Hi David. Just as an update for you... I recently picked up the Neve 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor. As someone who has been Engineering for over 25yrs, I can say honestly, that this is one of, if not THE best sounding Compressor I have ever had the pleasure of using. And at that price point? Trust me. If it hadn't absolutely blown me away, I would have returned it immediately.
Hi. Plugin wise I am amazed by DMG audio's Trackcomp2. It has got a SPICE modeled ZENER model with crazy distortion which you can also tune in the modeled output stages. You can drive this thing madly and will get a wonderful sound of of it. DMG are godlike in modeling hardware. The SSL Model G buscomp, also included in Trackcomp is astonishing great. Please try it out. They are so much into hardware and love to emulate each nuance of it. I guess you'll love it.
You may want to check out the DAV Electronics page. Mick (the owner) used to be the maintenance engineer at the Decca Broadhurst Gardens studio and has recreated a Fixed Diode compressor based on the original 1976 circuitry from the studio. I don't own this unit (yet) as I'm fairly new to the game but I own quite a few preamps and he's currently making me some optical 500 series modules. I also have some other gear and I love it. Nothing is fancy or flash but it sounds great. Mick is a legend.
The IK really does sound like the 33609. I’ve used original Neves in multiple revisions and including the 2254. On a LOT of records. The IK has that vibe. In software though of course.
Thanks for this very informative video. One "important" diode bridge seem to be missing from your list. The RND 5254. Any reason for leaving it out? (maybe it wasn't even out when you made the video). Would you have anything to say about this unit? Again, thanks again for your time, and all the wonderful energy you're sharing with the community.
The 254E is the only diode bridge comp plugin i have. It's very juicy, a bit odd, definitely interesting. The release is unique, and pairing the comp + limiter together is a nicely synergistic blend. Can't really be clinical with it though; a character box for sure.
I have a Repert Neve 5035 Mic-Pre with a diode brigde Compressor which I think is the same with the 535. (5035 is a combination of mic pre, eq, compressor and saturator) I use it a lot on vocals, guitars, basses, kicks and snares. I have only one so can't use it on stereo tracks. But I still love it. This is the very first analog gear that help me to get a distortion guitar track so close to my favorite album.
I tried Lindell and i liked it at low ratios and fast attack/fast release. It glues things together and colors the sound so nicely. Built-in side-chain filter comes in handy as well. AML 54F50 for API 500 is really cool too. I never tried it personally, but their demo is great
Hi David! Was so glad when I saw Waves VComp in the list! Really like that one. Though I think it's very hard to control. Like the first seconds of the audio is always way louder than initially set to. I've read the manual about gain-staging the plugin, but still find it hard to control. Any tips or insight for a lover of the VComp who cant make it work properly? :)
@@mixbustv That's exactly what I want to hear David! One of many reasons I like your content is that you are being honest and saying things that people don't always want to hear, but need to! I appreciate that more than anything! Thanks for the tip! Now I got a good reference point :)
Not new, I had the very first unit they made, they brought it to me at NAMM last year, I already reviewed it. Search the channel, I covered everything, first. th-cam.com/video/5ZdaLUqe1qY/w-d-xo.html
Hey David , I’m using a U87 mic running through 1073 Spx preamp and I’m in the market for a new compressor. I’m looking at the Neve 5254 diode compressor. I will be using it mainly for tracking, mixing and occasionally on the mixbus. To add, I’m cutting a lot of hip hop pop r&b style vocals. So the question I want to ask is do u have experience with the machine and also there’s not a lot of research on it for hip hop/pop so would u recommend it ? Im gravitating towards it and I would like to know why. Thanks David
First, I'd get the Successor instead of that, I have it for a reason. Second, you seem like you want a compressor that is a workhorse, and diode bridge in general are really colored and the 54 style have a very particular behavior too, so, while the successor is an amazing unit (I also have the 609 which is basically the same + limiter and some differences) it's not really a first choice for a workhorse. There are very few comps you can use for all you mentioned there + 2bus, especially 2bus, a diode bridge is very colored, could work, but also not in many occasions, it has a very vintage vibe, plus you want to track with it, again, I wouldn't because even with the blend, it's pretty jumpy. Workhorse would be a FATSO
Hi David. Just as an update for you...
I recently picked up the Neve 5254 Dual Diode Bridge Compressor.
As someone who has been Engineering for over 25yrs, I can say honestly, that this is one of, if not THE best sounding Compressor I have ever had the pleasure of using.
And at that price point? Trust me. If it hadn't absolutely blown me away, I would have returned it immediately.
What a great channel w years of mix eng content
Hi. Plugin wise I am amazed by DMG audio's Trackcomp2. It has got a SPICE modeled ZENER model with crazy distortion which you can also tune in the modeled output stages. You can drive this thing madly and will get a wonderful sound of of it. DMG are godlike in modeling hardware. The SSL Model G buscomp, also included in Trackcomp is astonishing great. Please try it out. They are so much into hardware and love to emulate each nuance of it. I guess you'll love it.
You may want to check out the DAV Electronics page. Mick (the owner) used to be the maintenance engineer at the Decca Broadhurst Gardens studio and has recreated a Fixed Diode compressor based on the original 1976 circuitry from the studio. I don't own this unit (yet) as I'm fairly new to the game but I own quite a few preamps and he's currently making me some optical 500 series modules. I also have some other gear and I love it. Nothing is fancy or flash but it sounds great. Mick is a legend.
