First the Disclaimer -- This thread is not intended to be a shoot out or a test. I chose the title "Listening Comparison" -- because that's what we did when we were deciding which compressor to use on a particular song from a recently released LP. The compressors were (in alphabetical order, NOT numerical listing order below) API 2500, Drawmer 1968, RND Portico 5043 and an SSL G384. Our decision to purchase these compressors were definitely influenced by Gearslutz threads as well as Tape Op reviews.
When we were mixing this song, we "ear-matched" levels and simply swapped the compressors as the last device in the signal chain, coming out of Richmond Sound of Music's Amek Console. No attempt was made to make this scientific. It is my hope that Gearsultz's who are considering purchasing one of these compressors, especially those international Slutz's who have a harder time auditioning gear may find this thread useful.
Lastly, we could have used any of these fine compressors and in my view the general listening public would never know the difference. For us, music and audio engineering are our passions so it was worth our time and energy to satisfy ourselves for this particular song. It is often said when comparing different pieces of gear that the differences are subtle. I found this to be true in this case. This song has a pretty long intro before the band kicks in which is one of the first important listening spots for the differences in the compressors. Also, the transition from the last chorus to the outro is another key listening point. To our ears, one compressor made the song, a little bigger and a little meaner which is what we were trying to achieve.
For now and for fun, I am making 4 pre-mastered versions of the song available via SoundCloud without indicating which compressor was used on the 2 bus. The songs were recorded at 88.2/24. Eventually, I will disclose the corresponding compressors with their number, but I thought it would be fun to let people listen blindly first.
Downloads are available by clicking on the link below:
Downloads
You can stream/download the mastered and released version of the song which is entitled "A Building Charred" by clicking on the link below:
www.prestoncochran.com
Preston Cochran - Facebook Fanpage
Bill Copeland Review - Stumble Into Tomorrow
P.S. As referenced in THIS Gearslutz thread, the artist used a Lucas CS-4 almost exclusively on all vocals. For real Slutz, we also used our Lexicon PCM42 for the "Andy Wallace Trick" on the eguitar solo/outro on A Building Charred (the PCM42 added to that "meaness" quality we wanted). Lastly, the Anamod ATS-1 was used after the 2 bus on every song on the record EXCEPT this song. We all agreed it added some mojo to the record -- which we liked.
When we were mixing this song, we "ear-matched" levels and simply swapped the compressors as the last device in the signal chain, coming out of Richmond Sound of Music's Amek Console. No attempt was made to make this scientific. It is my hope that Gearsultz's who are considering purchasing one of these compressors, especially those international Slutz's who have a harder time auditioning gear may find this thread useful.
Lastly, we could have used any of these fine compressors and in my view the general listening public would never know the difference. For us, music and audio engineering are our passions so it was worth our time and energy to satisfy ourselves for this particular song. It is often said when comparing different pieces of gear that the differences are subtle. I found this to be true in this case. This song has a pretty long intro before the band kicks in which is one of the first important listening spots for the differences in the compressors. Also, the transition from the last chorus to the outro is another key listening point. To our ears, one compressor made the song, a little bigger and a little meaner which is what we were trying to achieve.
For now and for fun, I am making 4 pre-mastered versions of the song available via SoundCloud without indicating which compressor was used on the 2 bus. The songs were recorded at 88.2/24. Eventually, I will disclose the corresponding compressors with their number, but I thought it would be fun to let people listen blindly first.
Downloads are available by clicking on the link below:
Downloads
You can stream/download the mastered and released version of the song which is entitled "A Building Charred" by clicking on the link below:
www.prestoncochran.com
Preston Cochran - Facebook Fanpage
Bill Copeland Review - Stumble Into Tomorrow
P.S. As referenced in THIS Gearslutz thread, the artist used a Lucas CS-4 almost exclusively on all vocals. For real Slutz, we also used our Lexicon PCM42 for the "Andy Wallace Trick" on the eguitar solo/outro on A Building Charred (the PCM42 added to that "meaness" quality we wanted). Lastly, the Anamod ATS-1 was used after the 2 bus on every song on the record EXCEPT this song. We all agreed it added some mojo to the record -- which we liked.