Looking for great
compressors? I think these are some of the stand-outs among the pack.
dbx 160A - This is a classic, introduced way back in the 70s. Easy setup and accurate metering. This is an industry standard with the legendary "Overeasy" feature to transparently smooth out and maintain a constant level for vocals and instrument levels.
Empirical Labs Distressor - The distressor is usually always seen whenever you see photos of professional recording studios. It's unique look with those 4 big knobs is hard not to miss. This is a digitally controlled compressor, that switches different circuits in and out. So you can have programmable analog distortion and warmth. It can replicate the compression that occurs with tape using the Distort 3 mode. Side chain EQ, and eight unique compression curves, to the Nuke setting, that is awesome on drums. It also has an "opto" ratio which uses light controlled components similar to what the LA2A uses to achieve it's compression.
RNC
RNC - Really Nice Compressor - This half-rack unit won't win any awards in the "looks good" category, but will blow you away in it's "sounds good" category and "right price" category. Don't let the plastic case and cheap knobs and small size fool yah! This is a high performing compressor that can deliver very transparent results. It's got two modes.. regular and "SuperNice." Normal mode makes it behave like any other compressor, but Supernice mode gives it an almost invisible effect... i.e. there is compression going on, but you don't even notice it because it doesn't produce harsh artifacts. Great for compressing vocals, acoustic guitar, or the whole stereo mix.
RNC
Universal Audio LA-2A Teletronix limiter
- A unique electro-optical attenuator system allows instantaneous gain
reduction with no increase in harmonic distortion. It
features 40 dB gain limiting, balanced stereo interconnection, and low
noise – less than 70 dB below +10 dBm output. Controls are gain, peak
reduction and meter selector, and connections are Jones Barrier
terminals and XLR connectors. This is classic... no respectable professional studio will not have it. Some studios has 4 or 8 of these in their rack. It's that good.
More compressors for every budget and application can be found here.