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The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Warmth and Texture with Tube Compression

Tube compressors have become a secret weapon for adding richness and dimension to vocals. The subtle harmonic distortion from tube circuitry brings an elusive warmth and texture that solid-state compressors simply can't match. This effect comes from the natural compression and saturation generated by tube amplifiers. As the signal passes through the tubes, the waveform gets rounded off in a musical way, adding even-order harmonics. The result is a smooth, creamy tone that flatters the human voice.

Vintage classics like the Teletronix LA-2A and Urei 1176 are still prized for their tube magic on vocals. The LA-2A has a program-dependent optical gain reduction that lets the attack transient through before smoothly compressing the body of the sound. This imparts "focus and presence" as producer Jack Joseph Puig says. Meanwhile, the signature fast FET compression of the Urei 1176 adds punch and thickness. Puig calls it the "rock and roll vocal sound."

Part of the tube vibe also comes from transformer couplings. This allows different parts of the circuit to "talk" to each other in a interactive way. Modern tube compressors like the Warm Audio WA76 and Bus-Comp replicate these complex analog signal paths. They give a comparable tube sound at a fraction of the cost of original vintage units.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Fast Transients with FET Compressors

When it comes to vocals, fast transient response is crucial for articulation and clarity. This is where FET compressors really shine. FET stands for Field Effect Transistor, which reacts much quicker than traditional VCA and optical designs. The attack time on FET compressors can get down to just 20-30 microseconds for capturing those initial transients. This allows the first millisecond or two of the vocal to punch through uncompressed before the compression kicks in.

With the ultra-fast recovery, the compressor can also closely follow the dynamic contours of the voice. Producer Dave Pensado explains how this fast catching up action enhances intelligibility: “I want you to hear consonants clearly. I want you to hear the ends of words clearly.” The transients carry consonant sounds like “s”, “t” and “p” so we perceive articulation.

A prime example of FET compression is the legendary Urei 1176. Its distinctive style has graced countless hit records. The 1176 can be slammingly aggressive in “all buttons mode” with quick attack and release times. This hard compression pumps in time with the rhythm for extra punch and presence. Or with slower release settings, it can tighten up vocals in a more transparent way.

Some engineers use the 1176 purely as a peak limiter to control stray vocal spikes. With the attack time at its fastest setting, it can clamp down on peaks while leaving the body of the signal dynamic. This technique preserves naturalness while preventing overloads downstream. The smooth knee compression also imparts subtle harmonic enhancement in the process.

Other FET models like the Universal Audio 1176 and Warm Audio WA76 provide that same lightning-fast response. Some guitarists even use FET compressors to add pick attack and bite to muted chording. The smack comes through while the compressor smoothes out the ringing sustain.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Gluing Takes with Optical Compressors

Optical compressors have become indispensable for smoothing out vocals and gluing together composite takes. Originally designed for telecommunications and broadcast in the 1960s, optical designs use a light-dependent resistor and photocell to control gain reduction. The photocell reacts to peaks in the audio signal and compresses smoothly with a soft-knee characteristic.

This program-dependent response results in very natural-sounding compression that is ideal for vocals. The gradual onset of compression avoids drastic pumping artifacts. Opticals gently contain peaks while keeping the body of the signal dynamic. The effect is described as "squeezing" rather than "squashing."

A prime example of optical magic is the cherished Teletronix LA-2A. Its transformer-coupled tube circuit and program-dependent T4B optical gain cell impart an unmistakable warmth and smoothness. The LA-2A lets initial transients through before gradually reining in peaks. This makes it ideal for controlling vocal dynamics while preserving clarity.

According to producer Jack Joseph Puig, the LA-2A is perfect for "gluing a vocal together take to take." When editing between multiple takes, volume discrepancies can be distracting. By gently compressing each phrase, the LA-2A ensures consistent perceived loudness across takes. This makes punch-ins and crossfades seamless. Puig also uses the LA-2A for subtle color on vocals, adding vibrance and making them more intimate and present.

Another classic optical model, the Urei 565 Little Dipper, has a dedicated "Vocal" mode with tailored attack and release times. This setting tames wide dynamics while keeping consonants crisp. Producer Dave Pensado describes how optical compression makes a vocal track sit better in a mix: "It seems to glue the vocal and make it more present...yet not jumping out at you."

Modern optical emulations provide this same smooth magic at a fraction of the cost. The Warm Audio WA-2A and Bus-Comp deliver incredibly musical optical compression with a vintage vibe. Some models even expand on the concept, like the Manley ELOP which offers continuously variable attack and release times. This flexibility allows custom tailoring for a particular vocalist or style.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Shaping the Attack with VCA Compressors

Shaping transients is crucial for balancing clarity and control on vocals. This is where variable attack times on VCA compressors come in handy. VCA designs allow continuous adjustment of attack speed to sculpt a vocal's initial attack characteristic.

