URS 1970 vs. 1975 vs. 1980 comps - HALP?

[Metaltastic]

So what the hell is the difference, anyway? I'm looking for a good master bus compressor and these are the only ones remotely in my price range, so it's between those 3 - I'm leaning towards the 1980, cuz newer = better IMO when it comes to production, but does anyone have any more insight into this? And please don't say "try the demos and see which one you like best" because I don't trust my own ability to judge yet!

 

[Machinated]

I think its something like:

1970=neve
1975=dbx160
1980=ssl

when I tried these out I liked the 1975 one best, its pretty aggressive sounding. That said I find the CSP to be far more flexible and can cover all 3 grounds . With a student discount the CSP is a great deal.

 

[Metaltastic]

Yeah, I know you love your CSP Ed, and it gives you access to all three, right? How come you like the 1975 better than the 1980? I would think the SSL modelled one would be the victor for master bus use...

 

[Machinated]

I think with the 1975 because you get the knee control, you can really shape it more than the others. The 1980 is good, but 1975 seemed more aggressive to me. That said when I tried them out I wasn't using them on the 2 buss, I was using them on tracks, so maybe there the 1980 will work better?

With the CSP you get the input stage (which is basically like an EQ filter of sorts), but that also affects the key input of the compressor. Also the CSP compressor has the all important knee control, and various different auto-releases (based on different compressors). With all the URS compressors it really makes you learn how to use the attack and release properly - bear that in mind if you aren't getting the results you are looking for right away.

Oh yeah, and I know you said you didn't fancy demoing them, but why not - if you are looking for something punchy just try out the 1975 and 1980 and see which one works for you. Even if you don't trust your own ability picking 1 out of 2 can't be too bad. Also there isn't a HUGE amount of difference between these compressors IMO.

 

[Metaltastic]

You know what, you're absolutely right - I don't consider myself a production n00b by any means, it's just that I've never used a master bus compressor before, but given that they're both by the same company and I've got a 50/50 chance of picking the one I'll end up liking better once I know how to use it, I WILL demo 'em (fortunately I have an ilok lying around from my MBOX2 Factory Bundle way back when!) Thanks Ed!

 

[Machinated]

Before you demo them, I'd maybe suggest trying some free compressor plugs too, just so you have a rough idea of what to expect. Also try them out on individual tracks too, to see if you can get other use out of them. I remember the 1975 being particularly good on drums

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Actually I really tend to favor the 1980 more, although the 75 is also very excellent. I find the 70 not to my liking at all for anything other than vocals (just personally).

Never tried any of them on the 2 buss though...

 

[TheDude]

I like the 1970. Smooth, soft, hard, whatever.