I've been out of the loop for a long time but this week I finally tracked some drums and bass with a friend in my kitchen. So now I'm sitting with nice raw tracks, wondering what to do. Please tell me about your favorite compressors and reverbs at the moment.
EDIT:Expanded the opening story slightly
Suggest compresor and reverb for acoutic drums and electric bass
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 181 posts since 25 Jul, 2004 from Malmö, Sweden
Thanks, khanyz, DC8C demos were jawd-ropping! Definitely buying it. It's too bad I must wait a week until I can buy, anything I can use in the mean time?
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- KVRAF
- 1799 posts since 4 Sep, 2011 from England
Devil-Loc Deluxe is designed just for drums although you can use it on anything. It can also pump and fatten up the sound.
Baught Eventide Blackhole two weeks ago thats an amazing reverb plugin. Valhalla would be a second choice.
Baught Eventide Blackhole two weeks ago thats an amazing reverb plugin. Valhalla would be a second choice.
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 181 posts since 25 Jul, 2004 from Malmö, Sweden
This Valhalla preset totally did it for me for the room sound: http://valhalladsp.wordpress.com/2011/0 ... rum-rooms/
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- KVRian
- 921 posts since 14 May, 2010 from Atlanta, GA
For bass, try any modeled LA-2 or 1176 with no amp sim to start. The IK and Bomb Factory versions I use are top-notch and give a deep, consistent tone when I want, and a wonderfully crushed buzz when I don't.
They're a little slow by nature, which lets transients through but contains the bigger fundamental, a trick that you can apply to nearly any soft comp/limiter by adjusting the attack time.
I wish that there were a few more DBX160xt models out there (UAD is never, EVER on sale), it was a CLASSIC for any type of bass for almost thirty years!
KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt
They're a little slow by nature, which lets transients through but contains the bigger fundamental, a trick that you can apply to nearly any soft comp/limiter by adjusting the attack time.
I wish that there were a few more DBX160xt models out there (UAD is never, EVER on sale), it was a CLASSIC for any type of bass for almost thirty years!
KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt
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- KVRian
- 1056 posts since 2 Sep, 2010
On individual drums I often use Stillwell's The Rocket - Bombardier or Compassion on the drum group. On the bass, again The Rocket (sometimes Crunchessor or MajorTOM), PSP oldTimer if I need it round with a smooth yet firm taming of the peaks. Recently bought DC8C and I'm pretty convinced it does it all, very flexible and good sounding compressor.
As for the Reverb, you really can't go wrong with ValhallaRoom. I also use CSR and Breverb sometimes, but both are quite pricy at the moment.
As for the Reverb, you really can't go wrong with ValhallaRoom. I also use CSR and Breverb sometimes, but both are quite pricy at the moment.
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- KVRAF
- 2750 posts since 2 Feb, 2005 from Raincoast of Grayland
Like sixtyfive from de la Mancha? That's a great choice for bass for $15.Xenobt wrote:I wish that there were a few more DBX160xt models out there (UAD is never, EVER on sale), it was a CLASSIC for any type of bass for almost thirty years!
perception: the stuff reality is made of.
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- KVRAF
- 5524 posts since 5 May, 2007 from Mars Colony
Yes (and I'm selling mine right now in the MarketplaceAmon1973 wrote:PSP oldTimer if I need it round with a smooth yet firm taming of the peaks.
)"You don’t expect much beyond a gaping, misspelled void when you stare into the cold dark place that is Internet comments."
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- KVRian
- 921 posts since 14 May, 2010 from Atlanta, GA
Actually the DBX 160xt is a hardware compressor, and 65 is a synth, but thanks for the heads up on de la Mancha. LOTS of cool free stuff on their site!mandolarian wrote:Like sixtyfive from de la Mancha? That's a great choice for bass for $15.Xenobt wrote:I wish that there were a few more DBX160xt models out there (UAD is never, EVER on sale), it was a CLASSIC for any type of bass for almost thirty years!
KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt
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- KVRian
- 1056 posts since 2 Sep, 2010
Basic65 is indeed a synth, but sixtyfive is a compressor (inspired by the DBX 165A) - and a very good one, IMHO. Unfortunately, no x64 as it is SE... I miss De La Mancha stuff.
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- KVRian
- 921 posts since 14 May, 2010 from Atlanta, GA
Ah, foiled by using numbers in my google search. Thanks, it looks really good, but no RTAS version either. BOO!
