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#1
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I
started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. Other than staying away from anything that says "Tubessence", can anybody suggest what the Aphex comps to look for are? I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? Thanks, Analogeezer |
#2
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
The Expressor is their "real" compressor, with the ratio, thresh, attack,
release controls. It's got a hi freq expander (HFX) that boosts treble at a a selected freq and ratio as the compressor vca attenuates, to compenste for high end lost from compression. There's also a Lo Cut filter in the sidchain that can be a handy feature. They track fairly well in stereo, but controls on both units need to be matched (though there may be a way around that using sidechain inserts, summing the detector signal, in master/slave mode, blah, blah, blah.... I never tried it...just thought about it in bed one night). It's a good, clean sounding, useful unit. The "Tubessence" (eeew, that term...whenever I see it, I hear it in my head with a lisp.) model has the addition of an Auto timing circuit, but I don't know if it's worth going through that deprived tube for. The Compellor is a slow compressor combined with an even slower leveler (gain riding), with next to zero (compression) tweakability. I've always thought it to be more of a broadcast tool to keep overall program levels consistent, though I know many use it for recording and mixing. Analogeezer wrote: I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. Other than staying away from anything that says "Tubessence", can anybody suggest what the Aphex comps to look for are? I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? Thanks, Analogeezer |
#3
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
I have the Dominator which I use only when mixing. I just strap it across the
mix bus and hit it very very lightly to prevent overs. Its the only limiter I've ever used regularly in this app so I have nothing else to compare it to but I think it sounds pretty transparent and does a good job with any peaks that hit it. It's not a unit that you would use to color the sound deliberately. Its a peak limiter only. There are two models: the 720 which is the standard model and the 722 which has pre-emphasis for broadcast use. The Compellor is their compressor and is suggested for use with the Dominator. I have never used a Compellor but I've heard good things about it. Again, I think it tends toward transparency, not color. Garth~ In article , (Analogeezer) writes: Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. Other than staying away from anything that says "Tubessence", can anybody suggest what the Aphex comps to look for are? I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? Thanks, "I think the fact that music can come up a wire is a miracle." Ed Cherney |
#4
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all
straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. I have some Expressors here. A string bass player brought over his Jim Williams modded Expressor & we compared the same passage through each. It's pretty subtle. The modded unit had ever so slightly less low end, but there wasn't enough detail-y kind of stuff on the bass to really hear what may have been different in the mids or high end. The Williams mod may possibly have felt a little more hi-fi but I'd need to hear some drums & cymbals to make that opinion. The stock version doesn't suck, though it's no 1176. It's a clean VCA compressor that does all right, especially for around $200 used. I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? A Compellor is a leveler. Set a target output level & your meters go up to there & stay there, though you won't perceive it as being dynamically altered much. It's very transparent, doesn't sound squashed, but totally doesn't work as a compressor ought to on individual tracks. Use an Expressor for that. The Expressor has the usual VCA controls for attack, release, ratio, make up gain, input level, etc. The Compellor gives you the most basic of controls & they all operate fairly nonintuitively. It's pretty much a set once & forget device that does one thing really well. Chances are you want the Expressor for most day to day audio work. Scott Fraser |
#5
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
I like my 661 Expressor, you can really squash stuff if you need to, yet it
remains very transparent. Definitely worth a look. Cheers, Ed |
#6
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
I've used the Compellor to send live and pre-recorded feeds to ceiling
distribution systems, and for that it's great. Handles a tremendous dynamic range, and it's (almost) idiot proof . I believe its use in the studio is extremely limited. Jim "Analogeezer" wrote in message om... I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. Other than staying away from anything that says "Tubessence", can anybody suggest what the Aphex comps to look for are? I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? Thanks, Analogeezer |
#7
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
