Hi,

I have some software compressors that I've bought a long time ago. I still have a hard time to hear the differences, so just by curiosity I would like to know what elements/instrument you would use those compressors on:

API 2500
BF-2A
BF-3A
CLA-2A
FabFilter Pro C2
Fairchild 660
Fairchild 670
SSLComp
UADx LA-2A

Elements i often use:
Acoustic Piano (soft piano music)
Synthpads
Programmed Drums
Bass
Vocals
Guitar

Thank you!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...V&opi=89978449

This video ~may~ help. Aside from some of the sonic characteristics from different units, compression with the FF C2 may give you a launching point to start to hear differences. Use it across an entire practice mix and then notice how your needs for different feels and movements require different parameters. I'd even say different tools.

To answer your question more directly, I'd try:
Acoustic Piano (soft piano music) - 670
Synthpads - 670
Programmed Drums - API
Bass - LA2A
Vocals - LA2A/660 and maybe C2 also for faster attack.
Guitar - LA3A

I hope that helps. It takes practice to hear the differences... You have a solid list of tools.

To add to JP. SSL on your drums or add cohesion to your whole mix.

The best thing you can do is research the forums on each compressor and play with them on very familiar music. Generally speaking it could take you a while to identify their various characteristics and the it may take a bit longer to hear compression without exaggerated settings. Be kind to yourself, youll pick on all this stuff in. I time.

My $0,02:

Acoustic Piano (soft piano music): None for the most part, but Pro C2 if really needed.
Synthpads: None, there's hardly anything to compress on a pad.
Programmed Drums: Pro C2, SSLComp
Bass: Fairchild 660, UADx LA-2A
Vocals: UADx LA-2A, Pro C2
Guitar: BF-3A

Mixbus: FabFilter Pro C2, Fairchild 670, API 2500, SSLComp (assuming it's the SSL Bus Comp)

Hope that helps!

Unless you’re a pro mixer, you’d probably be more than just fine with your DAW, ProC2, and TrackComp. Maybe the UAD LA2A or 1176 with vocals, but only if you weren’t happy with the the DAW, ProC2, or TrackComp on them.

I think the suggestions above are pretty spot on. I like the LA2A on guitars too. For vocals I like a couple compressors, neither doing a lot of gain reduction. Usually something like an 1176 (with faster release) first then an LA2A or Fairchild.

I’ve also found it really helpful to automate the level/gain before the compressor, especially with vocals and acoustic guitars, so that it’s an even level hitting the compressor throughout the song.