I use one of the most expensive DAWs out there, and can't run all that cool, cheap VST stuff without a wrapper that kills my cpu. Oh, the ironing!
KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt
I use one of the most expensive DAWs out there, and can't run all that cool, cheap VST stuff without a wrapper that kills my cpu. Oh, the ironing!
KVR/eSoundz: Xenobt
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Dean Aka Nekro Dean Aka Nekro https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=162100 - KVRAF
- 6178 posts since 4 Oct, 2007 from Escaped At Last
I could rattle on for ages but I won't, I also agree with all the suggestions/can't go wrong really it just comes down to personal taste really.
Compression wise I've been using and loving Variety of Sound's ThrillSeekerLA and/or along with Density Mk III and nothing by VoS will cost You a penny (so long as PC 32-Bit/x86 only is not a problem) actually just have at all the processors and effects there as preFIX is a superb gate and problem solver...Rattling abit. Then Along with VoS awesome freeware I equally love/use/abuse vladg/sounds molot and/or his most recent release 'Limiter#6' which is so much more than a limiter its great, Also free! Audio Damage's free RoughRider is ideal when you want to go nuclear on something plus can greatly help hats, cymbals along with anything that maybe on the harsh side, Its not one You'd use for everything but when it works it does so splendidly. Along with Klanghelm's DC8C that is some awesome dynamic processing for very little money
it. Stillwell's MajorTom, The Rocket and Bombardier are fine/I like alot as is PSPaduioware's oldTimer/oldTimer ME. The pricey ones I use often include Waves API 2500, SSL 4000 G-Series, V-Series, PIE and H-Comp (I won't mention any Pro Tools only stuff, Pro Tools and Live are my main two applications/cover all my DAW ITB needs). AbbeyRoad Plugins RS 124 is awesome on drums for my needs. If I did not have it covered by hardware and a few plugins already then ArtsAcoustic CL Series would be in my plug-ins folder, Its got Meekness to spare (If I didn't have a few of the green rack jobs, Focusrite LiquidMix, ThrillSeekerLA and Digidesign's SMACK! - They cover it for Me). Right there is more but they are the most important for me at the moment/regarding this topic, Even though I've probably left something out but still hope it helps abit 
Reverb...Valhalla Room, Now VROOM!!! is the first algo based Reverb which has nailed the early reflections for Me personally so that a good library of Impulses along with LiquidSonics Reverberate for convolution is a killer combination but not essential, Depends if You are a fan of convolution really (I still use WizooVerb W2 which sadly got abandoned, I love it but it can be covered easily now with many options). Something almost like WizooVerb is VirSyn's Reflect 2 but it is abit pricey IMveryHumbleHO. Along comes VoS again with the free EpicVerb v1.5 which is quality, GlaceVerb is a free classic and just the thing for certain sounds. 112dB's Redline Series Reverb is prized by some, ArtsAcoustic Reverb is another stalwart for many, IK's CSR if you can get it for a good price is still good, Lexicon's PCM Native bundle is the rich man's ITB algo reverb but I prefer ValhallaRoom for whatever that is worth. 2C Audio's Ether is one of those things that has too much going on for me personally, Don't want a Reverb with more controls and shit than a monster software synth FFS
but some love it and they do have simpler reverbs available. Probably missed out some again but still I'm rattling again and hope that helps some
Now when in rome, A few last but definately not least tools which might be of use/help greatly, Firstly a transient shaper, Especially so as You have tracked the kit Yourself so know what Your space sounds like and whether or not You want to minimize it or enhance it, There are plenty to choose from (along with being able to abuse certain compressors to give envelope shaping results but dedicated plug-ins are alot easier to work with). Sonnox, Voxengo, SPL/Plugin Alliance and again Stillwell Audio/Schwa all have very powerful transient shaping processors available, Also I am presuming that the drumkit was multiple mic'd up? If so a phase alignment/rotation utility is really worth having handy, Voxengo's PHA979 2 is great, Along with Audication Phase Rotator (free), BetaBugs Audio PhaseBug (free) and the aforementioned preFIX by Variety of Sound/Bootsie for nothing. One last time probably some glaring omissiions but hope it helps
All the best to Yourself and to everyone as always
Dean
