Thanks for the video Josh!!! RS660 in the limit mode has a nice smack/punch on the drums that RS124 doesn't have. Overall, its tone is more creamy and dark and the envelope is more fast and aggressive. On the vocals RS660 has that "in your face" release characteristics similar to the 1176, making the vocals sound more radio ready. While the RS124 is a bit softer and smoother, its attack isn't as punchy and its release has a leveler like characteristics similar to the sound if you manually ride the vocals. On the bass it was great too. Also RS124 maintains brightness and presence, while RS660 makes the sounds sound deeper and more three dimensional. Speedy recovery to you Josh btw!!! I wish you to recover soon and be better than ever!!!
Hey Josh A little off topic, what is your assessment of the differences of the American and British modes on the BG1 and how do they compare to the these Chandler units?
@@rainbowmade1880 I had the Chandler and BG1 here side by side for a while. The Chandler is a thicker tone, the BG1 is a little more hifi with an extended top end. The American mode at 150 Ohms can definitely get pretty aggressive but still not quite what Superfuse mode is on the Chandler. I wish I could've kept them both honestly but I primarily use a RS124 style comp on the lead vocal so the thicker tone of the chandler and superfuse pushed me towards keeping that one.
Only thing I didn’t prefer the 124 on was the vocals in this example. Ironic because I track all my vocals with the 124, but it’s usually followed with an 1176 to catch the peaks
Great videos! I was just wondering what settings you prefer to use on your 1176 following the RS124 on vocals? I follow my RS124 with a Purple Audio MC77. Again, love the videos!!
@Dante Palomba awesome!! Thanks! I've been keeping my ratio at 4:1, sometimes 8:1, depending on how aggressive the vocal is. How about you? Thanks for responding.
Dude, I happened to mentioned to you a few weeks ago if you could do this type of video and boom... here it is! I just want to say thank you! It's appreciated!
Josh, this is hands down your greatest analysis video. I was punching the air half way through with delight. That RS124 is so special, I'd imagine one of the only other compressors that could keep up with the super slow release times thats still made today would be the STA level. I'm a huge fan of the RS124 and the STA level. I own both but I don't own the Chandler version, it's the Lisson Grove. You should see if someone would be willing to let you borrow one of those as well. A specific RS124 style comparison video would be a very interesting. Still holding out one day for you to get a chance to try the BG2 as well! All the best!!
That’s cool you have the Lisson Grove! I’m sure it’s awesome as well. I definitely still do need to check out a BG2 at some point…it just has to happen 😁 You’re right on about the Sta Level & I do like using some of the slowest release times on it. The compression can be so smooth!
Thanks so much! I have the same dilemma, they both sound so good to me and are different enough to justify owning both for sure. I kept the RS124 for now but definitely plan on adding the RS660 in the future! Thanks for checking out the video 👊🏼
I much preferred the RS124 on vocals because it has more detail on the top end. The RS660 is darker and a little more creamy and cloudy but the reduced HF detail makes the vocal image less 3D. The RS660 would be good for background vocals and harmonies but the RS124 has a HF sheen that fits lead vocals more. When trying to make sense of words your ear hones in the HF image so it's critical for vocals.
@@SeawellStudios At first I thought I'd go for 660 because of the extra functionality they have, but after listening more I think the 124's top end makes them more generally useful for a "perfect" vocal chain, always going to be high quality and can be darkened if needed. The 660 actually sounds really cool but it's more niche.
@@zyxyuv1650 I completely agree! Also, if for some reason the RS124 is ever too bright you can switch it to 200 Ohms mode and that will darken it up a bit.
I think either would make a great compliment and be quite different from an 1176. I stuck with the RS124 between the two. It just covers more ground to me. The RS660 is really cool and I plan on owning one at some point in the future but the main dislike I had is that it really didn't get along well with voices that had a lot of high mid(around 2k) information in them. When it did work on a vocal though..particularly in limit mode it was absolute magic! Anyway, if you're looking for versatility and something you can use on anything, I'd go with the RS124(vocals, acoustic guitars, bass and drums in particular!). If you're looking for something a bit more specialized but when it works it really works, the RS660 is a great, unique piece. I hope that helps!
