Compressor suggestions?

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tf5_bassist

The LouDogg
Still purchasing stuff for the studio... We've got a limited budget, so this is what i'm looking for...

a nice two to four channel compressor for somewhere between $100-150. Note, i don't need a GREAT one, i just need a good quality, quiet, and decent unit. Suggestions?
 
If you want a REALLY good one for $175 you can get a FMR RNC. It'll stay around with you for years. It's stereo compressor, so you can do two tracks as long as they can go through with the same setting.
 
that looks pretty sweet... but it's a bit out of the budget, and especially for effectively one compressor.

I need at least two independant channels
 
well its only $25 bucks out of budget. just cut out one night of drinking this week...

take a look at some symetrix stuff.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3041131780&category=14978

this one is only 10 bucks right now. the power supply is 20 (i just bought one myself). untested... but for $10!

then get this
http://www.musicgoround.com/gear/inventorydetails.asp?id=174540

essentially a dbx 160. well pretty close. some people like them better. anyway, its only 39.99.

there you go 3 channels for $70. then save up for the fmr.
 
Out of curiosity why do you need four channels?

Also, what are you recording to? If it's your computer you can probably get a nice software one for $150 and it can be used as much as your computer can handle.
 
What will you be using the compressor for?

In that price range, you are probably better going with plugins, if you are using a DAW. Even going with whatever plugins come with the software or whatever freeware you can download. There are some great freeware compressors. Of particular note is the digitalfishphones stuff. Use the plugins and save up for a better hardware compressor than $100-150 can afford.

If you must go hardware now, buying used is probably the best bet. You'll get better quality for your money. The best used compressors to watch out for on eBay would be made by DBX, Symetrix, Ashly, Aphex.
 
if you are recording with a computer, than its the best way to use a software compressor. i think.
 
lol... oddly enough for me, i'm not using ANY digital recording in this studio. It's a friends studio, and he's asked me to buy stuff for it (also where i do most of my recording). Oldschool Otari MX5050 mark III 8-track and a TAC Scorpion 16 channel console. And i'd like between two to four channels of compression. I'll take two minimum.

Basically, we need the compressors for mixdown, because all we have now is a Digitech S100 multieffects unit with the built in compressor. Which sucks. horribly. That means we can only compress one track at a time unless all use the same settings (and we ALL know that that is NEVER going to work :( )... I've been in situations where i REALLY needed compression on the bass and vocals at the same time.

That's what I need it for, basically.

So these Symetrix units are alright? they're pretty cheap... But if they're *PASSABLE* at that price, then I think i'm gonna' go for 'em. Thanks! :)
 
You also might want to look into the Behringer Composer Pro series of compressors. They are two-channel (can be stereo or two independent channels) with expander, and limiter thrown in for good measure. Works quite well, and about as cheap as you'll find.

Chris
 
You know, I saw one of these and an AutocomPro in a pro studio ran by a guy i know mutually, and it rather shocked me. I've never had much faith in them, i heard they were rather noisy, even at the price point they sell at. *shrugs* Anyone have any opinions otherwise on 'em?
 
Avoid the Behringer gear, you can find better if you buy used.

Take a look at the DBX 166 series of compressors. There's the original 166, the 166A, and the 166XL. You could get any of those for around $150 more or less on eBay. I used to own a 166A and it's built solidly and has an internal power supply. Definitely a cut or two or three above Behringer gear.

Some of the older DBX compressors like the 117, 118, and 119 are selling for considerably under $100. Those models are all stereo, but you could afford to get two of them.

Another option is the Alesis CLX-440. It's a little more than your budget, but is under $200. It is four channel (dual stereo). I've not heard one, but would be worth consideration at your budget level.

I'd suggest the TC Electronic Triple C, but that's above your budget as well. You'd have a lot more options available if you even saved up $250-300 versus $100-150.

Anyway, a used DBX 166/166A/166XL is the way I personally would go if I had your budget and need for two independent channels of compression. And I'd try to find them in that order: original 166 in great condition first, then the 166A, and lastly the 166XL. The originals in great shape seem to often go for more money, so you'd probably end up with a 166A or 166XL.

Hope this helps.
 
i say go for symetrix! the cl series (100 and 150) the sx-20x series and the 500's are all totally workable. solid designs. expensive pres at the time, just undervalued on the used market.

symetrix stuff is considered to be on par with some of the best dbx gear (the 166 line NOT considered to be in that league). not trying to dis the 166, never used it, just reporting what i have heard, and what i hear from my symetrix comp. [i have a cl-150, totally solid compressor].

another symetrix unit to consider is an old 528. great for mixdown, it has a decent little compressor that you can wire independantly through the back of the unit. also a decent little EQ and a decent little pre. i have seen them go for $75-$150.

i love my ashly sc-50 as well. those go for $50-$100 a channel. another great value. it is a one trick pony, but great for lead instruments that need a little softening. fletcher calls them the single best lead guitar compressor in the world. not bad for $75.
 
oh and one thing i regret selling is that little art compressor. the levelar. another one trick pony, but the trick it does is pretty decent. workable for vocals... (although it smears them quite a bit...) some bass tracks. (again, sort of cloudy on bass, but works for some parts.)
 
If you want to mix through it (we'll just leave it at that), I'd have to go with the RNC. It'll work for you there.
 
by "compressors for mixdown" i am interpreting that as: using compressors on individual tracks.

if you are looking for a mix bus compressor. take none of my advice.
 
I believe the original poster is talking about compressing tracks within the final mix, not the two buss.

The DBX 166 series is not their top of the line compressor, but we are talking $100-150 here. For that money they are a great value in my opinion. I used to own the 166A myself, and for the applications mentioned here it would be great for the price. On the other hand, I haven't used any of the Symetrix gear you mention and I'm perfectly willing to take your word that it's good.

The other factor that leans me toward DBX is that it is plentiful on the used market. That makes it easy to buy and keeps the price down a bit. Searching for a 166XL on eBay pulls up a lot of hits, for example.
 
Yeah, i was referring to compressing individual tracks for mixdown.

Unfortunately, these symetrix 100s and 150s are a bitch to find on ebay... I guess i'll just keep looking then hehe
 
two cl-100's on music go round right now. one for 39.99 one for 49.99.

there is a 525 on there too, mis-listed as an "S25". those are a bit fancier. the ones with the "toggle switch" are supposed to be great. they have a valley people VCA or something like that...

$139. stereo unit. for manuals
http://www.symetrixaudio.com/tech_support/web_support_only/525.htm

two independant channels, a lot of pro studios keep it around for compressing bass. supposed to be world class for this purpose.
 
I recently bought a 525 (but with the push-button instead of the toggle :( ), and i was wondering... is there a single-channel version that'd work just as well for bass? I want a rackmount for my bass rig, because the 525 was for the studio.
 
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