Thank you for this review. I have two of them and can’t be happier! They make magic just passing signal through. Buttery lushness putting the whole mix through! Low end 3d you cannot achieve easily, is a breeze. There’s really something to be said about the love that goes into this compressor and the love that comes out. Rich L. Ladomus Studio
Thanks for posting this demo. You have done an excellent job at showing the musical brilliance of this unit. It's officially on my list as i have been using the plugin for too long now!
Great job. That is by far the best demo I’ve seen on this compressor. The explanations and demonstrations of the hold function, balance and super fuse were very informative. And wow, what a vibe this compressor has! Sounds stellar anywhere you place it. I own a lot Chandler gear. I didn’t have an overwhelming interest in these before your video. Now I want a pair or 2 pair of these haha.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the demo! I really appreciate your kind words. I'm sorry to hear this video may make a dent in your wallet but I think it will be well worth it haha! I myself am realizing I need another one! Thank you for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.
Funny you mentioned the original (old) VST plugin. It used to be my secret weapon back then and I used it on everything. I couldn't believe that Chandler used the Superfuse idea from that same plugin.. I now own a stereo pair of RS124's and cant believe its all come full circle.
It's is wild how a plugin feature ended up being on the hardware reissue. I'm so glad they did though! Man, I really wish they would properly bring back that plugin as well, I was the same, used it on everything!
It's good for a plug-in but unfortunately doesn't really touch the hardware. I did a comparison here if you'd like to check it out: ua-cam.com/video/HzHETIiZPTM/v-deo.html&pp=ygUQUlMxMjQgdnMgcGx1Z2lucw%3D%3D
Vari-mu compression is so good on vocals - always controlled but never pancaked. The only solid-state compressor that seems to be able to get that kind of action is the Distressor, and that's saying a lot!
As a Beatlemaniac audio fan, thanks again for taking the time to show us this great piece of gear and music. Keep on with the vids! Happy Christmas and happy new year!
You're so welcome! To have a little glimpse into a sound that was so instrumental in that era is such a special thing! I'm truly grateful to Abbey Road/Chandler for bringing this piece of gear to the rest of us.
Thanks for this video. I am going to get one :-) If you have to suggest another fast compressor to use with it, witch one fits better between retro176 and 1176 or similar in your opinion? thanks again
It all depends on the vocalist and the song. There are times where I use the RS124 followed by the 176 and then other times the RS124 followed by the BLA Bluey or Stam ADG is a better fit. If starting out and buying your first two compressors, I would lean towards going with the RS124 and an 1176 just because there's more variance there(1 Vari Mu and 1 FET as opposed to both being Vari Mu -124 & 176).
@@SeawellStudios that makes better sense I talked to chandler about all compressors above also the rs660 they told me to get the rs660 to go with the Sony c800 g for hip hop and also said fwiw the ua 1176 would be fun combo
Thank you so much for your support! I would absolutely love to have a 660 in here at the same time to see how they compare/contrast. If anyone has a contact at Chandler, put in a good word for me 😉.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year Josh! I wish you a great new artists to work with and killer mixes! :) RS124 is surely a magical thing, it's one of the slowest compressors out there, but that slowness is musical and smooth. On piano it was really great, I believe that's called a "shimmering" sound when compressor is releasing together with the tail of the piano and extending the highs. I remember I had a plugin from softube too, gonna try using it again just to get more familiar with it.
Elias, I can't thank you enough for the continued support, it sure means a lot! I always appreciate your contributions to the discussion on the channel here. I think "shimmering" is a great way to describe what I'm hearing there, it's just so magical. If you owned the original plug in, it never got ported to 64 bit unfortunately but I hope one day this channel will be influential enough where we can make enough noise together to make that happen!
I like it. Been searching for the right vari-mu for vocals. Right now my go-to is the Kush AR-1 which has a similar heritage to the RS124 (modded altec).
