The $300 compressor thread

[reliableman]

I have a very simple set up at home as it is, but I'm really into colorful sounding compressors. At this point I want something that sounds great on drums mainly, but is as versatile as possible, obviously. Everybody raves about the FMR Audio RNC (I prefer the RNLA) but there are a bunch of other interesting compressors in that price range. Any thoughts on these:

JoeMeek MC2
Valley People Dynamite (used)
Ashly Audio CLX-52

Or feel free to suggest other pieces as well. Thanks.

 

[Massive Master]

Art's Pro VLA II would be high on a short list.

 

[Simman]

Art's Pro VLA II would be high on a short list.

I'll second that

 

[tc4b]

Symetrix 501

 

[pohaku]

For drums? DBX 160 (x, xt or a).

 

[cavedog101]

Yep. All of em.

If you look really hard you might find a Urie/JBL 7110 in decent shape for that price......maybe.

 

[theBuddha]

Maybe wait for the Golden Age Project COMP-54, it's going to be in the same priceclass as the PRE-73, maybe it will cost a little bit more, and it's based on the Neve 2254.

 

[Big Kenny]

For drums? DBX 160 (x, xt or a).

yup....
.
.
.

 

[kidvybes]

...on the cheap (if you watch craigslist/ebay):
Symetrix 501 - great on bass!
Ashly CL-50E/CL-52E - really smooth and warm on vocals, nice on guitar too
DBX 160X (prices not so cheap anymore) - drums, drums, mo drums