@@SeawellStudios follow up question if you don’t mind: do you track with your RS124 or do you use it primarily in the mixing phase? Any opinion on specifically tracking through the RS124 vs RS660?
@@emuhunter1 I never mind discussing various mu comps 😁 I track instruments through the RS124 and sometimes vocals. Often times for vocal tracking it can be a bit slow so if the primary use is vocal tracking, I would go with the RS660.
@@SeawellStudios thank you so much! I haven’t made the leap into outboard yet but I’m considering going 1073 to 1176 and/or RS124 but I’ll keep the 660 in mind too!
Really cool comparison. I'm trying to decide between these two; Essentially, it's for an "everything and anything" channel going into a TG1. Could be vocals, could be acoustic guitar, could be a bass cab, could be shakers, whatever. Electric guitar cabs and drums are all setup going in other channels, so those are unlikely to end up going that way. Any thoughts?
Thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I ended up keeping the RS124. I'd love to have the RS660 again at some point but didn't feel it was as versatile as the RS124. For instance, there are some vocals I tried it on that were a bit mid forward(2kish range) that just didn't seem to vibe with the RS660 at all. When it did work on a vocal though(particularly limiter mode) it was something I hadn't heard out of any other unit, it just jumped out of the speakers in the most awesome way! For overall versatility and something that just makes everything sound better, I'd go with the RS124. I hope that helps!
@@SeawellStudios Exactly the sort of answer I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time. Also, I pulled the trigger on the Audioscape Opto based on your review in particular. Thanks for all the cool content. Keep doing what you're doing - it's much appreciated! Best regards from Denmark.
Have you just ran stuff through the boxes with minimal, or no compression? Like what I'm wondering is how does the overall box tone, and gain structure/saturation compare when pushed harder?
So both boxes have a good bit of box tone with minimal compression. I'm fine with that because when I'm reaching for hardware, I want to have something fairly significant. If I want something cleaner, I can just use a good plug-in. Both are quite versatile with the compression and limiting modes of the RS660 and the standard/superfuse mode of the RS124. The RS124 in particular has this interesting effect that even when compressing 10-15 dB, it can still sound quite transparent but in the most beautiful way. The RS124 has my favorite box tone out of any compressor. One of my favorite uses of the RS124 is to just tickle the meter a bit on acoustic guitar or vocals in particular. So yes, even at very low levels of compression you can get something quite compelling out of these units(the RS124 in particular). I hope that helps answer your question!
Thanks for doing this shoot out! Very interesting! I'd prefer the 660 on vocals - this really sounds perfect. You can't beat the 124 on bass though ... and I was surprised that I liked the 124 better on drums! 😀
Yeah same here! Something about the attack time of the 124 just makes drums come alive. Thanks so much for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment!
I love these type of comparison videos!! You did a great job with this and helped me make my mind as to the one to buy first. I ordered the RS660 as I love what it does to the peaks on vocals!! The only problem is now I want a pair of the RS124’s maybe next month LOL.
I have the exact same problem you do. I’d love to add another RS124 & a 660 eventually! 😫. I’m so glad the comparison was helpful for you. Thank you for checking it out!
Hey man thanks for checking on me, that means a lot! It has been a very long road to recovery but I'm doing better and I've got some videos coming up over the next month or two that I think are going to be my best on the channel yet! I truly appreciate everyone that has watched my past videos and chatted with me while I haven't been able to do much on here over the past year. The support and interaction with everyone has meant so much to me. Thank you 👊🏼
Hey there Josh! Thank you so much for your content, you have really good reviews and demos of gear while being really tasteful in your music and decision making! Love your stuff Would you recommend either the RS124 or RS660 for all around compression as a first compressor? Would you recommend something else? I do a lot of Genres, but mostly looking for something with a nice sound overall which can be both aggressive and softer sometimes Thank you!!
