r/audioengineering • u/theunseen011 • 1d ago

Discussion Need help deciding Compressor

Not sure how Warm Audio is ranked , I heard they’re highly great .
But Im deciding between a Warm Audio WA76
or Warm Audio Bus Comp 2 Channel Stereo VCA Bus Compressor.
I’m slowly building a Rack mount and I got these in mind . I know one is mono and the other is obviously stereo. If you guys got other suggestions please let me know or have any warnings of Warm Audio .
I don’t mind plugins but I like to own my things.
I no longer have interest in spending money on plugins.

1 Upvotes

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17

u/ZeWhiteNoize 1d ago

Audioscape has better sounding options, and better reliability, for very similar prices

5

u/Compay-Segundo 23h ago

Interesting, where I live, Audioscape is 2 to 3 times as expensive. In fact, it’s more expensive than SSL.

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u/Raven586 1d ago

Big up's for Audioscape. Great gear and company!!

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u/theunseen011 1d ago

Anything that’s budget friendly there? I don’t mind going all out but I’m just wondering

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u/j1llj1ll 1d ago

Wait until you are sure exactly what you need, and why. Otherwise you have a 99% chance of buying the wrong thing compared to your needs and preferences.

Until then, use plugins. They are cheap, reliable, don't take up any space and work just fine.

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u/theunseen011 1d ago

Yeah you’re right I do sometimes use plugins. But I found a warm audio bus comp vca for 350$ near me Facebook market.

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u/ryanojohn 1d ago

What do you actually want it for? For tracking? For mixing? Why analog? (This is coming from a dude that owns tons of it…) the answer to these questions determines what you should buy…

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u/kjm5000 1d ago

In terms of which compressor to get (not the brand), I'd say it highly depends on your workflow. I use a lot of VCA compressors in my workflow on busses but I also use a handful of 1176's on vocals and other sources. I'd choose what type of compressor you want before you settle on a brand.

Edit: you could also consider the dual input versions of the warm audio 1176 and get more bang for your buck. I've never had an issue with warm audio and have always enjoyed their gear.

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u/theunseen011 1d ago

The warm audio VCA is 350$ near me so I’m not sure if it’s good price to snag

2

u/ScotiaMinotia 1d ago

Start with a bus comp - highly recommend audioscapes G comp or E series for mix bus. They also have a very good 1176 clone. Warm audio is okay but doesn’t use the same components.

Please do not listen to the “buy a distressor” advice elsewhere on this thread unless you are tracking live instruments or vox. That plugin is just as good as the HW for mixing, you’d be wasting a lot of money.

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