Vintage Compressors Reviews

by Joel Hamilton

1. Neve 33609 compressor/limiter.
When I am mixing, I like the sounds to really engage the listener, and flatter the performance. When you are in a room with drums, they are LOUD! I give the illusion of loud with the use of dynamics enhancing devices almost all the time. The Neve 33609, the original one, with metal knobs... probably my favorite compressor ever made, helps me get the explosive sound of the drums to the listener, with an appropriate "fit" in the mix as well. This device would be my desert island compressor for making a record. I have a ton of choices in my mix room here at Studio G Brooklyn, as I have been collecting for some time, and so has my partner, Tony Maimone. All of these devices are chosen to bring music forward, and make it larger than life in the end result. The 33609 is just one of those devices that can go from really, really aggressive to fairly transparent and everywhere in between, in the right hands. This is a vintage piece, and it is not cheap. Expect to pay between $3000- $4000 USD for a good one. They have been re-issued a few times, but never with quite the "bang" that the original has. With just this compressor used across an entire drum group, you could make a very good sounding mix.

2. Collins 26-1U compressor.
A giant in the rack, based around the revered 6386 "vari-mu" tube no longer in production, this big old tube compressor by Collins is one of the finest for kick drum. Nothing "seeks out" the right kind of beater attack like this crazy old bruiser. This compressor is also very vintage, made in the 50's. Also not very cheap, but prices vary insanely on these things. Expect to find one on ebay for around $1200 USD, but deals can be found, even in this day an age. Many of these were found in old radio stations, or new radio stations old gear closets or basement. They were used in broadcast, and Collins made many broadcast devices. This one just seems to have the right time constants (attack/release) for kick drum. Big transformers, lots of tubes, a giant VU meter, big knobs...all the marks of a cool, fun piece of gear that is fun to use and sounds GREAT. When I am mixing, I use this compressor to give me a consistent kick drum sound across the whole song without sounding too "squished." Amazing that this compressor will do that. I can be really headlocking the kick into place, and it never sounds too "compressor-y." No EQ, just this compressor usually. If you are into great sounds, this compressor will do the vintage "ringo" type pumping on the drums, or it will get very "modern rock" for you as well. That's how it justifies its enormous size in the rack, it is by no means a one trick pony. This compressor is awesome for just about anything you throw at it.