"Bryson" wrote in message k.net... The Expressor is their "real" compressor, with the ratio, thresh, attack, release controls. It's got a hi freq expander (HFX) that boosts treble at a a selected freq and ratio as the compressor vca attenuates, to compenste for high end lost from compression. There's also a Lo Cut filter in the sidchain that can be a handy feature. They track fairly well in stereo, but controls on both units need to be matched (though there may be a way around that using sidechain inserts, summing the detector signal, in master/slave mode, blah, blah, blah.... I never tried it...just thought about it in bed one night). It's a good, clean sounding, useful unit. The "Tubessence" (eeew, that term...whenever I see it, I hear it in my head with a lisp.) model has the addition of an Auto timing circuit, but I don't know if it's worth going through that deprived tube for. The Compellor is a slow compressor combined with an even slower leveler (gain riding), with next to zero (compression) tweakability. I've always thought it to be more of a broadcast tool to keep overall program levels consistent, though I know many use it for recording and mixing. I really disagree regarding the Compellor in the studio. It is VERY useful, but it's really a different bird altogether. It's not like any other processor. I use it mainly for the 2-buss. It's extremely uncolored, and useful when you want to really flatten the dynamic range on a mix without really making it obvious. When I want 2-mix transparancy, I break out the Compellor. When I want 2-mix glue, I use the Smart. It's nice to have both. But if you're looking for single channel compression, you may want to look elsewhere. The Dominator (Dominatrix?) is just a nice limiter to use as the last processor in the mix chain. Helps me to get hotter mixes to tape. BTW for some good references, do a google search. -- Steve Holt INNER MUSIC Music Creation & Production http://www.inner-music.com http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/steveholt |
#8
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
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#9
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
In article , EdGerhard
wrote: I like my 661 Expressor, you can really squash stuff if you need to, yet it remains very transparent. Definitely worth a look. Cheers, Ed My experience with em was just the opposite. I kept a pair around just for ****ing with sounds, to create interesting tones on things. When I got a Purple 1176 I found it to be much better at this, and my Expressors hit the road. I do keep a stereo Compellor 320 around. As long as you ain't really whacking it with signal it can be pretty transparent when something stereo needs a little discipline. But I'd never run one of my mixes thru it. David Correia Celebration Sound Warren, Rhode Island www.CelebrationSound.com |
#11
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
In Article t, Bryson
wrote: The Expressor is their "real" compressor, with the ratio, thresh, attack, release controls. It's got a hi freq expander (HFX) that boosts treble at a a selected freq and ratio as the compressor vca attenuates, to compenste for high end lost from compression. There's also a Lo Cut filter in the sidchain that can be a handy feature. They track fairly well in stereo, but controls on both units need to be matched (though there may be a way around that using sidechain inserts, summing the detector signal, in master/slave mode, blah, blah, blah.... I never tried it...just thought about it in bed one night). It's a good, clean sounding, useful unit. The "Tubessence" (eeew, that term...whenever I see it, I hear it in my head with a lisp.) model has the addition of an Auto timing circuit, but I don't know if it's worth going through that deprived tube for. The Compellor is a slow compressor combined with an even slower leveler (gain riding), with next to zero (compression) tweakability. I've always thought it to be more of a broadcast tool to keep overall program levels consistent, though I know many use it for recording and mixing. Not so. The Compellor is just so ****ing transparent that you can't hear it unless you push the crap out of it. Want artifacts? get a DBX (or many other makes) Don't want to know it's there, try a Compellor. Regards, Ty Ford For Ty Ford V/O demos, audio services and equipment reviews, click on http://www.jagunet.com/~tford |
#12
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
In article IM88b.51380$Qy4.2488@fed1read05, Jim Weld wrote:
I've used the Compellor to send live and pre-recorded feeds to ceiling distribution systems, and for that it's great. Handles a tremendous dynamic range, and it's (almost) idiot proof . I believe its use in the studio is extremely limited. I like it a lot in the studio on the stereo buss... brings up average levels without mucking anything else up and it's pretty transparent in the process. Also handy just for automated gain riding, when you don't have enough hands. But it's definitely not something you can use as an effect. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
#13
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Analogeezer wrote:
I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? What's the difference between a compellor and a compellor? Keep in mind there are a few flavours. The older ones are stereo only while the newer 320s are also dual mono. I have one of the original ones. Very nice, but I wish I could also use it dual mono. Rob R. |
#14
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Rob Reedijk wrote in message ...