Thank you so much for the super thanks and your kind words about the channel! I appreciate it so much. I ended up keeping the RS124 and returning the RS660(but I plan to buy one later). The RS660 was a really special sound on the vocal in limiter mode but I didn't really feel it sounded as good as the RS124 on all the other sources. Other than that, I preferred the RS124 on every source. The RS124 is just my absolute favorite tone of compression. I can use it on literally anything and be happy. It can definitely be aggressive in superfuse mode which I use often. The only shortcoming in my opinion of the RS124 is sometimes it isn't fast enough for certain really dynamic vocals. For those, I'll follow it up with the Bluey, Stam ADG or just volume automation and it's perfect. So, if you can only have one, I think you'd get more mileage out of the RS124. Thanks again and I hope that's helpful!
@@SeawellStudios Happy to tip you man, either for a good beer or a little save up for your next gear purchase :P How would you describe your findings with the RS660 sound on vocals both alone and compared to the RS124? I feel the RS124 retains the attack and thickness on most sources compared to the RS660 in this comparison. Cheers!
@@matanlevi6638 I'll put it towards a good bourbon, thank you my friend 😊 I found with the RS660 that when it worked on a vocal it was something unique and really excited the vocal in a way that made it jump out of the speakers. It was an awesome sound! However out of the 5 or so vocal tracks I tested it on, It didn't really work at all on 2 or 3 of them. So it was much more hit or miss! The RS124 on the other hand always seems to have a tone and and sweet top end sheen that works on any vocal. It may not grab every transient as fast as a 176 or 1176, but it sure doesn't ever seem to change the tone in a negative way. It can be much more subtle than the RS660.
@@SeawellStudios Thank you so much for your help. I agree the RS124 can be both subtle and aggressive on some things, but in an elgant way. If there would be a different choice for a first compressor which could do a lot, which one would you take?
@@matanlevi6638 it just depends on if the primary use is vocals or if you intend to use it on a bunch of instruments. If instruments then I think the RS124 enhances the most sources. If vocals only then Sta Level, 176 or Revolver. If you have something faster already like an 1776 then definitely RS124.
Hey! Love your channel! You mention at the end you usually use the RS124 "infront" of a Bluey. I thought the traditional practice would be putting the 1176 infront of the slower compressor? Just like how people pair the 1176 first with the LA-2A second. Curious to hear your thoughts about this decision, what the advantages are, or why someone might want to reverse the order? Thanks again!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate you being here! I tried the 1176 followed by a LA2A thing and it just didn’t work for me for whatever reason. The reason I do the RS124 followed by the Bluey is that I like to use the RS124 as the bulk of the tone and then just dial in the Bluey to catch the peaks and add as much aggressiveness as needed.
@@SeawellStudios Dude, you just seem to have great taste in electronics, because anytime I'm interested in some gear, I always find you have a very detailed video review on exactly what I'm looking for. Thank YOU for all the time and effort you put into your channel, you've helped out a lot of people. I've got an RS124 on the way based partly on your review, and a Stam SA-76ADG 1176 clone. I definitely want the tone of the RS124 to take center stage, as there's nothing that comes close to it mojo-wise, but the 1176 to catch all the parts that the slower rs124 misses. I'll have to try them both ways, but if you get more rs124 tone from having it first, then that's what I'll probably end up with. Cheers!
@@Standard.Candle I appreciate your kind words so much and I'm so glad you've found useful content on my channel! The Stam ADG is awesome and makes a great combo with the RS124! Congrats on your new RS124, I hope you enjoy it! Keep me posted.
@@SeawellStudios You're a gentleman for all your replies, I don't wanna take up too much of your time, but I got one more quickie. You use the Bluey, it has a dry/wet knob, so you can parallel just the FET compression. I can imagine this would be pretty useful when trying to preserve as much rs124 tone as possible. I won't be able to parallel my ADG as it'll just be on a tracking insert with the RS124. Would that be a deal-breaker for you? Not having a dry/wet on the ADG? Or no biggie?
