A Valve Compressor Vs.A TUBE Compressor Vs. a DBX 166 Comp

This is another question about the difference between a tube Comp and a Valve Compressor. Basically,I want to Fatten(and Louden) My Drums Up
And warm my entire mix. Could I do all this on say a DBX 166xl or am I better offusing a Tube Comp (say the like Fatman)or something Tube Based??? Some help Please!!

Thanks again!

I think valve = tube.

It is.

Good ol tubes. . .
Amplifying even harmonics since forever. . . .

....Which one is better??? A Tube Comp or a Plan Compressor Like the DBX 166xl

theres tube, solidstate which is a mix of both, and then digital that uses algorithms. The tube is prob too expensive, the digi ones are cheap, and the soild state is a middle ground.

solid state isn't a mix, it is transistors instead of tubes.

Yes, valve compressors and tube compressors are the same thing - they use one or more vacuum tubes somewhere in the signal path. This 'warms' the sound in a pleasant way. Cheap valve models can sometimes cloud the sound a little bit, or give a too obvious distortion, but used with care, provide a full-bodied, warm compression.

Solid state compressors use transistors in stead of valves. This does not neccesarily make them inferiour, or cheaper. The DBX model you mention maybe doesn't 'warm' the sound like a good tube comp, but it can tighten up your drums, and provide lots of 'punch'. Then again, ALL good compressors warm your sound to some extent, because they 'fill out' the sound, and bring up decays and ambience/background noise.
My personal weapon of choice for drum compression is the Focusrite Compounder - this one fattens and tightens drums perfectly, and has a bass expander circuit for extra 'boom'.

Another type of compressor to look out for is the 'optical' or 'opto' compressor. These may or may not use valves, but always have an optical circuit to that provides the compression. Literally a LED or small lamp lights up according to the sound level. The light than triggers a light-sensitive cell, which in turn controls the attenuation. This configuration gives a very non-linear compression slope, which gives it a distinct sound. JoeMeek (now TFpro) make some of the most well-known optical compressors.

My advice: listen to as many compressors as you can to see what fits your sound. If you have no experience with compressors yet, it may be best to just get one and start using it, so that you become familliar with wat a compressor does to your sound. The DBX 166 would be a good place to start - it's a good comp, and you can always upgrade to a $2500,- tube model later.

ah thanks.

I'm planning to take Liquid Channel... is it worth it? or there is another good ways in high end and non rare compressors? coz i live in Russia and its really diff. to find something rare...

Thanks!