Thanks Mark! The vocal tracking chain on this one was Korby KAT 47 > Seventh Circle Audio N72 > Buzz Audio Essence. Of course JB with the beautiful vocal delivery ☺️. The RS124 does such a cool thing to vocals in particular. It’s not going to control it like an 1176 but man…I’d much rather have THIS sound and do a little volume automation where needed.
@@SeawellStudios Nice! I remember the Essence being a very transparent and versatile opto. I had never heard of the RS124 before. Maybe a Vari-Mu is my future. The mono Stamchild looks tempting!
I have one of these and I pair it up with a Neve 10😅73 and pultec EQ. This is the best video explanation I’ve seen on this compressor and you definitely gave me some good ideas for vocal an acoustic settings. Have you used it yet on electric guitars and if so, I’d appreciate your settings? :)
It's still the 176. I'll take it over anything because it can handle ANY vocal I've ever thrown at it. Having said that, I do also really enjoy the tone and compression signature of the RS124, Sta Level and RS660 for example. So, if someone is looking for 1 great vocal compressor, the answer from me is always the 176. If someone already has an 1176 or Distressor(something with speed) and is looking to add a second compressor in the vocal chain(I usually mix with two, vari mu followed by Bluey most of the time) then I hope the reviews I've done of various Vari Mu comps could help them hear one they would like to further pursue in their own studio. One of these days I would love to get the 176, RS124, Sta Level, etc.. in here all at once to do a huge Vari Mu Shootout to help people hear them side by side on the same sources. I hope in the meantime the reviews I've done here of multiple units will be of some value in making these kinds of decisions. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, it's much appreciated!
@@SeawellStudios thank you so much for taking the time to answer! Thought about buying the retro 176 yesterday and just wanted to hear someone push me in the right direction. :)
Great review! I'm extremely lucky to have 2 of these gems. 1 lives on my bass, right before a pultec. The other handles anything i throw at it. No comparison to the plug-in, sooo much fuller sounding and powerful. My favorite thing about these compressors is their versatility -- you can simply run a source through the tubes and be extremely subtle or you can drive them hard, add superfuse and really make them pop. I've tried hard to make these sound bad, but I can't achieve it. Never used them on stereo bus, but I'm sure that works for certain material too. Secret weapon for many. Glad you made this thorough video. Cheers,
I'm starting to think these should just be sold in pairs haha. That's great you have 2! This on bass with a pultec sounds like a dream, I bet you're enjoying that! I agree, running anything and everything through it, even if you're just barely touching it always seems to make things better. It truly is a magic box.
RS124. It’s thicker to me which is what I’m looking for in hardware. BG1 is awesome but is a little cleaner and more hifi than the RS124 to my ears. Also, superfuse mode is something none of the other RS124 clones have implemented so that also sets the RS124 apart to me.
I"m so glad you enjoyed it! Electric guitar is actually the one area I don't usually use the RS124 on. Not that it's bad there, I just tend to prefer LA-3A or an 1776.
If you have the budget for one great compressor and your primary use will be vocals I always recommend the 176 first. If you already have something like an 1176 and are looking to add a special tone then a RS124 in combo with an 1176 is pure magic! You really can't go wrong with either, it's just more of what order you'd want to purchase them in. I hope that helps! Thanks so much for checking out the video.
Do you happen to ever do Q&A/consultation sessions? You’re super rad about answering questions in the comments but I’d love to pick your brain a bit and don’t want to unfairly take too much of your time.
I’ve only used the BG1, not the BG2. I did have a little time to compare them side by side. BG1 has a little more extended top end & is a bit “cleaner”(not in a bad way at all. RS124 is thicker and ultimately I just really missed not having the superfuse mode as it is quite unique & something I use often. I reviewed the BG1 here in case you haven’t seen it yet: ua-cam.com/video/ggfmoc8KEM8/v-deo.html I hope that’s helpful!
I know this compressor is a bit slow for actually controlling dynamics, but good God is the tone like nothing else I’ve ever heard. It may not catch peaks as well as others but it has this “3D” or “Magic” feel that’s irreplaceable.
