Help choosing Compressor Live/Home Studio use!

[Rickbrown74]

The outline is I play in a band 2 vocals, electronic Roland Drum kit, guitar bass, keyboards... just the standard arrangement. We have just bought a Roland BR1600CD to make some rough CD's for anyone who asks the 'have you a CD?' question after a booking.

Money is real tight so what would be the best solution for a compressor which we could put across the full mix live but which would be good as a preamp/compressor to add warmth/professionalism to recording tracks at home. I have a basic 'studio' mic which was bundled with the BR1600 and gives better results than an SM58 but still lacks that extra sheen (as does most instruments!)

Preferences:
Rackmountable
Built in Presets
Price not more than £200 but really would prefer the cheapest possible option (closer to £100 - is that possible!?!)
Really wanted a Focusrite Penta but they are discontinued.

Any help woulld be appreciated.

[Fishybob]

Dispair not!

I picked a Penta up of Ebay last month for £150!! And it sounds perfect for my setup!!!

I highly recommend them for stereo preset comp... if you don't need the mic pre maybe look at TLAudio fatman. Also on ebay cheap!

[Rickbrown74]

Been watching Ebay for a Penta but I thought the prices were going too high as the last units were sold off at £179 in some places brand new.. but I suppose if they cant be bought new anymore I'll have to take the plunge second hand.

none on Ebay at the minute though!

Thanks for the advice though. Sounds like thats the piece of kit which will fit the bill.