The wet/dry on the Bluey is a must because of how colored it is! I don't think you'll miss not having it on the ADG because of the 2:1 ratio option and the slow attack mod on the newer units make it to where it can be very transparent when needed.
I feel like the rs124 really warms up the bottom end but for over all tone that 660 is straight 🔥 it’s intimate smooth and warm no sibilance nothing that you don’t or you didn’t want it just sounds goood
Microphone was a Wunder CM7. The preamp was either a Shadow Hills GAMA or a Seventh Circle Audio N72, I'll double check that and report back. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and comment, it's very much appreciated!
I think it would help if the compression was overdone a little for comparison’s sake. Just so we could hear how each one reacts with extreme setting. Great video though
@@anticontraband not really particularly with vari mu compressors. For instance, you can hit 20-30dB gain reduction on a Sta Level with no negative artifacts. Like everything else in our industry, you just have to rely on your ears and not let what your eyes see on a VU meter override what sounds best to you 👍🏼
Thanks for doing this comparison. Since I have a Neve 5254 and two TG1 channels from my microphone cassettes in my compressor arsenal already the RS124 is probably the sound that’s missing for my setup. The 660 can do what my 5254 and TG1 can but the RS124 has a tone that I don’t have. Peace ✌️ if I was listing I would pickup two RS124s and match them and use them on the master bus
Both are different animals but man on vocals, both excelled in an absolutely beautiful way. Whether classic and softer with the RS 124 or the more aggressive sound of the RS660, both were incredible. So was the singer. Great voice and a good recording. Thank you.
RS660 on vocals for sure. Close to perfect. RS124 is too slow and I prefer the presence at the same time of the RS660. I think the RS660 is a specialist for vocals. I would not use it for drums or something else. Wade Goeke himself said, he even prefers it to an original Fairchild 660.
Thanks for the video Josh!!!
RS660 in the limit mode has a nice smack/punch on the drums that RS124 doesn't have. Overall, its tone is more creamy and dark and the envelope is more fast and aggressive.
On the vocals RS660 has that "in your face" release characteristics similar to the 1176, making the vocals sound more radio ready.
While the RS124 is a bit softer and smoother, its attack isn't as punchy and its release has a leveler like characteristics similar to the sound if you manually ride the vocals. On the bass it was great too.
Also RS124 maintains brightness and presence, while RS660 makes the sounds sound deeper and more three dimensional.
Speedy recovery to you Josh btw!!! I wish you to recover soon and be better than ever!!!
Great assessment! I’m hearing the same things you are. The 660 in limiter mode isn’t always the right fit on a vocal..but man, when it is! 🔥
Hey Josh
A little off topic, what is your assessment of the differences of the American and British modes on the BG1 and how do they compare to the these Chandler units?
@@rainbowmade1880 I had the Chandler and BG1 here side by side for a while. The Chandler is a thicker tone, the BG1 is a little more hifi with an extended top end. The American mode at 150 Ohms can definitely get pretty aggressive but still not quite what Superfuse mode is on the Chandler. I wish I could've kept them both honestly but I primarily use a RS124 style comp on the lead vocal so the thicker tone of the chandler and superfuse pushed me towards keeping that one.
very good - I hear the same! RS 660 sounds much better! Like a record.
RS124 is truly special!
It truly is! 🔥
Only thing I didn’t prefer the 124 on was the vocals in this example. Ironic because I track all my vocals with the 124, but it’s usually followed with an 1176 to catch the peaks
Yeah, it has to be followed by a faster comp. I don't mind doing that though because the tone is worth it!
Great videos! I was just wondering what settings you prefer to use on your 1176 following the RS124 on vocals? I follow my RS124 with a Purple Audio MC77. Again, love the videos!!