Exactly! I'll gladly do a little extra automation or follow the RS124 with an 1176 if needed to deal with any peaks. The RS124 tone is THE SOUND for me.
The vocal & acoustic on this song were a Korby KAT 47 into a Seventh Circle Audio N72 preamp. Thanks for your kind words about the channel, I appreciate you being here!
Ok...had to grab the laptop here to expound a little more. I prefer the RS124 on more sources. It's not that the 176 doesn't work on bass, acoustic or drums for example, it's just that I think the RS124 does something extra special on those sources. Now, if someone says to me, "I want one special vocal compressor," the answer is always going to be the 176 because it is the only Vari Mu I've used that is fast enough to control any vocal. I can always make it work on a vocal! I can't say the same for the RS124 if it is my only compressor, the speed just isn't there for some vocals. Having said that, given the choice I prefer to use 2 compressors on a vocal so something like a Sta Level followed by an 1176 or the RS124 followed by a Rev A clone are two of my absolute favorites! So, if you want to be totally happy, get yourself a 176 and RS124(they actually work really well in sequence on a vocal too.). One of these days I'm going to get myself in a position to keep all these vari mus around so we can all be happy together LOL.
@@SeawellStudios Thanks for the in-depth insights! I’ve been eyeing the RS124 but I might actually pull the trigger on a RS660. Looks crazy - mono Fairchild with the Zener THD circuit 🤤 .. also, just trying to be one of the few people that has one 😅😎
@@SeawellStudios NICE! I’d been asking the guys at vintage king to get one so I could demo it, but no dice as of yet. So, I’ll definitely be looking forward to your demo. Aces per usual on the RS124 🙌
Thank you for this review. I have two of them and can’t be happier! They make magic just passing signal through. Buttery lushness putting the whole mix through! Low end 3d you cannot achieve easily, is a breeze. There’s really something to be said about the love that goes into this compressor and the love that comes out. Rich L. Ladomus Studio
Thanks for posting this demo. You have done an excellent job at showing the musical brilliance of this unit. It's officially on my list as i have been using the plugin for too long now!
I'm so glad you found this video useful! It is such a musical unit, I still love and use it everyday.
Great job. That is by far the best demo I’ve seen on this compressor. The explanations and demonstrations of the hold function, balance and super fuse were very informative.
And wow, what a vibe this compressor has! Sounds stellar anywhere you place it.
I own a lot Chandler gear. I didn’t have an overwhelming interest in these before your video.
Now I want a pair or 2 pair of these haha.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the demo! I really appreciate your kind words. I'm sorry to hear this video may make a dent in your wallet but I think it will be well worth it haha! I myself am realizing I need another one!
Thank you for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.
Funny you mentioned the original (old) VST plugin. It used to be my secret weapon back then and I used it on everything. I couldn't believe that Chandler used the Superfuse idea from that same plugin.. I now own a stereo pair of RS124's and cant believe its all come full circle.
It's is wild how a plugin feature ended up being on the hardware reissue. I'm so glad they did though! Man, I really wish they would properly bring back that plugin as well, I was the same, used it on everything!
May I ask you what you use the stereo 124's on?
I have the waves version but I don’t know how it compares to the chandler version
Piano and parallel drum Aux are a couple of favorite places for a stereo pair!
It's good for a plug-in but unfortunately doesn't really touch the hardware. I did a comparison here if you'd like to check it out: ua-cam.com/video/HzHETIiZPTM/v-deo.html&pp=ygUQUlMxMjQgdnMgcGx1Z2lucw%3D%3D
Vari-mu compression is so good on vocals - always controlled but never pancaked. The only solid-state compressor that seems to be able to get that kind of action is the Distressor, and that's saying a lot!
That's a great description of vari mu on vocals! It's just the best!
As a Beatlemaniac audio fan, thanks again for taking the time to show us this great piece of gear and music.
