Trying to decide: Pulsar 1178 or DMG Audio TrackComp 2

[Mind Riot]

I'm thinking of getting a new compressor, though I have many. I have a good 1176 plug, IK's Black one, but the Pulsar 1178's features are very appealing, as is its sale price.

But I've also thought of picking up DMG Audio's Trackcomp 2 and using it for just about every compression need I have, simplifying my workflow and possibly allowing me to sell a few of my other compressor plugs.

But a good amount of my compressors can't be sold, some of them being Waves plugs that are past their WUP period and others having been acquired through IK Multimedia's big giveaway that happened several months ago and thus are not transferable.

What do you think, guys? Get the 1178 and shore up my collection, continuing to try new things and learn more ways to use the compressors I have, or get Trackcomp 2 and learn how to use its many onboard compressors instead?

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and experience!

[Dombaeb]

Both offer the best DSP quality of modern days.

I, personally, bought Pulsar bundle because of their last EQ Massive. Working with other EQs always feels like compromise (Massive is CPU hog). I don’t know if 1178 as good or not, didn’t try it yet, but at least I know they can make very seriously sounding tools.

Judging by the reviews, prayers and personal demoing, DMG is no worse. So, take what is more pleasant to click on with the mouse and do not doubt the sound - it will most likely be the best…

[jethrobull]

Being a massive fan of Dave's work I'd say Trackcomp. It is the only compressor I use.

[gentleclockdivider]

Trackomp 2 is fantastic but also might want to check out Pulsar modular new compressor Abyss , the stuff is mighty expensive (300 euro for the compressor:° but sounds great.
BUt I'd say go for trackcomp 2

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

TrackComp2 for sure! You get tons of models. Doesn't come with the gorgeous GUI that Pulsar's 1178 does, but the models in TrackComp2 are excellent and you get so many. DMG could've released each of those models with fancy GUI's and people would say it's a compressor collection that rivals UAD. The fact that they're all in one plugin and don't have skeuomorphic GUI's causes people to underestimate TrackComp2 IMO.

[e@rs]

TrackComp 2.

[plexuss]

I have both. I'd pick TrackComp 2 for the reasons others have mentioned. But the Pulsar 1178 is very nice too.

[scott_free]

Another vote for Trackcomp 2...really great sounding plus amazing versatility (many analog models and a mini compassion!).

[bmanic]

Definitely Track Comp 2. It's one of the best compressors on the market. Period.

It's amazingly flexible. There's basically no audio signal where it wouldn't be suitable. It does everything from ultra transparent to extremely colored. It does all that with amazing quality.

The only thing is that it can be a bit fiddly to setup at first. You need to "learn" it and realize how the various gain staging within it works. Once you do, it's quick to use and provides superb results.

[tonymax]

ive heard DMG dont do sales, do you think it will be on sale BF?

[Frankie.T]

Instead to give a suggestion, that may work for "me" but not for you, i prefer to try to help you with a consideration.
Make yourself a question: What i will use this compressor for? Then prepare a demo with the sounds you answered the question. i.e. drums and try them both on different drums.

So you can understand better wich one work better for you.

Unfortunatly too many times we buy more because of impulse, great UI, anything but our really needs. Happened to me a lot of time, but fortunatly i learned the lesson.

I feel this way to take decisions to be the best (at least for me) i hope help you too

[whassup]

GAS is real. People wanna talk. People wanna have attention. People like new stuff. All human. This is why we buy. This is why expensive hardware has shiny GUIs, sorry: frontplates with huge knobs in designs that let supercars blush. And yeah, all only because it sounds awesome! I can see it. And all pros can see, eh hear, that too. I am important when I have gear that you can't afford. This is why I have this awesome super compressor, 100 ton hardware mega synth, etc. So yeah, both of them. Because TrackComp can't do everything. E.g. it doesn't look posh. Great fault. If it would switch between 10 supercar GUIs while switching the modes everybody would know that it sounds friggin awesome. Because everybody could see it. So I guess some awesome tools like TrackComp will keep some rather shy superstar status while others look, eh sound 10 times better. And for awesome supercar GUI I would (and actually do) wait for that Pulsar compressor.

[Erik_Lucas]

TC2.

[MogwaiBoy]

DMG have never had a sale other than upgrade and loyalty discounts, correct me if wrong.

I also own both and recommed TC2 to you. 1178 is kind of drums-only for me - I know it's more flexible but that's how I'm using it.

Track Comp is a fairly complete toolbox of comp colours. Consider the plain GUI a positive that doesn't influence you.

In terms of quality both companies employ true 64-bit internal plugin processing, and oversampling to essentially eliminate aliasing.

The DMG is a hit on the wallet but an investment you are unlikely to regret. 1178 is a nice-to-have at sale price.

However, you need to also look at FirComp2 I reckon...

[plexuss]

The only other sale that DMG has had that I have seen is intro price reduction. The more of their products you have the more of a discount you get. That coupled with the intro sale makes for a good opportunity to acquire at the cheapest ever price. But you have to start with something. One strategy is to understand the details of their discount structure and buy some 2nd hand on the cheaper end that you might use. Then it becomes more realistic to buy with a discount and especially intro sale.