses Syncrosoft of PACE USB key (dongle) protection, then you may need a USB key to demo it (not always, but usually). If you're serious about getting the best possible software compressor for your needs (which may be none, and maybe only several would be able to fulfil them), then you should find a way to test those plugins yourself. Because as I said, audio samples are not going to be a good enough indication, not if you're serious about finding something that really fits your needs.

koolkeys · Post by **koolkeys** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:18 pm

By the way, I was just reminded of one of my favorite compressors, and it's free. Compressive. Jay, try it out. Very high quality and won't cost you a dime. The second version of it comes with Computer Music Magazine still I believe, and it's even better yet.

You don't ALWAYS have to pay for good results.

Brent

Jay-Producer · Post by **Jay-Producer** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 3:59 am

Shy wrote:Sorry but I just don't understand what you want exactly.

1. you wrote "see below", but I don't understand what compressors you want to hear examples of. The ones that already have examples?

2. why make X versus Y samples instead of just post examples for each compressor?

3. compression settings can vary hugely. You can compare compressors by using subtle, more close to "transparent" settings, or more "extreme" settings, and the possible parameter combinations are huge. Usually, a compressor that sounds good with extreme settings is likely to sound good with subtle ones. A compressor may sound completely different from another at similar settings (or from itself with other settings), and some compressors may sound good with specific settings and bad with most others, which brings me to the next point:

4. the only reliable way to test a compressor is to use it yourself. Hearing a demo or several is usually not going to give you a very clear sense of all that the compressor is capable or uncapable of. Hence the next point:

5. software compressor demo plugins are available. Aren't they enough? You can get all the answers you want and more by just testing the compressors you're interested in. If you're considering a plugin that uses Syncrosoft of PACE USB key (dongle) protection, then you may need a USB key to demo it (not always, but usually). If you're serious about getting the best possible software compressor for your needs (which may be none, and maybe only several would be able to fulfil them), then you should find a way to test those plugins yourself. Because as I said, audio samples are not going to be a good enough indication, not if you're serious about finding something that really fits your needs.

1) The ones that have no audio files yet.

2) X V Y simply because comparing compressor used on different sources does not give an accurate account to how better or worse it is. That's why the comparison is better.

3) I asked for the same settings if possible. You are right that some will sound different on different settings etc. But these are only rough examples. Give or take.

4) I agree with your point 100% but say you have 20 compressors on your list it would be time consuming to test them all yourself. And I doubt very much all 20 would be compatible with every platform, thus it become relevant to listen to some audio examples to get a taste.

5) I don't have a dongle and some people hate them, another good reason to have audio examples. I agree that testing them yourself is the best way but it doesn't hurt to have some audio examples to hear.

Compressor Choice - With audio examples (please contribute)