Keep on with the vids! Happy Christmas and happy new year!
You're so welcome! To have a little glimpse into a sound that was so instrumental in that era is such a special thing! I'm truly grateful to Abbey Road/Chandler for bringing this piece of gear to the rest of us.
Such a vibey compressor. Thank you for the demo
It definitely is! I'm so glad you enjoyed the demo, thank you very much for checking it out.
This is great thanks for this, absolute dream piece of hardware for me. I’d love to own one, some day.
It is magic in a box! Thank you so much for checking out the video, I really appreciate it.
Your videos are great!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you’re finding stuff here you enjoy.
great vid. critique: no bypass mode though... weird!
Thank you! Yeah I always like having bypass when possible! It seems to be missing from quite a few of my favorite vari mu comps for whatever reason.
Thanks for this video. I am going to get one :-) If you have to suggest another fast compressor to use with it, witch one fits better between retro176 and 1176 or similar in your opinion? thanks again
That's what I'm thinking I feel you can't go wrong with either I would try both
It all depends on the vocalist and the song. There are times where I use the RS124 followed by the 176 and then other times the RS124 followed by the BLA Bluey or Stam ADG is a better fit.
If starting out and buying your first two compressors, I would lean towards going with the RS124 and an 1176 just because there's more variance there(1 Vari Mu and 1 FET as opposed to both being Vari Mu -124 & 176).
@@SeawellStudios that makes better sense I talked to chandler about all compressors above also the rs660 they told me to get the rs660 to go with the Sony c800 g for hip hop and also said fwiw the ua 1176 would be fun combo
@ thank you so much 🙏🎵
These reviews have been great. Keep up the good work! Also, if you can get Chandler to send you a RS660…
Thank you so much for your support! I would absolutely love to have a 660 in here at the same time to see how they compare/contrast. If anyone has a contact at Chandler, put in a good word for me 😉.
Great review. That song really reminds me of Lenny Kravitz's "Again"
Thanks! Yeah definitely a throwback vibe like that.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year Josh! I wish you a great new artists to work with and killer mixes! :)
RS124 is surely a magical thing, it's one of the slowest compressors out there, but that slowness is musical and smooth.
On piano it was really great, I believe that's called a "shimmering" sound when compressor is releasing together with the tail of the piano and extending the highs.
I remember I had a plugin from softube too, gonna try using it again just to get more familiar with it.
Elias, I can't thank you enough for the continued support, it sure means a lot! I always appreciate your contributions to the discussion on the channel here. I think "shimmering" is a great way to describe what I'm hearing there, it's just so magical.
If you owned the original plug in, it never got ported to 64 bit unfortunately but I hope one day this channel will be influential enough where we can make enough noise together to make that happen!
Just got this in tandem with the red 47. Should be good. Love this video
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Wow, I bet that combo sounds great, I'd love to hear your thoughts once you've spent some time with it.
@@SeawellStudios Will let u know 4 show. I wouldn’t mind getting the RS 660 to run with it too if money wasn’t an option lol
Same! 🤑
I like it. Been searching for the right vari-mu for vocals. Right now my go-to is the Kush AR-1 which has a similar heritage to the RS124 (modded altec).
Yeah if you dig the AR-1 I think this would be a piece you'd really enjoy!
great review 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Gorgeous vocal ❤
Thanks Mark! The vocal tracking chain on this one was Korby KAT 47 > Seventh Circle Audio N72 > Buzz Audio Essence. Of course JB with the beautiful vocal delivery ☺️. The RS124 does such a cool thing to vocals in particular. It’s not going to control it like an 1176 but man…I’d much rather have THIS sound and do a little volume automation where needed.
@@SeawellStudios Nice! I remember the Essence being a very transparent and versatile opto. I had never heard of the RS124 before. Maybe a Vari-Mu is my future. The mono Stamchild looks tempting!
