Compressor recommendations for 488?

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mattsmusic

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Ok, I've just upgraded all my mics and the sound I'm getting is incredible. However, I'm currently not compressing or limiting anything to balance things out. I primarily record acoustic guitar and vocals with the mics, and I record the bass direct.

Looking at an Alesis 3630 right now - any recommendations for another product I should consider?

Working in the less than $200 price range...

Thanks!
 
mattsmusic said:
Ok, I've just upgraded all my mics and the sound I'm getting is incredible. However, I'm currently not compressing or limiting anything to balance things out. I primarily record acoustic guitar and vocals with the mics, and I record the bass direct.

Looking at an Alesis 3630 right now - any recommendations for another product I should consider?

Working in the less than $200 price range...

Thanks!
Click to expand...


Any compressor used correctly and only as seasoning, nothing extreme, will sound good on good material. Do a search for "Alesis Micro Limiter" or "Alesis Microlimiter" on ebay. Those things go for dirt cheap, are easy to use and sound good.

Good luck!

Daniel
 
stay away from the 3630, its pretty useless. You can pick up a DBX 266XL for $150.00
although neither of these are the best, you will find the DBX to be a far better comp for the lower price range.
 
The FMR - RNC compressor is in your price range. I have one and use it regularly. :D For the buck it's a nice transparent compressor. (Unless you're looking for dark and moody.) I have used it on vox and bass and keys with good results.
 
hi

i agree on nixin the 3630...but for alittle more would rather have (and do) the dbx166.... way cool for the dough...but then i dream about avalons.......
 
dementedchord said:
i agree on nixin the 3630...but for alittle more would rather have (and do) the dbx166.... way cool for the dough...but then i dream about avalons.......
Click to expand...
I agree to some extent but we were dealing with the ceratain price range which this is above. The limiter would be nice however. I would suggest RNC or a used ashly SC or CL comp over the two anyway. You can usually find an SC50 for around $100-150
 
Hi,

Hope you haven't bought anything yet? :) I will tell you EXACTLY the compressor to get you will love and will work awesome with your 488. You should get a presonus bluemax. New they are a little over a hundred and on ebay it's possible to find a used one for about $90 or so. Why the bluemax?

1.) has presets for all instruments so you can record quick if your in a hurry. Also you can switch to manual and set all the knobs if you want. Has two stereo mix down settings as well. Unit is made in the USA. It has an well written manual you can just download from there website if you need one or want to know more.

2.) This particular compressor does VERY well for acoustic guitar and vocals for home demos. This things does as well as your going to find for anything a $1000 or under. I use it on everything for home demos both with 488 and recording with protools. Super easy and quick to get a good sound with. It also does double duty if you want to play out with. It's like a swiss army knife.

3.) With your $200 budget make sure you set half that aside for a good tube preamp. I use ART MP OPL which for the money and using with the 488 are perfect. Preamping helps keep noise to a minimum and get the maximum compression.

4.) I've tried several other compressors with the 488 and did not like: ART tube optical and several rack mount ones. I found myself using the bluemax all the time for everything. It's just easy to use, sounds great for home demos and very quiet.

5.) bluemax can do very transparent compression or really squash stuff at 20:1.

Hope this helps. I tried a lot of compressors with my 488 and the recording combo I like the best for acoustic/vocal is: shure 57+art mp+blue max into the 488


RNC are nice but I think the bluemax will do pretty much the same thing for half the price. Make sure you set aside half your budget for some type of preamps infront of the compressor
 
Wow - as always, this site has provided a wealth of information - thanks to all who have replied.

I've not yet purchased anything but will consider all of your reviews when I make my final decision.
 
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