@@johniadevaio5229 fastest release. The attack is fast no matter what on a 76 but I keep my attack on 3
@@johniadevaio5229 just catching the peaks with the 76. That why fast attack and release settings
@Dante Palomba awesome!! Thanks! I've been keeping my ratio at 4:1, sometimes 8:1, depending on how aggressive the vocal is. How about you? Thanks for responding.
Dude, I happened to mentioned to you a few weeks ago if you could do this type of video and boom... here it is! I just want to say thank you! It's appreciated!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think the fact that they aren’t as similar as I thought they’d be is even better honestly. Two very special units 🔥
Josh, this is hands down your greatest analysis video. I was punching the air half way through with delight. That RS124 is so special, I'd imagine one of the only other compressors that could keep up with the super slow release times thats still made today would be the STA level. I'm a huge fan of the RS124 and the STA level. I own both but I don't own the Chandler version, it's the Lisson Grove. You should see if someone would be willing to let you borrow one of those as well. A specific RS124 style comparison video would be a very interesting. Still holding out one day for you to get a chance to try the BG2 as well! All the best!!
That’s cool you have the Lisson Grove! I’m sure it’s awesome as well. I definitely still do need to check out a BG2 at some point…it just has to happen 😁
You’re right on about the Sta Level & I do like using some of the slowest release times on it. The compression can be so smooth!
Wow, great demo man. I freaking love them both. And the drums you used to demo sounds tasty AF. nice job
Thanks so much! I have the same dilemma, they both sound so good to me and are different enough to justify owning both for sure. I kept the RS124 for now but definitely plan on adding the RS660 in the future! Thanks for checking out the video 👊🏼
@@SeawellStudios just watched this again and I really just don't know. They're both just so good.
@@tempesthoughton4441 I'm afraid the answer I keep coming back to is "both." 🤣
That RS660 is maybe the best vocal compressor I have ever heard.
I found the limiter setting with a time constant of 3 to be such a killer vocal setting! It’s awesome, I’d love to own a pair eventually.
@@SeawellStudios A pair would even be better but damn, that's a lot of money:)
It definitely is…probably a pipe dream but it would be amazing 🤑
I think that about the RS124 - it sounds absolutely in fucking sane on his voice
I much preferred the RS124 on vocals because it has more detail on the top end. The RS660 is darker and a little more creamy and cloudy but the reduced HF detail makes the vocal image less 3D. The RS660 would be good for background vocals and harmonies but the RS124 has a HF sheen that fits lead vocals more. When trying to make sense of words your ear hones in the HF image so it's critical for vocals.
I kept the RS124, in part for that magic thing it does on the top end. I'd love to own both eventually though!
@@SeawellStudios At first I thought I'd go for 660 because of the extra functionality they have, but after listening more I think the 124's top end makes them more generally useful for a "perfect" vocal chain, always going to be high quality and can be darkened if needed. The 660 actually sounds really cool but it's more niche.
@@zyxyuv1650 I completely agree! Also, if for some reason the RS124 is ever too bright you can switch it to 200 Ohms mode and that will darken it up a bit.
This might be a tough question to answer but do you feel one of these two might better compliment (covering different ground) an 1176?
I think either would make a great compliment and be quite different from an 1176. I stuck with the RS124 between the two. It just covers more ground to me. The RS660 is really cool and I plan on owning one at some point in the future but the main dislike I had is that it really didn't get along well with voices that had a lot of high mid(around 2k) information in them. When it did work on a vocal though..particularly in limit mode it was absolute magic! Anyway, if you're looking for versatility and something you can use on anything, I'd go with the RS124(vocals, acoustic guitars, bass and drums in particular!). If you're looking for something a bit more specialized but when it works it really works, the RS660 is a great, unique piece. I hope that helps!
@@SeawellStudios thank you, it’s definitely helpful!!
@@SeawellStudios follow up question if you don’t mind: do you track with your RS124 or do you use it primarily in the mixing phase? Any opinion on specifically tracking through the RS124 vs RS660?
