compressor questions

[daltyboy]

can someone tell me about what a compressor actuall ALL does.
and HOW much will it improve sound for someone like me whos new to recording. (so my levels may be off and peaking and whatnot)

If you think i should get one, please recommend a low budget one. else I have a roland 1680, should i go with the built in ones.

also im gonna get a computer over time and good software.
should i hold out and use the compressor on there to.

thanx

[daltyboy]

alright I just looked up and read about compressors and I have a good understanding now,

but i still have sum questions.

HOW much will it improve sound for someone like me whos new to recording. (so my levels may be off and peaking and whatnot)

If you think i should get one, please recommend a good one, low budget if possible. else I have a roland 1680, should i go with the built in ones.

also im gonna get a computer over time and good software.
should i hold out and use the compressor on there to

[TexRoadkill]

Compressors can make a HUGE difference in your mix. Start using the built in ones to get a feel for what they can do. If they are the same as the ones in my Roland VM3100Pro they are useable but nothing great.

The only cheap compressors worth getting are the FMR RNC and the Joe Meek's. The RNC will be more transparent and the Meek's will be more colored. You can get either for around $200.

There are many decent software compressors but it will depend on what DAW sofware you get.

[twist]

Howdy neighbor!

Like Tex said, experiment with what you've got. Then when you've got a feel for what it CAN do and what you WANT it to do, if you still want a better one, buy the RNC from FMR Audio.com.

Having said that, if your ultimate plan is to record to a computer, you may want to wait and buy a software compressor.

You could still use the RNC as a mixer insert if you have a mixer, but if you record to the computer without a mixer, the RNC will be useless.


Twist

[daltyboy]

so what compressor would you recomend for the 1680, thats in the $500 range. perferably in the $200-$300 range?

thanx ahead of time

[TexRoadkill]

ummm. I think we already suggested the FMR and the Meek's. TC Electronics has their Triple C on blowout at Mars and Manny's for less than $300 but I havent heard one. I'm tempted to buy one anyway.