Arturia Compressors: which to use when?

[ghostwhistler]

I have the Diode, Fet, and VCA.

What situations should I use each of them in?

Thanks

[TheMaestro]

Here, even in order:

https://www.arturia.com/products/softwa ... 9/overview
https://www.arturia.com/products/softwa ... 6/overview
https://www.arturia.com/products/softwa ... 5/overview

[planetearth]

I believe the OP was looking for real-world examples, not pages of Arturia's well-meaning, but ultimately useless marketing nonsense.

@ghostwhistler, to greatly oversimplify, the Comp DIODE-609 is a compressor/limiter based around a diode bridge, and good on a mix bus (though it can also work well on individual tracks).
From Gemini (Google's AI):
"Diode bridge compressors are favored for their distinctive, vintage-inspired sound characterized by a unique harmonic distortion and aggressive, colorful tone. They offer fast attack and release times, making them suitable for various applications like drums, guitars, and bus compression. Their ability to add "vibe" and make instruments stand out in a mix is another key reason for their continued popularity."

The FET-76 is a field effect transistor-based compressor, noted for its very fast attack times.
Again, Google's Gemini:
"FET compressors are favored for their fast attack times and ability to add punch and character to audio signals, making them suitable for a variety of applications, especially when aggressive compression is needed. They excel at controlling transients and adding a distinct, often gritty, sound."

The VCA-65 is based upon a voltage-controlled amplifier, and traditionally has been used on drum buses.
Finally, from Gemini:
"VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) compressors are favored for their clean, transparent, and predictable compression, making them versatile for various applications, particularly on the mix bus. They excel at controlling dynamics with precision and speed, offering flexibility in attack, release, and ratio settings."

While Google's AI is helpful in summarizing the typical uses for each type of compressor, you'll probably find just as many YouTube videos with people suggesting other uses for these compressors, including some applications you might not think of until you start using these extensively. Once you get the feel of each compressor's attack and release time ranges (and any distortion/harmonics they add), you'll have a better idea of which one to reach for in a mix.

Hope some of that helps!

Steve

[Uncle E]

DIODE-609 is an emulation of a 33609. Main bus and drum bus.

FET-76 is an emulation of a 1176. Vocals, drums (punchy), and guitars (both electric and acoustic).

VCA-65 is an emulation of a 165. Vocals and drums (pillowy).

TUBE-STA is an emulation of a STA-Level. Vocals and bass.

[ROTMetro]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

[Kai Enaki]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

Indeed. It'd be a perfect fit. Even more so with the flexibility it offers over the competition.

[martinjuenke]

Compression is overstated!

[Igro]

Uncle E answer is short, but is exactly what is for.

Diode is my all-time favorite for mix bus, if I'm doing electronic music (when I need that "pump"). In my opinion, it is one of the best Arturia creation.

[ghostwhistler]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

I have been since I got it. It's the easiest one to use thus far.

But I'm curious as to why you say that?

Thanks all for the replies. Arturia's marketing spiel is fun, but not terrifically important

[ghostwhistler]

TUBE-STA is an emulation of a STA-Level. Vocals and bass.

I don't think that one was included, probably a later plug in that I didn't get (got a license transfer).

[ghostwhistler]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

Indeed. It'd be a perfect fit. Even more so with the flexibility it offers over the competition.

So stick with the Diode over the others? I find it's sidechaining a bit easier to work with. Though I am confused as to why it includes a filter section for the input signal.

[swilow11]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

Indeed. It'd be a perfect fit. Even more so with the flexibility it offers over the competition.

So stick with the Diode over the others? I find it's sidechaining a bit easier to work with. Though I am confused as to why it includes a filter section for the input signal.

So you can determine the frequency range of the side chain signal the compressor responds to and, more importantly, what it doesn't respond to.

[ghostwhistler]

ghostwhistler from your bandcamp I'd say start with playing around with Diode.

Indeed. It'd be a perfect fit. Even more so with the flexibility it offers over the competition.

Oh ok, that makes sense. I only use it for the obvious kick sidechaining.

So stick with the Diode over the others? I find it's sidechaining a bit easier to work with. Though I am confused as to why it includes a filter section for the input signal.

So you can determine the frequency range of the side chain signal the compressor responds to and, more importantly, what it doesn't respond to.

[ROTMetro]

Diode is just really really good for electronic music/drums.

I use FET on vocals. The standard vocal chain is 1176 (FET76) into an LA2A (TUBE STA). FET76 is my favorite of the 1176 plugs. But I don't use TUBE STA (I use Acustica Smoke).

I might use VCA-65 when I need slammed drums or 808s (since I don't have a DBX plugin, but it's a 165 not 160, but think dirty DBX compression). Maybe on synth bass. I use IK Comprexxor for those scenarios now though (COMP-Diode and IK Comprexxor are the two most underrated plugins).

Diode is legit though on the 2 bus or drum bus. If you watch lots of techno breakdowns you will see it used a lot. If you don't have an SSL plug or The Glue you can also use it for classic SSL compression. Use the 4:1 preset (but play with changing the attack to 25 I think it defaults to something else).

[mothra]

So stick with the Diode over the others? I find it's sidechaining a bit easier to work with. Though I am confused as to why it includes a filter section for the input signal.

Put it on your mix bus and watch the meters freak out every time sub bass or a kick drum hits. You use the filter to keep things like that from making the compressor overwork.