@@emuhunter1 I never mind discussing various mu comps 😁 I track instruments through the RS124 and sometimes vocals. Often times for vocal tracking it can be a bit slow so if the primary use is vocal tracking, I would go with the RS660.
@@SeawellStudios thank you so much! I haven’t made the leap into outboard yet but I’m considering going 1073 to 1176 and/or RS124 but I’ll keep the 660 in mind too!
Really cool comparison. I'm trying to decide between these two; Essentially, it's for an "everything and anything" channel going into a TG1. Could be vocals, could be acoustic guitar, could be a bass cab, could be shakers, whatever. Electric guitar cabs and drums are all setup going in other channels, so those are unlikely to end up going that way. Any thoughts?
Thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I ended up keeping the RS124. I'd love to have the RS660 again at some point but didn't feel it was as versatile as the RS124. For instance, there are some vocals I tried it on that were a bit mid forward(2kish range) that just didn't seem to vibe with the RS660 at all. When it did work on a vocal though(particularly limiter mode) it was something I hadn't heard out of any other unit, it just jumped out of the speakers in the most awesome way! For overall versatility and something that just makes everything sound better, I'd go with the RS124. I hope that helps!
@@SeawellStudios Exactly the sort of answer I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time.
Also, I pulled the trigger on the Audioscape Opto based on your review in particular.
Thanks for all the cool content. Keep doing what you're doing - it's much appreciated!
Best regards from Denmark.
Thanks for the deep dive! I have a pair of 124s and been wondering about the 660. This was really helpful.
I'm so glad it was helpful! I'd love to have a pair of both eventually. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.
Have you just ran stuff through the boxes with minimal, or no compression? Like what I'm wondering is how does the overall box tone, and gain structure/saturation compare when pushed harder?
So both boxes have a good bit of box tone with minimal compression. I'm fine with that because when I'm reaching for hardware, I want to have something fairly significant. If I want something cleaner, I can just use a good plug-in. Both are quite versatile with the compression and limiting modes of the RS660 and the standard/superfuse mode of the RS124. The RS124 in particular has this interesting effect that even when compressing 10-15 dB, it can still sound quite transparent but in the most beautiful way. The RS124 has my favorite box tone out of any compressor. One of my favorite uses of the RS124 is to just tickle the meter a bit on acoustic guitar or vocals in particular. So yes, even at very low levels of compression you can get something quite compelling out of these units(the RS124 in particular). I hope that helps answer your question!
Great demo! Cheers :)
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers!
Fantastic job Josh! This comparison video is something lots of guys will be happy to check out!
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
What a magnificent shot out!!!. I like them both!!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! They are both truly great compressors and I'd be happy using either one.
Thanks for doing this shoot out! Very interesting! I'd prefer the 660 on vocals - this really sounds perfect. You can't beat the 124 on bass though ... and I was surprised that I liked the 124 better on drums! 😀
Yeah same here! Something about the attack time of the 124 just makes drums come alive. Thanks so much for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment!
The RS124 sounded killer on bass. Love the growl in the midrange.
Yeah that's one of my absolute favorite places to use it!
I love these type of comparison videos!! You did a great job with this and helped me make my mind as to the one to buy first. I ordered the RS660 as I love what it does to the peaks on vocals!! The only problem is now I want a pair of the RS124’s maybe next month LOL.
I have the exact same problem you do. I’d love to add another RS124 & a 660 eventually! 😫. I’m so glad the comparison was helpful for you. Thank you for checking it out!
both were great althought i preferred the RS660 on drums and guitar but the RS124 on guitar and vocals
Hey Seawells Studio just checking on you to see how you are doing i just saw that you had spinal surgery
Hey man thanks for checking on me, that means a lot! It has been a very long road to recovery but I'm doing better and I've got some videos coming up over the next month or two that I think are going to be my best on the channel yet! I truly appreciate everyone that has watched my past videos and chatted with me while I haven't been able to do much on here over the past year. The support and interaction with everyone has meant so much to me. Thank you 👊🏼
Love your videos man!!
