LA-Audio Classic Compressor II

[nodog]

It seems that everytime I post it's about something I want advice on. Hope it doesn't matter too much. Big thanks to the folks who did advice me on buying that Soundcraft 800b last year. Very happy with it!

Anyway... I'm looking into buying a second hand LA Audio classic compressor II at the mo. Not that I've got money for it but it's being sold for such a good price I can't refuse buying it.
You don't see those things coming around very often and I love the 4x4 compressor I've got from them.

My question is if anyone ever used a classic compressor II and if it's reliable, fit for putting it on the masterbuss and generally as good as reviewed here (http://www.barryrudolph.com/mix/laaudio.html).

oh... I'm expecting a high end compressor for the price of a budget one (about 450 euro's). please tell me if I'm expecting too much and really should save for a real compressor.

Any advice appreciated!

[malice]

Well, a 2buss compressor is a serious matter. I wouldn't compromise too much.

I mean it is better to mix without putting anything that putting something that will do more arm than anything else.

On the other hand, a satisfactory 2buss comp is more in the vicinity of 2000$ ( there is the Roll Music 755 that should sell around 1700, but I don't know much about it yet)

the cheapest I would use and that I know is the Smart C2M that could be found used for about the same price.

I have mixed with a pair of Aphex expressor when I was younger and could manage the challenge, but frankly, it was not that easy. The price tag of a used pair could be in your price range though.

But don't come to me and say I didn't warn you ...

As for being shy of asking advice here : We are here for that, so it's cool ;)

malice

[nodog]

thx malice, sounds like solid advice. I don't think I'll ever come across a Smart C2M for that price though.

I did enjoy the idea of building an SSL compressor clone (http://www.geocities.com/cruzeman2001/) myself (which would cost around the same price) but it's just too much hassle. Maybe I'll give it a try if this LA Audio one isn't ideal. (yeah yeah... of course I'm gonna buy it :D )

[malice]

thx malice, sounds like solid advice. I don't think I'll ever come across a Smart C2M for that price though.

I did enjoy the idea of building an SSL compressor clone (http://www.geocities.com/cruzeman2001/) myself (which would cost around the same price) but it's just too much hassle. Maybe I'll give it a try if this LA Audio one isn't ideal. (yeah yeah... of course I'm gonna buy it :D )

The SSL DIY clone is cheap but :

1) it requires solid skills. Ask J.Fee, he knows and refused to make a second one for me (damn you)

2) there is one part difficult to find: the VCA is made of unobtanium. You still can find it, but it is another difficult task.

malice

[nodog]

gheheheh, LOL @ unobtanium!