Compression wise I've been using and loving Variety of Sound's ThrillSeekerLA and/or along with Density Mk III and nothing by VoS will cost You a penny (so long as PC 32-Bit/x86 only is not a problem) actually just have at all the processors and effects there as preFIX is a superb gate and problem solver...Rattling abit. Then Along with VoS awesome freeware I equally love/use/abuse vladg/sounds molot and/or his most recent release 'Limiter#6' which is so much more than a limiter its great, Also free! Audio Damage's free RoughRider is ideal when you want to go nuclear on something plus can greatly help hats, cymbals along with anything that maybe on the harsh side, Its not one You'd use for everything but when it works it does so splendidly. Along with Klanghelm's DC8C that is some awesome dynamic processing for very little money
it. Stillwell's MajorTom, The Rocket and Bombardier are fine/I like alot as is PSPaduioware's oldTimer/oldTimer ME. The pricey ones I use often include Waves API 2500, SSL 4000 G-Series, V-Series, PIE and H-Comp (I won't mention any Pro Tools only stuff, Pro Tools and Live are my main two applications/cover all my DAW ITB needs). AbbeyRoad Plugins RS 124 is awesome on drums for my needs. If I did not have it covered by hardware and a few plugins already then ArtsAcoustic CL Series would be in my plug-ins folder, Its got Meekness to spare (If I didn't have a few of the green rack jobs, Focusrite LiquidMix, ThrillSeekerLA and Digidesign's SMACK! - They cover it for Me). Right there is more but they are the most important for me at the moment/regarding this topic, Even though I've probably left something out but still hope it helps abit Reverb...Valhalla Room, Now VROOM!!! is the first algo based Reverb which has nailed the early reflections for Me personally so that a good library of Impulses along with LiquidSonics Reverberate for convolution is a killer combination but not essential, Depends if You are a fan of convolution really (I still use WizooVerb W2 which sadly got abandoned, I love it but it can be covered easily now with many options). Something almost like WizooVerb is VirSyn's Reflect 2 but it is abit pricey IMveryHumbleHO. Along comes VoS again with the free EpicVerb v1.5 which is quality, GlaceVerb is a free classic and just the thing for certain sounds. 112dB's Redline Series Reverb is prized by some, ArtsAcoustic Reverb is another stalwart for many, IK's CSR if you can get it for a good price is still good, Lexicon's PCM Native bundle is the rich man's ITB algo reverb but I prefer ValhallaRoom for whatever that is worth. 2C Audio's Ether is one of those things that has too much going on for me personally, Don't want a Reverb with more controls and shit than a monster software synth FFS
but some love it and they do have simpler reverbs available. Probably missed out some again but still I'm rattling again and hope that helps someNow when in rome, A few last but definately not least tools which might be of use/help greatly, Firstly a transient shaper, Especially so as You have tracked the kit Yourself so know what Your space sounds like and whether or not You want to minimize it or enhance it, There are plenty to choose from (along with being able to abuse certain compressors to give envelope shaping results but dedicated plug-ins are alot easier to work with). Sonnox, Voxengo, SPL/Plugin Alliance and again Stillwell Audio/Schwa all have very powerful transient shaping processors available, Also I am presuming that the drumkit was multiple mic'd up? If so a phase alignment/rotation utility is really worth having handy, Voxengo's PHA979 2 is great, Along with Audication Phase Rotator (free), BetaBugs Audio PhaseBug (free) and the aforementioned preFIX by Variety of Sound/Bootsie for nothing. One last time probably some glaring omissiions but hope it helps
All the best to Yourself and to everyone as always
Dean
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- KVRAF
- 2824 posts since 22 Mar, 2006 from cornwall
My current most used drum compressor is the new one by 112db - Big Blue Compressor :-
http://www.112db.com/bigblue/compressor/
I absolutely love this on drums.
I've also been extremely impressed with Voxengo's Drumformer demo and may end up getting this one at some point.
On occasions I've used Stillwells Bombardier aswell.
Haven't tried Density mkIII or Thrillseeker LA yet.
As for reverb I'm really loving ValhallaRoom and EaReverb. Epicverb and Reverberate get some use also.
http://www.112db.com/bigblue/compressor/
I absolutely love this on drums.
I've also been extremely impressed with Voxengo's Drumformer demo and may end up getting this one at some point.
On occasions I've used Stillwells Bombardier aswell.
Haven't tried Density mkIII or Thrillseeker LA yet.
As for reverb I'm really loving ValhallaRoom and EaReverb. Epicverb and Reverberate get some use also.