Thanks so much man, I really appreciate it!
Hey there Josh!
Thank you so much for your content, you have really good reviews and demos of gear while being really tasteful in your music and decision making!
Love your stuff
Would you recommend either the RS124 or RS660 for all around compression as a first compressor?
Would you recommend something else?
I do a lot of Genres, but mostly looking for something with a nice sound overall which can be both aggressive and softer sometimes
Thank you!!
Thank you so much for the super thanks and your kind words about the channel! I appreciate it so much.
I ended up keeping the RS124 and returning the RS660(but I plan to buy one later). The RS660 was a really special sound on the vocal in limiter mode but I didn't really feel it sounded as good as the RS124 on all the other sources. Other than that, I preferred the RS124 on every source.
The RS124 is just my absolute favorite tone of compression. I can use it on literally anything and be happy. It can definitely be aggressive in superfuse mode which I use often.
The only shortcoming in my opinion of the RS124 is sometimes it isn't fast enough for certain really dynamic vocals. For those, I'll follow it up with the Bluey, Stam ADG or just volume automation and it's perfect.
So, if you can only have one, I think you'd get more mileage out of the RS124. Thanks again and I hope that's helpful!
@@SeawellStudios Happy to tip you man, either for a good beer or a little save up for your next gear purchase :P
How would you describe your findings with the RS660 sound on vocals both alone and compared to the RS124?
I feel the RS124 retains the attack and thickness on most sources compared to the RS660 in this comparison.
Cheers!
@@matanlevi6638 I'll put it towards a good bourbon, thank you my friend 😊
I found with the RS660 that when it worked on a vocal it was something unique and really excited the vocal in a way that made it jump out of the speakers. It was an awesome sound! However out of the 5 or so vocal tracks I tested it on, It didn't really work at all on 2 or 3 of them. So it was much more hit or miss!
The RS124 on the other hand always seems to have a tone and and sweet top end sheen that works on any vocal. It may not grab every transient as fast as a 176 or 1176, but it sure doesn't ever seem to change the tone in a negative way. It can be much more subtle than the RS660.
@@SeawellStudios Thank you so much for your help.
I agree the RS124 can be both subtle and aggressive on some things, but in an elgant way.
If there would be a different choice for a first compressor which could do a lot, which one would you take?
@@matanlevi6638 it just depends on if the primary use is vocals or if you intend to use it on a bunch of instruments. If instruments then I think the RS124 enhances the most sources. If vocals only then Sta Level, 176 or Revolver. If you have something faster already like an 1776 then definitely RS124.
Great comparison ! Of course, now I want both….
That's my problem as well 🤣
really great video - I think I want both of them ;-) but like you say, I think the RS124 is my favourite
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, both are truly great and I hope to add the RS660 permanently sometime in the future.
Hey! Love your channel! You mention at the end you usually use the RS124 "infront" of a Bluey. I thought the traditional practice would be putting the 1176 infront of the slower compressor? Just like how people pair the 1176 first with the LA-2A second. Curious to hear your thoughts about this decision, what the advantages are, or why someone might want to reverse the order? Thanks again!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate you being here! I tried the 1176 followed by a LA2A thing and it just didn’t work for me for whatever reason. The reason I do the RS124 followed by the Bluey is that I like to use the RS124 as the bulk of the tone and then just dial in the Bluey to catch the peaks and add as much aggressiveness as needed.
@@SeawellStudios Dude, you just seem to have great taste in electronics, because anytime I'm interested in some gear, I always find you have a very detailed video review on exactly what I'm looking for. Thank YOU for all the time and effort you put into your channel, you've helped out a lot of people.
I've got an RS124 on the way based partly on your review, and a Stam SA-76ADG 1176 clone. I definitely want the tone of the RS124 to take center stage, as there's nothing that comes close to it mojo-wise, but the 1176 to catch all the parts that the slower rs124 misses. I'll have to try them both ways, but if you get more rs124 tone from having it first, then that's what I'll probably end up with. Cheers!
