need a good cheap compressor

[mancalledaerodynamics]

Finally got fed up with my alesis nanocompressor and have begun using it as a doorjam. It works well.
so,
does anyone know anything about the alesis 3630, or better yet, a furman LC3? Found a couple used but very skeptical. also heard the Blue tube was a good unit. Any ideas?. It's really just for vocals. I record on a Fostex FD8 and the compressor on my Pod takes care of all the guitars. Thanks in advance.

[VotaIdiota]

just go up a bit and get an RNC for $175..... you'll be more than happy with it in the end.

[Atwork]

If you do a Search on Alesis 3630 you should find all the posts panning it. It's said to be a poor compressor which colours the sound.

The RNC gets many plaudits.

Behringer Composer is often recommended as a good cheap compressor. I've got one and have no complaints.

If you just want it for vocals you could consider a mic preamp like the Joe Meek VC3Q. This includes a mic pre, a compressor and an EQ section. This unit is designed to be used on vocals - and is also great on bass - and has quite a few fans on this BBS.

[DarthFaders]

RNC!

[B.SABBATH]

I like the Presonus Blue Max... It has some very handy presets....and it costs about $150 U.S.

[Gidge]

Behringer Autocom Pro @ $79

Behringer Composer Pro @$99

RNC @ $175


if ya really wanna do it right, go with the RNC.....

[ditnoj]

What's the RNC?

I'm looking to upgrade my signal chain (well, I don't really have one!) and
I'm looking at the various combinations of preamp, compressor, etc.

BTW, any comments on the dbx286A? Is it tube? I'd like something as "warm" , "round" or whatever your word is since I record digitally...

Thanks

D out ITNOJ

[chessrock]

The RNC is widely-regarded by many as one of the best deals in audio, period. It's used and recommended by some of the most world-renouned gear snobs ever to laugh at your gear.

It's quality stuff, Maynord. Very clean, though. You might consider holding off on the tube compressor for now. You can't afford a good one. You might consider a Joemeek, though. That you can definitely afford, and it does impart something I guess you could call "warm" (although my basement is still pretty cold, even when the green light flashes). And like the RNC, it is legendary in terms of quality for the dollar.

[darrin_h2000]

As for the dBx compressor, you will be beter off finding an old one because word is the new ones arent as good. and the old ones made it on practically every recording back in the day.

[ditnoj]

Ok...
But what does RNC stand for? That's what I was asking so I can check out their website!

And I think I'm more interested in a tube preamp than tube compressor. That was my original interest in the dbx; it's a preamp with compressor, etcetera. Sorry if I wasn't clear...


...and who's "Maynord"?

Thanks

D out ITNOJ

[battleminnow]

RNC is Real Nice Compressor made by FMR audio. Check out www.mercenary.com

Pete

[VotaIdiota]

ditnoj-

believe me, unless the tube preamp is over $800 or so, you DON'T want to be interested in it. all those "tube" preamps/compressors nowadays are taking advantage of the perpetuated idea that digital is "cold" and "bare", etc.....
some of the best preamps ever made were solid-state..... those too, of course, were well over what your price range is.... but it's been my experience that a solid-state preamp under $500 or so is a better idea than a tube preamp under $500.

[darrin_h2000]

Those pre's are hybrids actually, If the tube drive is all the way down on them you basically have a solid state pre. Some of them Ive tried have given me good results with the tube drive set tastefully. and they make great direct in devices.

[Lopp]

Just to beat a dead horse:

The RNC (Real Nice Compressor) has been called the best compressor for under $1,000. At a $175, it's a no-brainer.

FWIW, I have a RNC and a Composer Pro. The RNC is sweet. The Composer Pro isn't too bad for $99 and two independent compressors.

The 3630 is supposedly crap.

[Track Rat]

Just to kick that dead horse in the nuts, I have a Behringer Composer Pro and it's a decent compressor. I have a DBX 266 and it's a decent compressor as well. I have a 69 Merc (Two rack mounted RNCs) and they ROCK.
I've used a 3630 MANY times and was never impressed with it.

[amt7565]

Hey Mancalledaero...
Are you able to use your POD compressor for all effects? I have a POD pro, but never knew that the comp settings can be set for all effects. Also, using their sofwtare drivers can you edit the attack and release times? For example can you use the flanger and compressor at the same times?

I am lookng for a comp too. But would hate to buy one if the POD can handle it.
Thanks man.

[TexRoadkill]

Anybody have any info on the older DBX166 half rack units? It's been so long since I used one I cant remember how they really compare. There is a used on for sale locally for less than $100

[Tonewoods]

They're OK (is that the right model # though?)...and very easy to use....
I wouldn't go over 50 bucks for one, though...

For an good cheap compressor, especially for electric guitars and lots of other things, find an Ashley for under 100.00...

Both the mono and the stereo units are really quite nice...

SC50 I believe is the mono model # on the Ashley...

Bruce
www.bruceharvie.com

[mancalledaerodynamics]

Thanks to all who have responded, your advice has been very helpful. I'll probably go with the RNC, but the presets on the Blue Tube are tempting...
AMT, as far as using the POD for compression, I just dial it in on the 'effects' knob for my distorted guitars. Also, I've found that alot of the presets seem to be compressed as well. As far as adjusting the settings, I have heard that there is a way, using the midi capability with your PC, but I have not tried this yet. I am not aware of being able to use two effects at once. If you find out how, let me know....

[Chris Shaeffer]

Presets on a compressor?!

Wierd- of all the devices that I fiddle with knobs on, I like the idea of compression presets the least. Its such a knob-twiddling kind of thing...


Chris

[heylow]

RNC!!!!

Or the RNC


If you want CHEAP....get an old DBX 163 off ebay for like 40 bucks. Not a lot of control but I regard it as the SM57 of compressors....it will work pretty well on almost anything.



heylow

[B.SABBATH]

Originally posted by Chris Shaeffer
Presets on a compressor?!
Wierd- of all the devices that I fiddle with knobs on, I like the idea of compression presets the least. Its such a knob-twiddling kind of thing...
Chris

hey Chris,

the presets are great for someone like me, who has destroyed things in the past with bad compression technique.. They give great starting points that can be further tweaked... I usually don't tweak them too much though... they seem to work well for me... It lets me worry less about the engineering side, and more about the performance end..

my 2 cents..... I'm sure it's worth less than that..