Compressor/Limiter $200 max

  • Thread starter Thread starter jaykeMURD
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jaykeMURD

jaykeMURD

I sit on you.
So I've got an opportunity to spend 200 bucks. I need some other musical things, so I'd really rather not spend my limit on a compressor. 50% or my recording is just me messing around. The other 50% is me tracking drums for bands, my band, etc. I believe 2 channels worth of compression would do. I know of the basics 3630, and comparable Dbx models, but I don't mind buying used. What are some great and versatile comps. WITH limiting I could possibly buy used in my budget. Heck, I've even been looking into builing my own Urei clone.....heh, could never afford a real one!
 
Really Nice Compressor....its so awesome for the money....really
 
I'll second that motion: the FMR RNC is a no-brainer for your budget and goals. Around $170.
 
It's the ONLY compressor in that price range that's worth a hoot.
 
sound like a broken record but the behinger composer original model is cool for stuff. 50 bucks used.

the fmr stuff is awesome. i want to try the RNLA.

symetrix stuff is neat. like the 501 (i think?) between 50-150.

the dbx 117/118 is cool too but not worth what folks are askin now adays. worth while to look into.

the dbx 160x stuff can be had around 150 if you scrounge.

all worth the clams. :D
 
I'll have to look into these "RNC"s. Sound OK. Thanks fellas! ;)
 
I've built a G1176, which is one of the 1176 clones out there, and it sounds awesome. It's not identical to an 1176, but it's as good or better in its own way. It compresses the same way as an 1176, that's for sure. I've honestly had better results with the G1176 (with in and out xformers (read, NO opamps in the signal path)) than most real 1176's I've used.

However! The G1176 cost me about $350 to make. That was with a professionally drilled and engraved front panel, nice VU, and the input transformer. You could probably get it down to $250 to $275 if you left some of that stuff off...but it wouldn't be as good then either.

The RNC is nice, and it's probably the nicest stereo compressor that can be had for under $200. It depends what you want to compress though. If you do drums and bass mostly, I'd buy a 160x, hands down. If you want something that does it all, then the rnc is the way to go. In my opinion it is capable of decent, but not great, results on just about anything. I don't find myself loving anything the RNC does though. It's not my go to compressor for anything, and only gets used when I run out of other outboard compressors.
 
valverec said:
I've built a G1176, which is one of the 1176 clones out there, and it sounds awesome. It's not identical to an 1176, but it's as good or better in its own way. It compresses the same way as an 1176, that's for sure. I've honestly had better results with the G1176 (with in and out xformers (read, NO opamps in the signal path)) than most real 1176's I've used.

However! The G1176 cost me about $350 to make. That was with a professionally drilled and engraved front panel, nice VU, and the input transformer. You could probably get it down to $250 to $275 if you left some of that stuff off...but it wouldn't be as good then either.

The RNC is nice, and it's probably the nicest stereo compressor that can be had for under $200. It depends what you want to compress though. If you do drums and bass mostly, I'd buy a 160x, hands down. If you want something that does it all, then the rnc is the way to go. In my opinion it is capable of decent, but not great, results on just about anything. I don't find myself loving anything the RNC does though. It's not my go to compressor for anything, and only gets used when I run out of other outboard compressors.
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Do you know anything about the SSL4000E DIY comp? Does anyone!?
 
I actually built one of those too. That one is probably a little cheaper to build, but still over $200. That's a great drum and program compressor. It really sounds amazing on drums in my opinion. I couldn't live without either compressor, I use them all the time.
 
great mods give great compression

Well one thing you could do if you can find a aphex expressor on ebay get Audio upgrades to do a mod for it www.audioupgrades.com transparent and sounds great on vocals and instruments esp when ur tracking
 
jaykeMURD said:
Do you know anything about the SSL4000E DIY comp? Does anyone!?
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Yes. It is ruling. THE drum compressor to own. More than $200 though for sure, unless you already have some parts laying around, put the thing in a cardboard chassis, and leave off the meter. I guess you could build the thing to where it was usable, and get the chassis/front panel and the meter when you have the dough.
You might be able to squeeze in around $250 if you are frugal.
 
Reggie said:
Yes. It is ruling. THE drum compressor to own. More than $200 though for sure, unless you already have some parts laying around, put the thing in a cardboard chassis, and leave off the meter. I guess you could build the thing to where it was usable, and get the chassis/front panel and the meter when you have the dough.
You might be able to squeeze in around $250 if you are frugal.
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Yeah, I've been looking into these projects more and more. I have the supplies to weld a chasis and make a body for it. I can weld luckily! Hell, I could even have it powder coated or at least painted then! NICE! ;)
 
how do you go about building your own 1176. is there a kit? do you have to find all the parts yourself? 300$ sounds killer!
 
There is no kit. You can get a PCB for the Gyraf version, and then you have to buy all of the parts on your own. It is somewhat time consuming, and the research to do it correctly will take you a lot of time. So, what's your time worth? Me, I love electronics, I always have, and building these two compressors was first about learning to build electronics, and a very close second was ending up with equipment that was great. I know that, being a novice, there was a chance it would not work and I would be out my money. It was a gamble.

NOW, it's about the fact that I have two superb compressors that sound fantastic, and I built them myself (with a lot of help from people over at prodigy pro).
 
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