@@Standard.Candle I appreciate your kind words so much and I'm so glad you've found useful content on my channel! The Stam ADG is awesome and makes a great combo with the RS124! Congrats on your new RS124, I hope you enjoy it! Keep me posted.
@@SeawellStudios You're a gentleman for all your replies, I don't wanna take up too much of your time, but I got one more quickie. You use the Bluey, it has a dry/wet knob, so you can parallel just the FET compression. I can imagine this would be pretty useful when trying to preserve as much rs124 tone as possible. I won't be able to parallel my ADG as it'll just be on a tracking insert with the RS124. Would that be a deal-breaker for you? Not having a dry/wet on the ADG? Or no biggie?
The wet/dry on the Bluey is a must because of how colored it is! I don't think you'll miss not having it on the ADG because of the 2:1 ratio option and the slow attack mod on the newer units make it to where it can be very transparent when needed.
I feel like the rs124 really warms up the bottom end but for over all tone that 660 is straight 🔥 it’s intimate smooth and warm no sibilance nothing that you don’t or you didn’t want it just sounds goood
It is amazing, particularly for vocals!
Please enlighten .... Which Mic and Preamp on the Vocal ?
Microphone was a Wunder CM7. The preamp was either a Shadow Hills GAMA or a Seventh Circle Audio N72, I'll double check that and report back. Thanks for taking the time to check out the video and comment, it's very much appreciated!
I thought the 660 soudned smoother and more polished on everything. 124 Sounded AMAZING on electric guitar though!! =)
Nice! I'm so glad you found the comparison useful! The RS66 is a beast!
I think it would help if the compression was overdone a little for comparison’s sake.
Just so we could hear how each one reacts with extreme setting.
Great video though
Cool, I'll keep that in mind for future videos. Thanks for checking it out!
10db gain reduction is already quite extreme.
@@anticontraband not really particularly with vari mu compressors. For instance, you can hit 20-30dB gain reduction on a Sta Level with no negative artifacts. Like everything else in our industry, you just have to rely on your ears and not let what your eyes see on a VU meter override what sounds best to you 👍🏼
Also, just have to say you have excellent taste in gear!
Well, thank you very much! 😁
Thanks for doing this comparison. Since I have a Neve 5254 and two TG1 channels from my microphone cassettes in my compressor arsenal already the RS124 is probably the sound that’s missing for my setup. The 660 can do what my 5254 and TG1 can but the RS124 has a tone that I don’t have. Peace ✌️ if I was listing I would pickup two RS124s and match them and use them on the master bus
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The RS124 is such a special tone and I think it would compliment your collection perfectly 👍🏻
Both are different animals but man on vocals, both excelled in an absolutely beautiful way. Whether classic and softer with the RS 124 or the more aggressive sound of the RS660, both were incredible. So was the singer. Great voice and a good recording. Thank you.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I agree and I'd like to own both eventually 😁
Well, that Fairchild-like 8:1 ratio is very prominent on 660.
what in holy fuck is that reverb on the vocal. That shit is infuckingsane. Put me on!!!!
It's a Lexicon PCM 70 on a custom Large Hall patch that I made 👍🏼
@@SeawellStudios nice!! Is that just reverb without delay? And do you eq the send? Sounds really dope, no plugin can do that
@@DreTheEngineerreal reverb units rock ! I have a PCM 90 and a bunch of others… so much more fun than plugins 😊
Just watched it in 360p, 35 min after upload. Will it eventually be available in 1080p?
It will be 4K 👍🏻
RS660 on vocals for sure. Close to perfect. RS124 is too slow and I prefer the presence at the same time of the RS660. I think the RS660 is a specialist for vocals. I would not use it for drums or something else. Wade Goeke himself said, he even prefers it to an original Fairchild 660.
Limiter mode, time constant 3 was truly something special on vocals!
Great test! Almost exemplary, where you can hear every detail and differences in sound. Regards :-)
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you found it useful 👍🏻