RNC vs Waves vs dbx 160x

[chronicplatonic]

From what I've read, everyone seems to agree that an RNC is a must to own. I'll probably get one, but I was wondering how it compares to the dbx 160x on vocals (which I now own, and have used on kick with decent success). Also, how does a high quality plugin like Waves c1 compare to either of these?
Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[plexi]

They have different uses:

DBX 160 compressors has a "signature" sound, that sometimes is just right, but they often suck too.....
I don`t like them too much on vocals(160x,xt,166), but they can be great on drums and guitars.

The RNC is great on vocals, it won`t kill the high end like the DBX`s do, gives you good control of the dynamic range, without affecting the sound too much(supernice mode) I love it on bass, acoustic guitars and vocals.

I haven`t too much experience with the C1, but I`ve had sucess with the RenComp on vocals, quite useful....

Amund

[Middleman]

Nothings good or bad here but the 160x has that compression sound, kinda fat but not too fat. I happen to like it on vocals.

The RNC is very transparent for those clear, prisitine vocals that need a little taming. I don't happen to like its heavy compressive sound and would prefer the 160x for effects purposes.

The C1 comes closest to sounding like the RNC but frankly I've only used it once and did not get to play with it extensively.

[chessrock]

Your 160x should sound great on snare, by the way. It's very popular for that.

I wouldn't want it on vocals unless it was deliberately for effect. Even then, you might want to try an old Ashly for that -- very cool sounding compressor. Or Joemeek if you like that slow, opto sound.

[Chris Shaeffer]

I have an RNC, a dbx 166a, and Waves RenComp.

I don't like the sound of the dbx a whole lot since I got the RNC. I tend to record acoustic music and like the natural sounds that I am getting- so I don't want the compressor to color anything.

The 166a does come out when I need heavy compression, though.

I love RenComp. You can change its compression model in a couple ways to change if and how it colors the sound. Its pretty versatile and...well, it's a plug so its VERY convenient. There are sessions where I slap a light RenComp on all of 12 backing vocal channels. Can't do that with an RNC.

I tend to use the plugs most, though, because I don't like to compress to "tape." I make mistakes with it too often. Easier just to use the Waves plug and set it carefully.

Take care,
Chris

[chronicplatonic]

Thanks - seems like it might be between the rnc or RenComp for vocals. I like the idea of applying compression after recording, especially since I don't quite have the hang of it yet.
So are the other plugs in the Ren bundle as good as the comp? If so, it seems like a decent investment.

[fenix]

I've had experience with all these compressors and here is my opinon:

The RNC is cleaner than the 160a/x

The C1 is cleaner than the 160a/x

The RComp is cleaner than the C1 and is equally clean as the RNC.

Despite the cleanliness, I think the 160a sounds better than all these on MOST applications.