Along those lines…I have a Chandler RS660 arriving later today! 🔥
@@SeawellStudios 😋
I have one of these and I pair it up with a Neve 10😅73 and pultec EQ. This is the best video explanation I’ve seen on this compressor and you definitely gave me some good ideas for vocal an acoustic settings. Have you used it yet on electric guitars and if so, I’d appreciate your settings? :)
You once said the 176 was the best vocal compressor 3 years later what is your favorite compressor for tracking vocals?
It's still the 176. I'll take it over anything because it can handle ANY vocal I've ever thrown at it. Having said that, I do also really enjoy the tone and compression signature of the RS124, Sta Level and RS660 for example. So, if someone is looking for 1 great vocal compressor, the answer from me is always the 176. If someone already has an 1176 or Distressor(something with speed) and is looking to add a second compressor in the vocal chain(I usually mix with two, vari mu followed by Bluey most of the time) then I hope the reviews I've done of various Vari Mu comps could help them hear one they would like to further pursue in their own studio. One of these days I would love to get the 176, RS124, Sta Level, etc.. in here all at once to do a huge Vari Mu Shootout to help people hear them side by side on the same sources. I hope in the meantime the reviews I've done here of multiple units will be of some value in making these kinds of decisions. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, it's much appreciated!
@@SeawellStudios thank you so much for taking the time to answer! Thought about buying the retro 176 yesterday and just wanted to hear someone push me in the right direction. :)
@@cristopherjohansson1323 you're so welcome! Let me know your thoughts once you get it. I hope you love it!
Great review! I'm extremely lucky to have 2 of these gems. 1 lives on my bass, right before a pultec. The other handles anything i throw at it. No comparison to the plug-in, sooo much fuller sounding and powerful. My favorite thing about these compressors is their versatility -- you can simply run a source through the tubes and be extremely subtle or you can drive them hard, add superfuse and really make them pop. I've tried hard to make these sound bad, but I can't achieve it. Never used them on stereo bus, but I'm sure that works for certain material too. Secret weapon for many. Glad you made this thorough video. Cheers,
I'm starting to think these should just be sold in pairs haha. That's great you have 2! This on bass with a pultec sounds like a dream, I bet you're enjoying that!
I agree, running anything and everything through it, even if you're just barely touching it always seems to make things better. It truly is a magic box.
Curious whether you prefer the tone rs124 or the bg1?
RS124. It’s thicker to me which is what I’m looking for in hardware. BG1 is awesome but is a little cleaner and more hifi than the RS124 to my ears.
Also, superfuse mode is something none of the other RS124 clones have implemented so that also sets the RS124 apart to me.
@ ok thanks! Haven’t had the opportunity to demo the bg1 so that helps me make a decision:)
sounds amazing.
🔥
AMAZING!!!
Thanks for checking it out! 👊🏼
Beautiful singer!
Thanks! That is my good friend Joey Barnes: music.apple.com/us/artist/joey-barnes/308963930
This is great, thank you, would you use on electric guitar?
I"m so glad you enjoyed it! Electric guitar is actually the one area I don't usually use the RS124 on. Not that it's bad there, I just tend to prefer LA-3A or an 1776.
Have you tried the RS124 on Electric Guitars, and if so what are your settings? Great review!
I haven’t tried it on electric guitar yet. I will asap & report back how it goes. Thanks for checking out the video!
you like this over the 176 you were talking about
If you have the budget for one great compressor and your primary use will be vocals I always recommend the 176 first. If you already have something like an 1176 and are looking to add a special tone then a RS124 in combo with an 1176 is pure magic! You really can't go wrong with either, it's just more of what order you'd want to purchase them in. I hope that helps! Thanks so much for checking out the video.
Do you happen to ever do Q&A/consultation sessions?
You’re super rad about answering questions in the comments but I’d love to pick your brain a bit and don’t want to unfairly take too much of your time.
I've never done anything like that. I'm flattered you'd ask! Maybe a live Q&A on the channel would be good sometime soon?
