Tracking with compressor - pedal vs opto/rack (i.e. LA-2A)

[Are]

Hi,

I'm using an Universal Audio m610 as preamp when recording bass. It's a tube amp (with great colourization of the sound). Until now, I've mostly used software compressors AFTER tracking, but I borrowed a LA-610 (which is a combination of the UA 610 preamp, and an opto compressor).

Enabling a hardware compressor while tracking bass seems much better. Don't ecactly know why, but it feels better and sounds better (imo) - it's easier to treat the bass in the mix afterwards.

So... In my homestudio I need a compressor now. Anyone with experience tracking bass with pedals (like EBS multicomp, MXR SuperComp etc...) in front of a tube preamp? Will it work well, or ruin the sound of a great preamp?

What is a great "high value" compressor to put in the chain, when budget is a bit limited?

A

 

[EastCoastThump]

Process while tracking if you know what sound you're chasing and you have the means to get that sound while tracking.

Knowing you like the sound of bass X through a UA LA-610 MkII (at certain settings) is different from knowing you want outboard compression. The first one's a specific achievable sound, the other one's just an aspiration crossed with a theory.

If you've fallen in love with the recorded tones of your bass through an LA-610, the quickest path to happiness is to get one. (I'm assuming you've given UA's 1176 and LA-2 plug-ins a try and preferred the hardware, no?) Not all compressors (plug-in or hardware) are created equal— not by a long shot. Sure, they're both hardware, but swapping in an Alesis 3630, say, in place of the LA-610 is really likely to end unhappily. UA's LA-2 plug in will sound a lot closer to that family of compression than most budget comps will.

If you're set on hardware, you might rent some time on an 1176 or 6176, as well as on a hardware LA-2A. Those are out of budget, but the differences b/w the LA610 MK2 are worth hearing. And if you like the 1176 sound but need a cheaper hardware substitute, you might explore the Origin Effects Cali76. Not the same thing, but perhaps a reasonable price/dollar substitute for you.

 

[Are]

Process while tracking if you know what sound you're chasing and you have the means to get that sound while tracking.

Knowing you like the sound of bass X through a UA LA-610 MkII (at certain settings) is different from knowing you want outboard compression. The first one's a specific achievable sound, the other one's just an aspiration crossed with a theory.

If you've fallen in love with the recorded tones of your bass through an LA-610, the quickest path to happiness is to get one. (I'm assuming you've given UA's 1176 and LA-2 plug-ins a try and preferred the hardware, no?) Not all compressors (plug-in or hardware) are created equal— not by a long shot. Sure, they're both hardware, but swapping in an Alesis 3630, say, in place of the LA-610 is really likely to end unhappily. UA's LA-2 plug in will sound a lot closer to that family of compression than most budget comps will.

If you're set on hardware, you might rent some time on an 1176 or 6176, as well as on a hardware LA-2A. Those are out of budget, but the differences b/w the LA610 MK2 are worth hearing. And if you like the 1176 sound but need a cheaper hardware substitute, you might explore the Origin Effects Cali76. Not the same thing, but perhaps a reasonable price/dollar substitute for you.

Hi, thanks

I haven't tries UAD-2 plugins. So... Is UAs UAD-2 version of the LA-2A probably sounding better than most ... Let's say cheap hardware compressors?
Buying an UA Apollo UAD-2 card is maybe tbe right way to go. Seems like it's of great value - also when it comes to mixing stuff...not only for tracking bass with compressor.

The Cali76 seems interesting as well. Could be a useful piece of equipement also for live gig settings! I wonder how good it sonds when it comes to recording - in comparison to a 1176 ln... Huge difference in price. Probably not that big difference in performance/sound-quality? It
can be used as a studiocompressor for mics etc..., as I understand... Seems like a great value-thing as well

Thanks

 

[EastCoastThump]

Here's TBer Bongo's compressor review site, with a specific comparison of the Cali76 to the 1176LN.

Another relatively budget hardware comp worth checking out: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. (I've not heard one in the flesh, but it's on *my* list to try.)

The Waves 1176 and LA-2A plug-ins are both good, although to my ear the (recent) UAD versions are better. For recording, I'd much rather use either the Waves or UAD than track with a budget hardware compressor. If money is too tight for those, the IK Black 76 and White 2A are worth auditioning.