Hi, Harp
Over the years I've used perhaps four compressors, a couple from the auto parts store, one from Binks, currently a California Air Tools model 1610A. This latest one is a twin cylinder piston type, very quiet, super efficient and cool running. Even though it was $180, it's the best I've ever owned and I wouldn't hesitate to replace it with another if it became neccessary.
There are many others less expensive available, some may be quiet running but I can't advise, because all of my prior ones were quite noisy and I don't know which aren't. You can ask for recommendations here on FSM in this section.
Several folks have related finding good ones at an affordable price at Harbor Freight, worth a look. And I do think a piston type versus diaghram, (sp?) will maybe be less noisy. One with a tank included is a needed option.
Short answer, any compressor that you find to suit your needs, is affordable and not offensively loud, will do the job for you. I do recommend using a pressure regulator and water trap/seperator.
Is your H equipped with different nozzle sizes? If not they are inexpensive and will go a long way toward aiding in application quality, easily ordered through Paasche or the other retail dealers.
And remember, thorough cleaning is a real requirement for ANY airbrush, any dried paint bits or residue left behind can and will affect the spray quality. A quick spray rinse with thinner, just doesn't do the cleaning sufficiently.
Last, if you have not already, I highly recommend a detailed look at "Don's Airbrush" website. Anything about airbrushes, compressors, cleaning and accessories will be found there, even an example of your H is to be found. Have a good look, well worth your time.
Just for reference I currently have several airbrushes, but my most often used are Badger 200 and 200G single action models, and a Badger 100G dual action. Of these three the most used is the 200G, which is a gravity feed.
Other than a rather smallish cup size that requires more frequent refilling, (not an issue for me,) the 200G is the most useful for most of my needs. The 100G with dual action gives me a bit more precise control, for jobs such as camo borders or really fine detail work.
Hope this helps, any other questions feel free to ask.
Patrick
Thanks for the response, Patrick! What kind of compressor are you using for your H? I don't have a very good grasp on what kind of AB will work with what brand of compressor without an adaptor, etc. The airbrush has been a real workhorse for me, although I would like to try a gravity feed at some point.