With slower attack settings, the compressor responds gradually, allowing initial transients to poke through uncompressed. This maintains bite and articulation on consonants, keeping the lyric articulate. According to producer Chris Lord-Alge, using a slowed-down attack time "keeps the vocal ever so slightly ahead of the track, so it comes jumping out at you." The crisp attack helps the voice cut through the mix.

Alternatively, a fast attack clamps down immediately on transients, controlling peakiness while ramping up sustain. "I'll use that when I want to soften peaks but keep the body of the vocal intact," explains engineer Tony Maserati. This squashes down aggression on shouts while evening out softer passages. The quick timing response also prevents overloud syllables from jumping out.

An iconic VCA compressor known for this flexibility is the DBX 160. Its OverEasy soft knee compression enhances transparency when used gently. At subtle settings, the 160 can smooth barely perceptible level fluctuations. This unifies the vocal track while avoiding obvious compression effects. Meanwhile, the 160 also provides harder limiting when needed, delivering up to 30 dB of clampdown.

The dbx 160's RMS level detection helps retain dynamic contour compared to peak sensing compressors. "That makes it easier to set low ratios that just remove the peaks but let the power of the vocal performance still shine through," says producer Eric Valentine. This makes the 160 a versatile vocal problem solver that adapts to various material.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Getting Punchy with Vari-Mu Compressors

Vari-Mu compressors have become a secret weapon for adding punch and attitude to vocals. These vintage tube-based designs get their name from "variable mu" vacuum tubes used in their circuitry. As opposed to having a fixed compression ratio, Vari-Mu compressors have an adjustable knee that gets more dramatic at higher input levels. This makes them ideal for transparent smoothing at subtler settings, then aggressive pumping compression when driven hard.

The key to Vari-Mu magic is the interactive nature of the tube components. Different stages in the circuit affect each other in a musical, nonlinear way. So the compression response feels more like a natural extension of the performance rather than an artificial effect. Producer Jack Joseph Puig sums up the subtlety: “A Fairchild or Altec compressor breathes with the singer. It's moving the vocal, touching it, kissing it.”

That natural compression characteristic makes Vari-Mu designs ideal for rock and pop vocals needing attitude. At moderate settings, they can add punch and power to phrases without obvious pumping. This lets the dynamic inflections of the vocal performance shine through. According to producer Eric Valentine, “I usually use Vari-Mu compressors when I want to give the vocal a little bit of lift and get it to cut through the track more aggressively.”

When pushed harder, Vari-Mu compressors impart more overt rhythmic compression effects. The nonlinear knee becomes more dramatic, almost acting like a soft limiter. Producer Dave Pensado describes how this can impact the feel: “If you compress the vocal to where that compressor is moving to the rhythm of the track, you've created a pulse and energy.” This rhythmic pumping can underscore the driving energy of a rock vocal performance.

The effect gets more intense when using very fast attack and release times. Engineer Andrew Scheps boosts the input level to really work the compressor: “That kind of compression changes the way people sing. It makes them more aggressive because they hear it pumping and pushing them.” This interactive quality enhances the emotion and urgency of the performance.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Versatile Dynamics Control with 500 Series Modules

The 500 series format has become a playground for unique dynamics processing designs in modular form. This exploding ecosystem of lunchbox modules brings boutique compression flavors into a compact, affordable package. Engineers are increasingly turning to 500 series units for versatile vocal dynamics control.

A key benefit of the 500 series format is flexibility. With standardized dimensions, modules from different makers can be combined in the same rack. This allows mixing and matching compressors to craft hybrid signal chains. For example, an engineer might opt for an FET compressor like the API 525 for transient punch upfront, followed by the smooth optical compression of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor to tame peaks.

Another advantage is the reduced size and cost compared to full-rack designs. This makes it feasible to stock multiple compressor flavors to suit different vocal needs. Renowned engineer Vance Powell comments, "I find that I want to have three, four, or five different compressors on hand for different vocals. 500 series is perfect for this."

The API 525 compressor has become a 500 series staple thanks to its lightning-fast FET response. Like the revered Urei 1176, the 525 uses feedback around a pair of FET elements for gain reduction. However, the 525 adds a sidechain filter to reduce response to rumble and highs. According to producer Joe Chiccarelli, "The fastest FET compressors allow me to grab transients very quickly at the beginning of a note which helps the vocal pop out."

Meanwhile, the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor brings smooth, program-dependent optical compression to the 500 format. With its variable attack and release times, the Shadow Hills excels at transparent dynamic control. Mixer Dave Pensado explains how he uses the Shadow Hills for natural leveling: "It takes down the louder spots and brings up the softer spots...evening things out without getting in the way." The Shadow Hills employs a hybrid design, combining the best aspects of optical, VCA, and FET compressors.

