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Great video David!! This helps so many people!! You Rock my friend!

Man...... you've just answered so many questions I've had for so many years which made me hesitant to buy certain compressors. Thank you so so much! You're always giving so much true and extremely valuable knowledge. It's good to see you still climbing up doing big things. You seem a lot happier too. Thank you again as always!

I've been watching this video repeatedly lately as I learn compressors and shop for something entry level. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in so many great videos. You have a great approach to how you think of gear. Always honest and pragmatic.

I was not expecting to get so much insight and information from just one short video. This was awesome, keep it up!

Good to see you still doing these. Keep it coming Dave.

Your video was so good, I subscribed. I’ve used most of the comps on your list, and I agree with you 100% on your reviews. Thanks for the video.

Great video, straight to the point, no BS filler. Thanks mate, this video was very useful for me. Cheers.

I just bought both the FMR RNC and RNLA for vocal compression and I use them together with my Avalon vt737sp with the 3 to make a nice thick vocal texture

Actually, I for real needed that! Synchronicity man.

Amazing video ! I'm considering going outside the box this year because I can't stand mixing with a mouse and screen. So having this kind of video is absolutely great :)

Hi David, thank you for these reviews as it has helped me a lot in my journey in slowly building my home recording studio. I have finally pulled the trigger in getting my 1st opto compressor with the Golden Age Project Comp 3A. Keep it up. Thanks, and God bless.

Really appreciate you sharing your valuable experience with us, man. subbed.

I was seriously looking at the FMR’s for my first “serious” comp, thanks for the review

Another great video. Just what I was looking for. Glad that I found your channel.

I tune in to these vids, and even though I'm all in the box and outside of the hardware arena, they're great to watch

Thanks David...great rundown!

Yes great vid David ! I have an La Audio "Black Face" Classic compressor made by Guy Martin back in the 80's.. that's my go to harware comp along with Distressor. Also have a Fairchild 688 I use on bass and sometimes vocals. ITB I've started using the Softube FET compressor.. that's quite cool.. very usable.

currently putting money aside for the 1978, - still got all my old Drawmers, dl241, 251, 441, ds201 x2 and a df320, all XLR and built like tanks - almost 30yrs old, and never one problem with any unit, - if only dbx were built as good, my 118 is still going strong, but the 166 died years ago. nice video David, and a great summary of each unit

Very useful info. Thank you David.

You are doing very, very good job. Well done.

very knowledgeable and helpful advice! thanks for sharing

Nice to see Drawmer on your list. I bought a second hand Drawmer LX20 back in the early 90s that needed some work. I contacted Drawmer who fixed it for free, I just had to pay for the postage.I still use it. Great video. Thank you.

I have 2 of the 500-series DBX-560A, it's really a great compressor for the bucks. I had an original '70's DBX-160 that got stolen from me, never got another until the 500-Series 560A came out. It's my go to comp. love it for Kick & bass gtr. too. Nice vid bro !

Five * * * * * stars for FMR PBC6A. This yellow brick punches way above its weight class seriously. Pretty versatile digitaly controlled VCA, great metering, hi pass, goes from snap to thwack you name it. Can be used as set and forget, or dialed up ad nauseum, as variable knee together with "Thick" mode changing attack/release envelopes alter the compressor action, providing many ways to work with material. Perfect for tracking, particularly vox. Flawless. Alsp would not say in any way it is "dirty" or kind of a distortion box at all. It is coloured. It can be clean too, though you hear its creamy texture. One of best sounding compressors for me, next to much more expensive ones I have, had or worked with. Do not underestimate book by the cover, the PBC6A deserves a lots of praise in my opinion.

Great video, very informative and to the point. Thanks!

The Golden Age sounds so good!

So much value packed in your advice. I wish I had seen this video before I bought so much other stuff. I wish I had gone for 1176 styles.

Such a great resource this channel!!

Great video! FANTASTIC!

I really don't comment much but you are so clear, concise and to the point it's just fantastic

Behringer composers were used by Paul Van Dyk on his legendary Out There And Back album. His production was outstandingly good for that time. The album has such a punch! It made me borrow one (the tube version t-1952) to see how it actually works. I was pleasantly surprised as it sounded better than many (but not most) plugins on drumbus. I liked it way more than Waves SSL bus comp at that time. After all, the Composer is based on Drawmer DL241 compressor. Models MDX2000 and MDX2100 are reportedly the best ones. One compressor you didn't mention and is unfortunately less known is SPL Dynamaxx. I had it and sold it (which I regret). Super transparent. I could compress 8dB or more on the 2bus and could barely hear it. It has some cool, unique features and is basically foolproof. It would be awesome if you'd review it!