The IK really does sound like the 33609. I’ve used original Neves in multiple revisions and including the 2254. On a LOT of records. The IK has that vibe. In software though of course.
Thanks for this very informative video. One "important" diode bridge seem to be missing from your list. The RND 5254. Any reason for leaving it out? (maybe it wasn't even out when you made the video). Would you have anything to say about this unit?
Again, thanks again for your time, and all the wonderful energy you're sharing with the community.
The 254E is the only diode bridge comp plugin i have. It's very juicy, a bit odd, definitely interesting. The release is unique, and pairing the comp + limiter together is a nicely synergistic blend. Can't really be clinical with it though; a character box for sure.
Just got the 535 as my first compressor and love it! Did I make the wrong choice though? lol
It's a great comp
@@mixbustv Sick bro! It's making everything sound fantastic lol
I have a Repert Neve 5035 Mic-Pre with a diode brigde Compressor which I think is the same with the 535. (5035 is a combination of mic pre, eq, compressor and saturator)
I use it a lot on vocals, guitars, basses, kicks and snares. I have only one so can't use it on stereo tracks. But I still love it.
This is the very first analog gear that help me to get a distortion guitar track so close to my favorite album.
The Lindell plugin is just amazing! Cbeck it out.
I tried Lindell and i liked it at low ratios and fast attack/fast release. It glues things together and colors the sound so nicely. Built-in side-chain filter comes in handy as well.
AML 54F50 for API 500 is really cool too. I never tried it personally, but their demo is great
DMG Trackcomp2 has a killer Zener model among others, you should definitely check that plug out!
You should have included the Buzz Audio DBC20. It is an amazing compressor.
Lindell 354E is an excellent choice as well.
¿And the Plugin Alliance's Lindell Audio 254E & 354E? The sound amazing, very low CPU demand and an excellent price.
Thank you. For taken your experience to the public.
Thank you for this amazing and detailed review.
Great videos, and from a Professional. Stay metal!
Thanks David! As always!
Thanks David and have a good 2020.
Is there a link to this compressor series of videos? I cannot find the first one in the series. Thanks.
can you try the Zener mode in DMG TrackComp? curious about your thoughts..
p.s. I use the IK Precision Comp sometimes..it's really punchy/knocky
the Zener model within Trackcomp 2 is great! Also looking forward for David's thoughts on the plugin.
Hi David!
Was so glad when I saw Waves VComp in the list! Really like that one. Though I think it's very hard to control. Like the first seconds of the audio is always way louder than initially set to. I've read the manual about gain-staging the plugin, but still find it hard to control. Any tips or insight for a lover of the VComp who cant make it work properly? :)
@@mixbustv That's exactly what I want to hear David! One of many reasons I like your content is that you are being honest and saying things that people don't always want to hear, but need to! I appreciate that more than anything!
Thanks for the tip! Now I got a good reference point :)
Do you consider also the compressor module into the TG12345 console from waves as a diode bridge compressor?
2254E was originally built not by Rupert Neve himself, but by his engineer Dave Reeves.
2253. Dave allegedly built the 2253, then Rupert and him bult the 2254
Heritage Audio has a brand new 609 "Clone"...will you review it David?
Not new, I had the very first unit they made, they brought it to me at NAMM last year, I already reviewed it. Search the channel, I covered everything, first. th-cam.com/video/5ZdaLUqe1qY/w-d-xo.html
Any opinions on the HRK CP554?
Never heard of it
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Hey David , I’m using a U87 mic running through 1073 Spx preamp and I’m in the market for a new compressor. I’m looking at the Neve 5254 diode compressor. I will be using it mainly for tracking, mixing and occasionally on the mixbus. To add, I’m cutting a lot of hip hop pop r&b style vocals. So the question I want to ask is do u have experience with the machine and also there’s not a lot of research on it for hip hop/pop so would u recommend it ? Im gravitating towards it and I would like to know why. Thanks David
First, I'd get the Successor instead of that, I have it for a reason. Second, you seem like you want a compressor that is a workhorse, and diode bridge in general are really colored and the 54 style have a very particular behavior too, so, while the successor is an amazing unit (I also have the 609 which is basically the same + limiter and some differences) it's not really a first choice for a workhorse. There are very few comps you can use for all you mentioned there + 2bus, especially 2bus, a diode bridge is very colored, could work, but also not in many occasions, it has a very vintage vibe, plus you want to track with it, again, I wouldn't because even with the blend, it's pretty jumpy.
Workhorse would be a FATSO
You can saturate the output of the successor?
The more make up gain the more color you get, that's all you can do
@@mixbustv I see. I thought you would saturate on the input. Thanks!
How far apart did you put your main monitors from each other?
that's my old room, I don't remember but they were too close, I was waiting for my new room to be ready.
@@mixbustv ok and whats the distance in your current room? Just curious. These things help me a lot.😊
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Heh, I have never seen Neve in a "cheapest " category for anything!
Since the title is best and cheapest, I think it's safe to say you should assume is among the best instead of the cheapest.
You forgot IGS Audio V8
also IGS Zen
Is there a link to this compressor series of videos? I cannot find the first one in the series. Thanks.