I'm not even going to say anything... just... try one.... however, if you like transparent compression that leaves no color (zzzz), look elsewhere.

...like the 5043? heh

j/k Glad you found something you like.

I know you're being funny, but seriously the 5043 in feedback mode imparts plenty of color.

roundbadge and now you... i'm getting this sinking feeling. gearslutz, i hate you.

raal - are you the same raal that helped me edit an aerosmith song demo into the wee hours of the morning at studio one in the valley?

not unless i was sleep walking.... there's another raal?

this was 11-12 years ago... no?

Did anyone try 2 Retro 176 on the 2 bus ?

LA is a place i go to often but no.

people say i look like steven tyler though... is that close enough?

gulp... yes.

and
you
should
try
it
too

stop. stoooooOOOOOOOOPPP!!! please compare to TSL3 and Zener. asked badge the same question awhile back and have been trying to ignore his answer.

one small windowshopper question.
about how much $ are we talking?

Any chance that you could post for us a little demo like you did for the 5043 ?

I would love to hear it, I am really interested in this setup.

Thanks.

I love the zener (and all things chandler) but to me it's not a 2 buss compressor.

The 176 is a very unique beast... i like it with the transformer IN, highpass set to 125 Hz, and compressing around 2-3 db on the buss, with slowest attack and fastest release. Also, on a lead vocal in a mix, it is silly. INSTANT coolness.

I can't post a demo because it's all record production work now - not writing much these days, unfortunately.

Damn all of you, I have been ignoring all things Retro 176 in favour of my mortgage, but it is one piece I am hangin for. It is getting harder everyday to ignore. I'm going to go tell my wife, she will stop me....
ps Greg "Big girls you are beautiful" is getting a hammering on Oz radio atm. You are everywhere dude....

yes but how about room and drum buss?

thanks greg, how about TSL3? other than the hi pass does the vibe compare at all?

175, 176 and 177's have been around forever, like Buffalo Springfield, and prior. If Retro is half as good, it must be good.

Btw, come on Greg Wells ...tell us something about Miley! ..she's the only new singer/act that has balls imo (I'm serious) ..can you tell us her vocal chain etc? ..from one 176 user to another, I'd sure like to know.
'

Like I've been tellin you guys...heh

I'm trying to get the $ together for a second one.

Right now I've got my eyes on a pristine BX 20 though


..

I'll tell you its as good and in some instances better.
And yes the Buffalo Springfield vibe is thew first thing i think of.
Also Van Morrison Moondance,Astral Weeks,etc


..

Congrats Greg.
so you got 2?
Lucky bastardheh

I can't tell you how badly i want another for my mix buss.


Have you tried the Assymetry switches for vocals yet?
love it.I can slam a vocal and it still stays present.
like a Sta but an even cooler vibe

Yep..The Zener is a keeper here.thumbsup
If I could only have the TSL or 2 176b's..I'd take the 176's
More versatile / more sonic options

..

Great.


And I just bought the STA-Level!!!

Don't worry Micah..As you probably already know the Sta is a stellar box

but start savingheh

Don't regret that purchase. The STA is a must have.

haha.. yes, the STA IS slammin'. Thanks for the gearslutz support guys.
I must say, the STA does the job of 2 comps on vocal.

But - I want to try a 176! heh

I was vacillating between the Sta and the 176. After explaining to Phil Moore what I was trying to accomplish and the sort of work that I do, he recommended that I go with the Sta over the 176. I haven't regretted that choice a bit. Then again, I haven't heard what the 176 can do, either.

I was bummed at AES that nobody could answer any technical questions about the Retro 176. I'm mostly curious about the transformers. It has been my experience that vintage gear that uses UTC transformers owes most of the flavor to the UTCs, and this is missing from the recreations because of the different transformers. LA2As, 660s, 176s, you name it. UTCs are often derided by techs because of all the phase shifting, etc. One tech told me that the joke used to be that UTC stood for "You Take Chances." But there's a sound that I just love.

Has anybody A/B'd the Retro with a real one?

Yup
Yeah I know what your saying JJ and it was part of my curiosity when I picked up a reissue Sta too[as well as the original tube socket 6386 vs the dual 6BJ6 tubes]
...funny i was just fukking around with some modules from an eight track Scully we're refurbing..chock full of UTCs.[That machine just sounds fvcking sick btw]

When i first got the 176 I been toying w/ the idea of doing the UTC thing too.
I've A'b'd to two original[completely spec'd by charlie B and firlotte] 175's to my 176 when i first got it.
the older guys were a bit dirtier/hairier sounding.
I'm no techie but I talked to Phil about this..one thing he did right away was a sort of modded curcuit for the attack knob.its a pull out deal that basically in the 'out" position it gives you the hair of the older units.
I'd still just for the hell of it love to try the UTC route but I have zero time to geek out right now

Cheers Dudes for the opinions!

I'm getting envious.

If you were now getting 2 would you get a 176 and a Sta................................................ or two of one only of the above?

Paul G

Here we go again

Boy, please take a break.