DBX 166XL vs. RNC Please respond ASAP Thanks!!

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GOODLAND

GOODLAND

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Which one is better for vocals and acoustic guitar, the 166XL or the RNC? I'm going to use one channel for vocals and the other for an acoustic guitar.

Any other compressors you would like to list under $300.00 would be helpful. THanks!
 
In this case you're looking at the 166. The RNC is cleaner on both, to my ears, but you can't do 2 sources at once with it. You'll be really happy with the 166 on vocals, but I'm not as sure about ac. guitar. Its probably fine, I just never use compression on my acoustics so I haven't played around with it enough to get a sound I like.

Take care,
Chris
 
I own both of these units.
Personally im using the DBX about 95% of the time.
Its just more versatile IMO.
In my experience it works great with both vox and guitars of any type.

The RNC is a great unit too.

But i still for some reason dont use it all that much, guess i just prefer the sound of the DBX.

YMMV.

-Finster
 
I have both units as well... the only time I find myself using the DBX units is for rock guitars, bass, and rock vocals. For other applications, they tend to be just a little too gritty.... hard to explain, because they're quite good units, but I don't find them all that universal in their use. As well, neither the RNC nor the DBX seem to come close to the on-board comps on the Sony!
 
You can't compress two channels at the same time with the 166?
 
another vote for the 166xl. you get all of the features of the RNC, plus auto release and attack, a very decent limiter, a very decent gate/expander, and 2 channels mono or stereo. plus...here's the best part for a n00b....the dbx comes with a very detailed manual on how to achieve the sounds you want on the sources you have. the rnc's manual just basically says to "play with it". you will find the limiter very useful.
 
thanks!!

Thanks everyone for the replys, really helpful. I'm going down to Guitar Center today so I'm glad I got some quick resplys.
Looks like the dbx 166XL will work out nicely.
 
i once had a real old and beaten up 166 , i sold it after a few weeks, extreme hiss and distortion was what i had instead of nice compression, but i guess that unit was half-dead,
after that one i got me a 166a which is an OK compressor, but i got rid of it since i find that the 166xl sounds more clean, and has 'manual' attack and release buttons,
but now i'm thinking of selling the 166xl and replace it by a 160 (mono),
after i started working with the (cheap) 163x compressors i was amazed with the fat pumping effect you can achieve with them,
and since the 160 is supposed to be higher quality i want to see how this machine sounds like on kick and snare

BUT, those 163x compressors have a very distinct sound and i'm into fat and agressive sounds, if you prefer a little more clean compression then go for the XL, it won't dissapoint you, but if you got an extra $50, also get a 163x :)
i think its something you should have used once in your life :cool:
 
rweiss said:
You can't compress two channels at the same time with the 166?
Click to expand...

I was talking about the RNC, not the 166. The RNC is stereo but not dual mono. The 166xl IS stereo linked or dual mono.

Take care,
Chris
 
Can't wait to try it out today, I'm upgrading from a shitty behringer compressor so I think I will be pleased. :D
THanks again for your help.
 
Enjoy! That's the first compressor I ever bought and I still use it regularly. I remember the first time I hooked up my best mic (AKG C1000S- the *only* budget condensor available at the time) to it and sang through it. Wow! I sound like a rock star or something! :) Played bass through the other channel and did a few Morphine songs to get a feel for it. Its amazing how having the right tools can make creativity flow so much more smoothly.

These days it gets more use on kick, snare, and bass while mixing. It did wonders for a double bass in a live bluegrass recording not long ago.

I nearly sold it a few years back when I switched to an all digital studio- and I'm *really* glad I didn't!

Anyway, enjoy your new friend!
Chris
 
Having to pick 1 of the 2; the RNC wins.
Click to expand...

I really wasn't looking for too transparent of a compressor though, I hear that the RNC is very transparent, so that wouldn't have worked out that well for me anyways. Besides I needed two separate channels not 1 stereo channel.
 
Being that the 166 is an unmitigated piece of shit, I'd suggest the RNC.

...unless you're going for that "piece of shit" sound.
 
ROblows said:
Being that the 166 is an unmitigated piece of shit, I'd suggest the RNC.

...unless you're going for that "piece of shit" sound.
Click to expand...

If Blue Bear Sound uses it for thier Rock Vocals then I will too. :p
 
Damn. Tried to post an image. Not...working...must...learn...BBcode...
 
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