@ totally yeah! Keep us posted about that please.
Awesome...ty!
You're so welcome and thank you for checking out the video!
Dope song. What mic was used?
Thanks! Korby Kat with the 47 capsule was the mic.
How does this compare to the highland dynamics bg1/bg2? Preference between them?
I’ve only used the BG1, not the BG2. I did have a little time to compare them side by side. BG1 has a little more extended top end & is a bit “cleaner”(not in a bad way at all. RS124 is thicker and ultimately I just really missed not having the superfuse mode as it is quite unique & something I use often. I reviewed the BG1 here in case you haven’t seen it yet: ua-cam.com/video/ggfmoc8KEM8/v-deo.html
I hope that’s helpful!
I know this compressor is a bit slow for actually controlling dynamics, but good God is the tone like nothing else I’ve ever heard. It may not catch peaks as well as others but it has this “3D” or “Magic” feel that’s irreplaceable.
Exactly! I'll gladly do a little extra automation or follow the RS124 with an 1176 if needed to deal with any peaks. The RS124 tone is THE SOUND for me.
What preamp and mic are u using with? Cheers. Great channel
The vocal & acoustic on this song were a Korby KAT 47 into a Seventh Circle Audio N72 preamp. Thanks for your kind words about the channel, I appreciate you being here!
Can this thing overdrive into nice harmonic saturation?
Yes, you can get there in superfuse mode in particular.
Your piano was mono, or do you have two units
6:46
@@SeawellStudios did you feel it caused any stereo image problems using it that way?
@@Balverine No, I tend to prefer dual mono over stereo compression even on the mix bus.
@@SeawellStudios nice, because I ordered just one and I was worried 😁
@@Balverine we'll just keep enjoying one until we can afford another 🤑 I'd love to hear your thoughts once you get yours! Congrats!
Man who cares about the compressor, the songwriting and singing is on point, kudos.
That's very kind of you to say! Joey Barnes - "If This is Love" is the song in the video.
Alright, Josh, so I gotta know... RS124 or Retro 176? 😬😬😬
Save up for both! 😫
Ok...had to grab the laptop here to expound a little more. I prefer the RS124 on more sources. It's not that the 176 doesn't work on bass, acoustic or drums for example, it's just that I think the RS124 does something extra special on those sources.
Now, if someone says to me, "I want one special vocal compressor," the answer is always going to be the 176 because it is the only Vari Mu I've used that is fast enough to control any vocal. I can always make it work on a vocal! I can't say the same for the RS124 if it is my only compressor, the speed just isn't there for some vocals.
Having said that, given the choice I prefer to use 2 compressors on a vocal so something like a Sta Level followed by an 1176 or the RS124 followed by a Rev A clone are two of my absolute favorites!
So, if you want to be totally happy, get yourself a 176 and RS124(they actually work really well in sequence on a vocal too.). One of these days I'm going to get myself in a position to keep all these vari mus around so we can all be happy together LOL.
@@SeawellStudios Thanks for the in-depth insights! I’ve been eyeing the RS124 but I might actually pull the trigger on a RS660. Looks crazy - mono Fairchild with the Zener THD circuit 🤤 .. also, just trying to be one of the few people that has one 😅😎
@@SnWlf great minds think alike my friend, I just ordered one today! 🤑 A review and comparison to the RS124 will be coming ASAP!
@@SeawellStudios NICE! I’d been asking the guys at vintage king to get one so I could demo it, but no dice as of yet. So, I’ll definitely be looking forward to your demo. Aces per usual on the RS124 🙌
Would this compressor sound good on rap
It may be a bit slow for rap. I’d go with a CL1B, 1176 or 176 instead.
Like I thought you was trying to actually trying to help
I'm confused...what is this in reference to?
Guess al go to gearspace
?
This compressor shines on drums. But no drum example
Not so fast 😁
Chandler Limited RS124 vs RS660 Shootout
ua-cam.com/video/9m1aJBwtxns/v-deo.html