Compressor Shootout

I decided to run an experiment in the brand new Studio F by choosing 4 of the compressor models set up in the control room, and running a snare drum through them in order to compare sonic differences at light and aggressive compression settings.  To do this, I made sure to use a focusrite preamp with the same gain setting for each take.  I also used an SM57 positioned about 5 inches above the drum, at a 45 degree angle.  I was very impressed with the drastic and subtle differences that I could immediately detect with each compressor I used.  Will Ash agreed to play a snare drum groove for this experiment, and did an excellent job maintaining a consistent dynamic level throughout.  Some pictures of the setup are to the right:

Before the shootout, I did some research on how exactly to record a great snare drum sound.  I cam across many great tips and tricks, but I decided to forego the various mic placement suggestions and elected to close mic the drum without any dampening applied in order to get a full, natural sound. Links to my sources are: www.soundonsound.com/techniques/kick-snare-recording-techniques, and
  blog.cakewalk.com/microphone-techniques-for-recording-a-snare-drum/

My goal for each compressor was to achieve a light compression setting, and also an aggressive compression setting.  My ratio for each compressor was right around 3:1 when applying moderate compression.  Attack times were just over "half-way" and release times were set at about 2 o'Clock.  I aimed for about 6 dB of gain reduction when applying light compression.  When applying aggressive compression, my ratio was set to about 10:1 and I aimed for 10dB of gain reduction.  After each compressed signal was recorded onto a track, I applied a low cut filter at 100 Hz to get rid of some of the unwanted sub frequencies.

The first compressor I used was the Chandler Germanium compressor.  This compressor sounded surprisingly transparent when applying light compression, given the impressive array of sonic coloring options it possesses.  When applying aggressive compression, the snare resembled a gun shot.  You can easily hear the pumping effect of the compressor being hit hard.  Audio examples are below:

The next compressor I tried was the Empirical Labs Distressor.  When set to a light compression setting, the pumping was very audible, which was very surprising to me.  The soft hits were not brought very much, but the loud hits were compressed very hard.  When applying an aggressive compression setting, The soft hits were more audible, but the loud hits were squashed to an extreme.  If you want a squashed snare drum sound, this is one way to achieve it.  Audio examples below:    

The next compressor I chose was the Neve 543.  When applying a soft compression setting, the compression really helped to beef up the low end frequencies and introduced a very slight pumping effect.  When applying an aggressive compression setting, The snare sounded very punchy with some nice low end.  This was a very natural sound in my opinion, and would cut through a mix very well.  Audio examples are below:    

Last but not least was the Daking 500 compressor.  With this model, the user has very little control over the attack and release times, ratio, and whether or not to compress or limit the signal.  For some, this would be an inconvenience   For others, it allows one to focus on the sound rather than tweak a million different knobs all day.  When applying a light compression, the higher frequencies seemed to be brought out, amounting to a  very transparent sound.  When applying aggressive compression, The frequency response was maintained, but a much more obvious pumping effect was heard.  Audio examples below:  

My compressor rankings within the light compression category are as follows:
1. Neve 543
2. Daking 500
3. Distressor
4. Chandler Germanium

I chose the Neve 543 as best because I believe it added just the right amount of punch to the hits, and also added the right amount of low end to each hit.

My compressor rankings  within the aggressive compression category are as follows:
1. Distressor
2. Neve 543
3. Daking 500
4. Chandler Germanium

​I chose the Distressor as best because I believe it showcases a great pumping sound for when an engineer wants that kind of character.  It wouldn't work in all cases, but when it's needed, it can deliver killer results with a lot of ability to fine tune the sound.