compressor/limiter features & capabilities

[holdju]

Greetings:

I have attempted to read all the information I can find on compressors and decided that, although they can be abused, I need one (Here's were it gets tough).

I'm not going to spend more than say $150, and want to be able to (1) normalize the apparant loudness, (2) control potential feedback, and (3) de-ess.

Some cheap models have specific controls and features for (1) automatically finding and adjusting the frequencies causing feedback (2) de-essing, and (3) doing all sorts of other things like enhancing and expanding and gating. So here's the question:

Is this just a marketing gimmik, and are all compressor/limiters actually capable of de-essing and feedback control without specific controls stating such?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[holdju]

I bought a model without a de-esser, or any advertised feedback control. I thinks I got a good deal and the salesman seemed to think that a compressor/limiter should not have alot of bells and whistles. I guess I will find out for myself.

[Farview]

Compressors don't normally have feedback eliminators. A de-esser is a normal compressor with an EQ in the sidechain. Having just a compressor is a good idea, anything that does everything never does it well.