Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Manly ELOP compressor |
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To anyone, I think that means you Paul 
I am looking at a Manley ELOP compressor and wonder if any one has had any experience with the unit. Also looking at an Empirical Labs Distressor as is has lots of good talk about it. Except the stereo version makes more sense. Any ideas? Any input will be welcomed and greatley appreciated.
Thanks and cheers from stinking cold, wet, and blustery California 
Ron |
Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:59 am |
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wailingalleycat
Forum Manager
Joined: 07 Oct 2003
Posts: 694
Location: Jersey C.I (UK) |
| Manley |
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Hi Ron,
Am i right in thinking this is the first hardware comp you are buying? If that is the case i wouldnt recommend the ELOP as its an opto-compressor which although sounding very nice on certain things it isnt really something you would want as your only workhorse compressor. In Manleys own words "Due to their inherently quick attack, these Electro-Optical Limiters are best suited for tracking vocals or individual instruments, although many people do use them for stereo program"
I use a Manley Vari-Mu regularly on stereo program but i wouldnt choose to use it on anything else really, they all use tube circuitry and are very high quality but noticeably colour the sound, perhaps more than other tube compressors. You wouldnt be disappointed with a Manley as the quality is top notch but their lack of flexibility means i wouldnt choose one if i was you.
If you are in this price range look at Focusrite Red 3 (my favourite compressor of all time) and the Amek System 9098 EQ.
-Paul
P.s. I have no experience with Empirical Labs so wont comment. |
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Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:48 am |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Manley too Colourful |
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Hi Paul,
Thanks for the advice. I do have a dbx compressor and it is okay, but I want another one that will work for everything. I have heard before that tube gear does add colour and I know that isn't always a good thing. I checked out the Focusrite Red 3 and it is a bit out of my price range at this point, but I will check it out and the Amek unit as well. Unfortunately, no local shoppes have these in stock. Is it just tube gear? Or the optical part that adds the colour? I understand that the VCA-based units like the Focusrite are very clean. Maybe an SSL is an option.
I have heard really great things about the Empirical Labs compressors but haven't heard those either. I will keep looking.
I will say that many folks told me that tube gear does add colour and I have a UA 610 Preamp that is just incredible. I have heard how much it adds, but I think it depends on how much one drives the tubes. My wish is for a pair of LA2A's, but those are crazy-expensive. I have the software version and it is excellent. Do you know anything about the UA LA3A? I want something that will work on everything with that big of an investment. Any assistance is very welcomed, and I value your opinion. Perhaps I can locate a second-hand Focusrite. I have also heard great things about Anthony DeMaria gear. Just shopping now, but when I find what I want I am going to jump on it. For any 'pricey' piece of gear I will look forever.
Thank you
Ron |
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Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:19 am |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| Electro-Optical or VCA-based |
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I wonder what the big difference is between electro-optical (Manley, LA2A) and the VCA based compressors (Focusrite Red 3, dbx 162SL) as far as performance and colouration are concerned . I understand 'how' each works, but haven't got to hear exactly what the difference is first-hand (or ear). I know that valves (tubes) colour the sound, and have heard what happens when 'too much' is used, but not the VCA-based compressors.
I have found an Anthony De Maria Labs compressor that is the image of a Teletronix LA2A, but it does not have a side chain feature. I think I would need that (side-chain). Also, is there anything to the Chandler Limited Germanium Compressor? Supposed to be a good unit. There are so many choices and my needs are for a stereo piece that is useful on everything. Lots to ask, I know, but I need and appreciate any assistance.
Cheers
Ron |
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Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:36 pm |
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conquistadore
Forum Moderator
Joined: 03 Aug 2004
Posts: 514
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| SSL |
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Steering away from the tubes how about the SSL XLogic G Series compressor? |
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Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:50 am |
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Rmuse
Family Friend
Joined: 13 Nov 2006
Posts: 109
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| SSL - investigating |
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Hey Varun,
I just was 'turned' on to the SSL compressor. I am begininng to think that tubes aren't the
best
for all things. I am in fact looking at that particular kit. Thanks for the tip. Have you used that unit?
Ron |
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Tue Feb 05, 2008 2:24 pm |
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