Another 500 series favorite is the Warm Audio WA76. This all-discrete FET compressor authentically captures the tone and response of the Urei 1176. With its fast attack times, the WA76 aggressively clamps down on transient peaks while imparting subtle harmonic richness. This makes it ideal for adding thickness and attitude to rock vocals.

The purple flavor comes courtesy of Empirical Labs and their 500 Series channel strip. The EL500 compressor captures the patented “High-Density” design of their rackmount Lil' FrEQ, employing transformer coupling and discrete Class A circuitry for warmth and punch. According to producer Jack Joseph Puig, “The Empirical Labs compressor is very fast and very true...It's the color that I love.”

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Dialing In Tones with Parametric EQs

Precision tone-shaping with parametric EQs has become an essential technique for honing and controlling vocal textures. The increased flexibility of parametric EQs over traditional fixed-band designs allows engineers to zero-in on problem frequencies and creatively reshape tones.

A key advantage of parametrics is the ability to choose any center frequency rather than being limited to fixed bands. This allows surgically targeting resonance peaks or whistly overtones in a vocalist’s timbre. For example, a nasal “ee” vowel at 700Hz could be subtly reduced without cutting surrounding frequencies. Producer Jack Joseph Puig explains how this focused EQ approach avoids collateral damage: “You have all these frequencies working together to create the tonality and texture of the voice. If you use too wide of an EQ, you could be affecting parts of the tone that you’re not intending to.”

Cutting boxy resonant frequencies can also help place the voice further back in the stereo field, increasing clarity in a dense mix according to Andrew Scheps: “You can EQ out some of those frequencies that are causing the vocal to spread...so it focuses into the center.” This same technique cleans up the tails of vocal reverb, reducing muddiness.

Conversely, strategic boosts in the 2-4 kHz range add crispness and intelligibility. Eric Valentine describes how gentle high-mid boosts keep the lyric cutting through: “I usually add a few dB around 3.5 kHz and a dB or so around 12 kHz. That allows the vocal to poke through.” Subtle high-end lift also adds air and openness, offsetting the dulling effect of compression.

When possible, Scheps prefers boosting over cutting: "Boosting adds harmonic content and life to a voice whereas cutting tends to deaden and weaken it." Broad fullness can be enhanced around 120-200 Hz, while maintaining articulation. Scooping out mud around 400 Hz prevents vocals from competing with the bass.

The Secret Sauce: Crafting Killer Vocals with the Best Hardware Compressors of 2023 - Mix Magic with Parallel Compression

Parallel compression has become an essential mixing technique for making vocals muscular while retaining clarity. This involves blending compressed and uncompressed versions of the vocal track to intensify loud peaks while preserving dynamic variation. Many top engineers employ parallel compression chains to add power and presence without excessive pumping artifacts.

According to Chris Lord-Alge, “Parallel compression is my secret weapon to making things sound big.” By cranking up the ratio to 10:1 or beyond on the parallel compressor, peaks get slammed dramatically while softer phrases remain untouched. Hard ratios severely limit crest factor, allowing the compressed signal to be pushed higher in the mix. Lord-Alge notes how this enhances intelligibility: “It brings up all the consonants and nuances in the performance without making the whole thing sound squashed.”

Andrew Scheps sheds light on how parallel compression achieves loudness through additive tone-stacking: “You’re compressing certain frequencies at certain times and blending that with the original. So it gets thicker and it gets brighter without sounding like you’ve compressed the hell out of it.” Rather than dynamically reacting to the entire signal, the compressor only clamps down on occasional syllables. This avoids the flattened effect of serial compression while concentrating energy during peak moments.

Many engineers insert saturation along with compression on the parallel chain. Producer Eric Valentine explains how this enhances impact: “I like to drive the parallel compressor to add some distortion. That seems to make the vocal pop out of the track.” The harmonics created by tape or tube saturation add midrange punch and attitude, making the vocal cut through dense mixes. Subtle distortion also increases the sense of loudness, allowing more apparent volume without digital clipping.

Rather than using a single parallel chain, some engineers create multiple aux sends with varied processing. Dave Pensado describes his vocal parallel layers: “On the first aux track I have a compressor with a fast attack and release to grab transients. Then another aux with a compressor with a slow attack and release to smooth things out.” Blending these layers allows composite processing for articulation, power, and body. Pensado stresses the importance of level balance between the uncompressed lead vocal and auxiliary effects: “It’s the ratio that creates the magic. You don’t want either one to dominate.”

Many mixers employ New York-style compression in conjunction with parallel processing. This creative technique involves multing the lead vocal to multiple tracks with different compressors. According to Chris Lord-Alge, “I’ll set up three or four individual compressors and print all of them compressed differently.” One track might have a fast FET compressor grabbing transients, while another smooths peaks with an optical model. Summing these unique compression flavors can achieve a lively composite effect.