Buying a Compressor

[gatorhaus]

I am wanting a dual channel compressor to run while tracking the kick drum and bass guitar. I was looking at either the DBX 266 or the Behringer Composer. $100-150 price range.

Any thoughts out there.

Larry

[Richard Monroe]

Nooo, Mr. Bill! You're too close to being able to buy an RNC. It's pretty much the only game in town. It can compress 2 channels, but not with discrete and separate controls. However, at $179, RNC is vastly superior to all similarly priced units IMHO. Check FMR Audio at Macmidimusic.com. Until you have a lot of money, you won't see a more versatile and effective compressor.-Richie

[mixsit]

What are you recording to, and how/what are you going to mix it on?
Is software compression at mix time (instead of while tracking) an option?
At that price range, it could be a better and more versatile way to go.
Wayne

[gatorhaus]

Wayne,

I am recording through an Aardvark q10. Using samplitude as my multitrack software.

Yes software compression is available. But I was wanting a more even recording during tracking. Esp. for bass I usually see on some of the less expensive basses some bands use It will peg out on the open E and low signal levels on the other strings. Which is the main reason I wanted to compress during tracking.

Thanks,
larry

[tyler657recpro]

I second the suggestion of the RNC. It should work well for most basic things you might use it for, and you will probably keep it for a long time.

[sponge bob]

I third the RNC. The only other comp I really like in this range, (but getting harder to find) are the Symetrix 501's. Very simple, great sound, definately an E-bay item. Seen em for $100 every once in a while.

But... for the life of me , I can't believe how cheap the RNC is, and why they haven't jacked the price yet!

RNC... trust me.

Sponge Bob

[MISTERQCUE]

RNC is also more than sufficient on bass ! When I first purchased the unit, I basically used it for subtle comping at mixdown or occasional track processing.
Using the Composer Pro on bass 1st , provided adequate levelling and peak control, but it came up weak when using the percussive, thumb-slap technique where using a fast response
and hi thresh should have afforded me what I was looking for.
The RNC is handled that particular bass technique with effortlessly
w/o the unwanted sound artifacts found in most comps in that price range.

[mixsit]

And it can do excellent double duty later on stereo sub-mixes and main mix.

[gatorhaus]

Thanks all for your replies, looks like the RNC for me.

larry