# Selecting a Compressor

**URL:** <https://community.mwtm.com/t/selecting-a-compressor/780>\
**Category:** Mixing\
**Tags:** vocals, compression\
**Created:** [November 5, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/selecting-a-compressor/780 "2023-11-05T14:16:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![yigitcan\_sagir](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.mwtm.com/yigitcan_sagir/32/247_2.png) [@yigitcan\_sagir](https://community.mwtm.com/u/yigitcan_sagir)\
**Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 2:16pm UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/selecting-a-compressor/780/1 "2023-11-05T14:16:28Z")

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1176, la2a, fairchild and tube tech. What is your thought process when picking different compressors for vocals? I would like to learn your opinions about their characteristics, saturation etc. Also it would be good to know if you are choosing them depending on the genre. Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Tchad\_Blake](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.mwtm.com/tchad_blake/32/202_2.png) [@Tchad\_Blake](https://community.mwtm.com/u/Tchad_Blake)\
**Post date:** [November 5, 2023, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.mwtm.com/t/selecting-a-compressor/780/2 "2023-11-05T15:53:25Z")

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If the vocal/instr is dull I’d like a brighter compressor. If it’s harsh something with more gentle characteristics. I usually start with my go-to UA LA3A (Avid LA3A is also cool) and if that doesn’t do it I may go through a few to find the right sound. Often the one I thought would be perfect doesn’t work for the tune. Change until it works to your ear. Experiment!! t