Hello everyone! So I'm working on a project that calls for a lot of automation of compression across many tracks. Some research about versatility led me to the Klanghelm DC8C3, Tone Projects' Unisum and Pulsar Modular's Abyss, but I don't know which one to pick for this task, as I don't have much experience with any of them. Other suggestions, both of brands and out-of-the-box ideas, are welcome too!

Context:

• I've already used some instances of the Pulsar 1178 and Lindell SBC to get the tone I want from the drums on previous tracks of the same project, but automating these chains will be a nightmare. So I need ONE workhorse of a compressor which could potentially give me the sound of these 1178/SBC combinations and be automated with more ease.
• The concept of the track is that it will transition smoothly from punchier to looser back and forth. This concept has been planned from the beginning and has informed both arrangement, production and performance, and now needs to be emphasized in the mixing stage, when compression will play a big part.
• Saturarion from the compressor is not relevant, and maybe a more transparent compressor would be best.

 

I would not use your LH90 cassette from BASF. Take the Mawell XLII 90 or even better the (although more expensive) Metal one. Careful with the input volume dial for a more transparent sound.

 

I would probably end up using Fabfilter Pro-C2. You can Midi Learn almost every parameter on its interface. It is as close to "transparent" as any other digital EQ. Leave it in "Clean" mode. Selecting between internal and external sidechain is a simple button to click.

If you want to add more color to it, do the heavy compression lifting with Pro-C2, and then something else in serial after it. Abyss might be a good pick, but it's not really a compressor. Might be perfect for your uses though.

 

Check the compressors in Nuro Audio XVox and XRack, they are super simple and decent sounding. You can also switch compressors from inside the plugin.

Edit: worth noting that you don't need to use the entire thing. The modules are separate from the mothership plugin. In fact, I only keep XVox Space and SFX, the rest of them I deleted from my PC to shorten scanning time.

 

I think I'd go with Firepresser. It's a compressor with 1176 - Distressor - dbx160 - Vari-Mu in series (order is up to you). It lets you seamlessly blend between any number of compressors using an automatable XY pad. Has standard controls too (attack, release, high/low pass, in/out, "turbo") - but for all compressors at the same time.