Analogeezer wrote: I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? What's the difference between a compellor and a compellor? Keep in mind there are a few flavours. The older ones are stereo only while the newer 320s are also dual mono. I have one of the original ones. Very nice, but I wish I could also use it dual mono. Rob R. You can mod the old 300 compellors into dual mono by cutting some wires on a ribbon connector and some other stuff. It's all layed out in the manual on how to do it. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades |
#15
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Jim Williams wrote:
Rob Reedijk wrote in message ... What's the difference between a compellor and a compellor? Keep in mind there are a few flavours. The older ones are stereo only while the newer 320s are also dual mono. I have one of the original ones. Very nice, but I wish I could also use it dual mono. Rob R. You can mod the old 300 compellors into dual mono by cutting some wires on a ribbon connector and some other stuff. It's all layed out in the manual on how to do it. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades I still haven't managed to find a manual. Plus, mine isn't even a 300, mine just says "Compellor". I was never able to find out if the original and 300 models are one and the same. If you know, I would appreciate it. Rob R. |
#16
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
In article , Rob Reedijk
wrote: I still haven't managed to find a manual. Plus, mine isn't even a 300, mine just says "Compellor". I was never able to find out if the original and 300 models are one and the same. If you know, I would appreciate it. Rob R. If it's stereo the answer is yup. David Correia Celebration Sound Warren, Rhode Island www.CelebrationSound.com |
#17
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
"Rob Reedijk" wrote in message You can mod the old 300 compellors into dual mono by cutting some wires on a ribbon connector and some other stuff. It's all layed out in the manual on how to do it. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades I still haven't managed to find a manual. Plus, mine isn't even a 300, mine just says "Compellor". I was never able to find out if the original and 300 models are one and the same. If you know, I would appreciate it. Rob R. Unfortunately, Aphex can no longer support the model 300. Some of the parts just aren't there any more. If you need a manual for the 300... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=2556992 497 -- David Morgan (MAMS) http://www.m-a-m-s.com http://www.artisan-recordingstudio.com |
#18
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Chris Del Faro wrote:
Anybody here ever met a "toobessence" model they liked? g No. My understanding (feel free to correct it), is that the tubessence is more like a mild enhancer than anything remotely resembling a "real" tube stage. Yes... get the patent. It's freely available from the uspto patent server and it's a very enlightening read. There's basically a control in there to adjust the operating point of the device and they set it for a given distortion level. Wonder how much was marketing hype vs. tangible benefits... I dunno, some people seem to like how it sounds. I don't, but it's a sound. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
#19
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
"David Morgan \(MAMS\)" Unfortunately, Aphex can
no longer support the model 300. Some of the parts just aren't there any more. They do however support the current model which is the 320A, and they still make a mono version as well, the 324. WWW.Aphex.com "Not a compressor or limiter, the Compellor is a an incredibly intelligent leveler. It automatically gives you dynamic control over your mix, letting you maintain optimum average levels at all times. Your recordings will sound louder, fatter, fuller and punchier - without sounding squished, squashed, flat or lifeless (the usual compressor artifacts) because the transients still get through, and your mix still has room to breathe." Will Miho NY Music & TV Audio Guy Fox And Friends/Fox News "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away..." Tom Waits |
#20
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Thanks. Good thread. Of the products I've used, I agree with most of the
assessments. Compellor is pretty good and quite transparent across the 2 bus unless you simply are looking for a ****ed up sound. Expressor does a fairly good job taming some tracks that could use a little umph without going overboard. As always, nothing serves every scenario, and if dollars aren't a problem for a little more, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with either one. As always, fun to see Jim Williams is still paying attention. I'd thought we lost him 6 months ago! g -- Roger W. Norman SirMusic Studio Purchase your copy of the Fifth of RAP CD set at www.recaudiopro.net. See how far $20 really goes. "Analogeezer" wrote in message om... I am thinking about adding another compressor to my collection and I started thinking about the Apex line. Geez, Expressor, Compellor, Dominator, it's hard to keep them all straight. I've heard some of them totally suck and that others are really cool. Then there is one that supposedly sucks until Jim Williams mods it, then it's really cool. Other than staying away from anything that says "Tubessence", can anybody suggest what the Aphex comps to look for are? I know the Dominator is more aimed at broadcast apps, but what's the diff between an expressor and compellor? Thanks, Analogeezer |
#21
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
"WillStG" quoted Aphex as such... "Your recordings will sound louder, fatter, fuller and punchier - without sounding squished, squashed, flat or lifeless (the usual compressor artifacts) because the transients still get through, and your mix still has room to breathe." Thus enters the Aphex Dominator.... shave those transients smooth that the Compellor lets through. ;-) DM |
#22
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
"Roger W. Norman" wrote in message ... As always, fun to see Jim Williams is still paying attention. I'd thought we lost him 6 months ago! g Wasn't there a rumor of possible war or something back then? |
#23
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Roger W. Norman wrote:
Thanks. Good thread. Of the products I've used, I agree with most of the assessments. Compellor is pretty good and quite transparent across the 2 bus unless you simply are looking for a ****ed up sound. Oh, yeah... Compellor on the drum overheads. Doesn't give you a huge drum sound. Doesn't exaggerate the reverb tail. Doesn't make things more punchy. But it does smooth out the sound of a drummer who doesn't hit consistently, without doing anything to the overall tone. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." |
#25
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Aphex Comps - Which are the good ones?
Is this with the leveler dialed in, or just compression only?
I tend not to use the leveler side much (not that I've put in much time to find it's ideal use). Scott Dorsey wrote: Oh, yeah... Compellor on the drum overheads. Doesn't give you a huge drum sound. Doesn't exaggerate the reverb tail. Doesn't make things more punchy. But it does smooth out the sound of a drummer who doesn't hit consistently, without doing anything to the overall tone. --scott |
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