Great review. Crisp, succinct. Bang on the money. GAP Comp 3A in the post. Thank you, Sir. 😊😊😊

Thank You for creating this video... because of this video i bought a Behringer Composer XL and an ART PRO VLA 2-( i also bought an Alesis 3630 and a Rockville EQ - and i plan on using a patchbay... i plan on getting some of the mid level or higher end compressors later on - thanks again!

Thank you Sir, you're being so generous everytime. Have a great day

Super super super helpful my friend. I love your videos bro you the best thanks again. Please keep them coming.

Really useful video. Subbed. Thanks!

Nice video. Gave me some good ideas. That drawmer sure looks nice.

The 160x, 160xt, and 160a were also used as front end on large touring sound systems two bus. Also one of the best snare comps there is.

I've been following you for a while now, just wanted to say that I feel your channel is the most informative and, more importantly, I feel that I can trust you. I'm skeptical on most of the other big channels. It is most obvious to ask you to do same kind of video for EQs, but what my bigest wish is if YOU can review new K.Teknik EQP-KT. It is most affordable hardware EQ and as such, many people will get hands on, nevertheless, I'm interested what impression does it leave on experienced engineer.Thank you!

Another excellent, straight to the point, no BS, vid Thanks

Nice to see your face man! First time to see it. Been following your channel for a while. Was a big fan of your review with the Klanghelm MJUC.

Can you do an updated video? 2020 Best hardware Comps for Vocals, and best Comps for Mix Bus ?

I've had the ART Pro VLA II compressor (as well as the ART PRO Digital MPA II Pre-Amp) and i honestly LOVE both of these. I was kind of blown away with how good they sounded for such the low price point. They give a nice warmth and tone to my recordings, and the cool thing is you can change the tubes in them to give different tones. Definitely recommend these to any one.

thanx Dave, good video, interesting !!

Great job I needed this wow have I spent money on some junk...thanks

Thanks! Great content

Great vid! Guys, the FMR RNC1773 is even better than David said in the limited time he had. I use one at home and will throw it in the travel rig with a second. It can handle anything, and super nice sounds.... super nice! This is a no brainer. Dig out the coins from the couch and get one. Street around $185

Nice video! Thanks!

Thanks David!

Thank David no more secrets i will be getting one of those 5oo wes audio mimac compressor.

Very nice David!

Thank you !! Great like always D !! What about Eqs ??

Hey David, first time I have seen your channel. Really liked this video! You presentation and pace are very good. I sub'd so I can catch more of your work. Good luck to you with your channel and career!

Love watching your videos

PBC 6A in my opinion is among the best of the selection. Digitally controlled VCA, continuous variable knee for adjusting level dependent ratio. Great for tracking, although but slower in action. Absolute killer on bass, vocals, snares. Vintage sound, nice colour & texture, and wide options available, from thickening or softening material to smacking stuff to pieces. Definitely not clean, yet not dirty, but rather coloured. Side chain filter. Linked on to second unit it makes nice bus compressor. Definitely a sleeper, among many more expensive boxes.

Fab video David;)

Great video!!

I'm still rocking my 3630 and I love the thing. Hard recommend as an honourable mention

Thanks sir.. good information.. 👍🧡✨

Killer video, was looking for Something analog to run my DAW master trough for some color, and an RNLA it will be, thanks!

I just bought the FMR Audio RNC and the RNLA. Soon i'll buy their preamps and PBC comps too. The RNLA has no balanced in and outputs;) That doesn't matter. Great stuff. I've got 6 pieces of wonder in 2RU!

Great man

1.40 min the cat who is hunting for cheap compressors....:) Great video David!!!! And good luck with your growth there in LA!!!

thank you for this

Love your work . Thank you . Interesting statement when you said “PLUG INS CAN’T do SATURATION .” Hardware rules but nothing soft about software.😋😋😋

Very useful review.

Finally a honest video about cheap compressors! Please check warm audio WA76 (620 euros).

I wish more people did this kind of thing: Hello>To the point>elaborating a little bit for every product (but not rambling, you said important stuff about each product). Having said that, would the best comp for vocals a la Skid Row/Power Ballad (Sebastian Bach) be the Golden Age Project Comp-2A? Thanks.

how would you compare the drawner 1978 vs the klanghelm MJCU? can you do a video comparing high end plugins like the MJCU and Cytomic The Glue vs hardware compressors under $1000? your are the only person who i think it could make a good comparison video about this, thanks!

Great video

My first compresor was the Alesis 3630 ........wait I know that a lot of people give bad rap on it, but back in the 90’s, I used it along Valley People, Drawmer , BSS , dBx and Behringer. Beilive me that many colleagues and producer were surprised with it. Also I Think the Joe eek and Tonelux could be on the list. Thanks for you videos.

This video is like a great compressor-- Adding what was missing. Just the exact review I was looking for! Thank you.

Hi David, tnx for the great video. Can I use the RNC / RNLA on my guitar pedal board alongside other pedals like overdrive etc. I mean do they function as if they were pedals? Because they seem so good. Also which one would you recommend for an electric guitar, you know for sustain and smoothing everything out. Tnx a lot David, keep up the good work!

