Which is the Best Compression for vocals

[ArtieRod]

Just wanted to throw this out there and see what your response would be... It just may help me.

Which compression is best for vocals and why. Just need to know. Thanks in advance for you help

Have a great day

[ArtieRod]

Or better said... compressor

[David Polich]

There is no "best compressor" for vocals. Here's why - every vocalist is different and
delivers a different performance. And there are other factors as well - what mic was
used, what mic preamp was used, how close or far from the mic did the vocalist
sing, was it a male or female vocalist, etc. The human voice is completely unique.

It's better to start with a compressor - ANY compressor - and see what threshold,
release, and ratio controls work best with the vocal track. Most people will tell
you that there are compressors that are usually considered to be the "go-to"
studio "standards" - among them, the Universal Audio compressors, Fairchild 660,670,
Empirical Labs Distressor, Focusrite Red, etc. There are many good compressors
out there. As you work with different ones, you'll eventually get the
feel for what each one of them sounds like and how they react.

There are many software (plug-in) compressor emulations of the "standards",
and a number of software plug-in compressors that are good to great but have
no hardware counterparts. In other words they're only available as plug-ins.
Waves Rennaisance Compressor, the Sonalksis compressors, and the
PSP Audioware plug-ins come to mind.

[ArtieRod]

Thank you so much David... I remember when working in manhattan that we had a large number of compressors and used each one according to the feel and sound that the vocalist would perform. In order to not sacrifice the sheer feel of the vocalist we would try different ones. I just wanted to know if there were any go-to compressors that are the most popular... you've answered my question and I'm sure others will learn from it as well.

Thank you once again.

I can't wait to hear more if any one has anything to add... please do.

artie

[kassonica]

It really depends of what your trying to achieve.

Is it to make the vocal a little more even and remove the peaks, then automation is a better option.

if it is for tracking then a med attack and a quick release with about 2-4 db of gain reduction is a good place to start.

If it is for character/sonics then picking the right compressor is paramount.

The Leveller is great for this.

WHat are you trying to do with the compressor?

[waxman]

LA2A

[David Polich]

LA2A

Yes but not the Masterworks Leveller emulation of the LA2A - the UAD or
Liquid Mix emulations, or better yet - a real hardware LA2A.

[waxman]

Real... or UA is a close 2nd

[Frodo]

I haven't tried this, but I've been hearing a LOT of grapevine rave reviews about this Golden Age Pre-73, which is alleged to be a hardware dead ringer for the preamp section of the Neve 1073. They're allegedly going for cheap (like >$300--- too good to be true?)-- but I want to find the complete soundonsound review for it. Word on the street is that it's the best kept secret in preamps. It kind of reminds me of the Oktava mics that could be had for $99-- then they disappeared. I didn't buy them at the time because-- I thought it was too good to be true. It was one of those cases where it was good and true, and I missed out.

Has anyone heard anything about the GA Pre-73?

I've coveted the UA-610 and the 6176 for ages- as well as the Neve 1073.

[ArtieRod]

I use a Hardware as well as Software for compression depending on the vocal and the what it is needed. I just wanted to see if there were any options I haven't heard of. Thanks guys. I agree with the Leveller... It is great. I was so happy when they included it in the new DP. We used to use it in the studio and loved it. It responds almost the same way.

[TheHopiWay]

As pointed out in previous posts, "Best" is relitive to the job at hand.
That said, in the world of rock/pop recording I'd wager the combination of tracking with a 1073 pre and opto compressor and then mixing with an 1176 style comp and SSL creates a sound you've heard numerous times.

[BradLyons]

Are you asking about hardware for tracking, or plugins for mixing?

[buzzsmith]

OTOH, lately I've been recording vocalists with no compression.

I just set the mic pre to not allow peaks after a run through or so (still get surprised now and then!)

Once the pre is set, I take a photo of the settings with the vocalist's name on Post-it tape placed above the pre so that when he or she returns later, I can reset the pre to those settings.

It also depends on the type of material...screaming rock, pretty jazzy ballad, etc.

I most likely will compress or limit in the mixdown stage, though, and draw volume lines, as well.

My early morning pre-running induced pheromone 2¢.

Buzzy

[Splinter]

So many questions, so few answers.

For plugs, the best bang for the buck - and I mean LOT 'O BANG - is the URS Channel Strip Pro. This is an awesome compressor. The EQ is okay, but you have 60 different comp models with 30 different "pre" emulations. Sounds fabulous, deep, and clean... but can squash as desired.

A one trick pony I'm still working with and love the sound, but haven't really mastered is the Abbey Roads TG Comp. Sounds amazingly cream and smooth. Does not disappoint, but takes some getting used to how it responds to vocals. Sounds amazing on drums in limit mode.

[David Polich]

Well now that we're back on listing our fave compressors -

Stillwell Rocket Compressor - big-bucks sound, recession-era price (60 bucks).

http://www.stillwellaudio.com