Compressor Help!

[mortvillefugitive]

I just picked up a Toft Audio DC-2 dual channel compressor, hoping to use it on kick and snare. I know how to use a compressor, or I thought I did:-) but I'm having a bit of trouble with this one.

I have the makeup gain dimed, because otherwise, I don't get a hot enough signal to disk. If I try to get more gain on the front end, it gets really flabby sounding, like it's clipping internally. If I do normal gain-staging, I get an incredibly quiet wave-form. The more I push the front end gain, whether it's on the compressor or on the mic-pre, the flabbier it gets.

Signal chain: 57 - SSL Alpha VHD - Toft. I had my attack and release set the way I normally set them, but I did try them with some extreme settings just to make sure it wasn't that. Any suggestions?

Also, if I return this, where can I go in the 1000 range that will be good for snare and kick? I read some other advice for compressors in this range, but it was more for vocals and I probably want FET to get a quick enough attack and release.

[splatterbass]

for kick i go old school, D112 and distort the signal through my mixer ( eq out unwanted frequencies ) ala judas priest, deep purple ( old school, trick i picked up years ago ) do it live as well if i am dealing with a flabby kick sound with no tone. really negates the need for a compressor. unless the drummer has feather foot.

[gtrnstuff]

I have no level trouble with my Distressor or even my ART VLA. An older Joe Meek VC-1 does what you describe, just not enough output drive to get my converters working.