Excellent video and very informative, I have learned a lot. Could you please make a video: Top 10 Cheapest Analog Preamp You Can Buy, it would be awesome!!!

First!! I have RNC and RNLA 👍 Got both very cheap used!

Very good information

Hi david! I really love your videos! I would like to know, for you, what are the best cheap gear to make my first mastering analog chain. I think the ART PRO VLAII would be my first choice to my "compressor" instance. im a big fan of you! all the best from Argentina!

Gotta echo Warren's comment.... Great video David!

Wow! Approved by Warren !!! Nice

Excellent Review In my opinion you’re the first engineer that displays compassion and sensitivity regarding the purchasing of Outboard gear. I feel that you’re aware of the financial plight that many budding producers face when producing, recording and mixing the best quality audio/ music they can pending on their budget. It’s uplifting that you have conducted your review in terms of an ascension of price, and have been mindful not to downgrade outboard manufacturers in contrast to Industry standard audio Manufacturers Neve, SSL, API to name a few which retail at a Higher price point. That’s why I stopped subscribing and purchasing audio Magazines like Sound on Sound , because they always made me feel inadequate, as my Alesis Mixer will never sound as good as a Neve etc. Moreover, when they cite their own equipment, In a condescending fashion , pisses me off big Time 😤. “ This FMR compressors ok but not as good as my Dual Pultec’s ($4000 per unit) . I know, I’ve got kids 2 feed I’m Fucking not spending $8000 on EQ’s. Adding insult to injury I’m paying for their magazine to write this . I like your style , your straight to the point and I feel that you cater for all tastes and budgets in music , and what would be MOST HELPFUL if you can please do a ShootOut on Cheap vs Expensive Outboard Gear , So producers who are cash strapped can: Calibrate and evaluate their ears of their cheap outboard gear to expensive industry standard/Mastering Gear. This will give us a useful and measurable range to aspire to update our studio. David/ Mixbus TV “You’re Simply the Best!” T.T Keep up the great work’

Hmm, I've recently got a very warm sounding TF CU-29 Copperhead tube mic, I'm using it with my WA73-EQ preamp and WA76 compressor for tracking male singing and it sounds great. I also have a Black Lion Audio Bl73 preamp which is perhaps a little brighter, I'm looking for a cleaner compressor to pair with it, maybe the RNC or GAP LA3A? Just for an alternative chain. (My singer sounds a bit like Harry Connick jr, I'm currently also trying a much brighter mic, the Beyer M201 thorough the WA chain)

Hi, great clip! thanks for sharing :) which of those 10 Comps work best on drums?

No mention of the Aphex series. Another avenue definitely worth checking

I have a pair of the kt -76 and they are great comps... they are super clean and transparent so if your looking for color these are not going to be your choice

Love the cat and it's fluffy tail.

Thank you for the tips David !

Nice video, what's your opinion on plugins and plugin saturation?

I have a couple dbx160x usa compressors i got for $120 each and a dbx 266xs compressor. love them on kicks,snare and bass..

Dave, I just grabbed a Drawmer saturator,Comp 3A & an interface. My question is Do you feel the RNLA is better than using a plug-in comp for drum bus & drum sidechain ?

This may have been made before the Klark Teknik stuff came out but the kt 2a is an insanely good compressor.

Wow, nobody has anything bad to say about the FMR stuff. That's a pretty big endorsement by itself! thanks for the great video. hopefully I'll be getting my first hardware compressor in the next 3 months! can't decide if i want to start with the FMR's or jump up to the warm audio. You've definitely put the Golden Age on my radar though. we'll see!

Nice video bro please do one for mic Preamp's 🙏

Would love to see you check out the Klark Teknik compressors and EQs for those on a serious budget.

great video David! Could you do the same with hardware master bus compressors, saturation units and tape emulation? That would be awesome. Thank again, rock on

The really nice compressor is an unbalanced comp, but you can get an ART audio unbalanced to balanced outboard converter for about 70 bucks, and that's Canadian dollars. Worth it.

Thanks for ur detailed 👌🏽 infos,would u please recommend a budget master compressor for me,i just want something i can use in my home studio to sum and master my beats..thanks for ur anticipated quick response ✌🏽

Great video Am about to do online tv and need the best and affordable compressor for my audio. Can you recommend one. ‘I use lav mics for my host’

revive audio dbx 166. germanium capacitors, nice fuzz on bass and kick, use for tracking and mix buss $330 for 2 channels , best bang for your buck!!!!!!

Nice video David. This kind of videos make me sad, It's sad for someone who lives with Brazilian money. Here the "cheapest" hardware we only find used, and it costs the equivalent of how much a family spends to live for a few months. I hope someday have one of the cheapest in my studio. ;(