dbx

[Golden]

Anyhow, I’m posting this here because I’m recording to tape.

Regarding DBX compressors…

I’m arranging to track some percussion work such as drums, pots and pans, bass, and other percussive instrumentation to tape. I need a nice comp for this. I’m thinking DBX. I’ve been hearing good and bad on the new DBX comps, 166xl and 266xl.

My searches have only rendered mega-mixed results. Perhaps that's all I’m bound to get. Nonetheless…..

Someone set me straight!

I only need 2 channels.

 

[petermiller]

Depends on the material you would be recording mostly, I would stay away from the 266xl and opt for the 166XL if you are considering DBX. I found them to be really coloured but at least with thw 166xl you will have a limiter which would be more useful during tracking. The 1066 is pretty good at least on a level of transparency vs the two previously stated models. slightly more $$ though.

 

[Golden]

I’ve been trying to figure this one out for a few weeks. I can’t seem to find a solid 2 channel comp (for the stated purposes). The 160A seems like a nice choice, but it’s only one channel. I’m hearing this or that about the RNC but I have no interest in that box. I think there’s room in the market for a nice 2 channel comp at an affordable price.

If I could, I’d make one.

 

[FALKEN]

I use a 166xl and think its pretty good. a few months back frederic posted a compressor schematic if you want to try and build one.

 

[Tim Gillett]

I'm not up with the different brands and models of comp/limiters but half the battle has always been setting the adjustable controls -threshold, attack, decay, ratio, soft knee, hard knee etc, appropriately.
For what it's worth, I think the differences between good comp's would be small compared to the vast differences in effect you get just by playing around with the controls on just one unit.
The better models will have better specs and more features but whatever model used, at the end of the day you have to set it up properly.

Of course when you drive analog tape hard you've already got a built in soft limiter permanently switched in.
You sometimes hear people say they hate using compression of any kind but they love the "warmth" of analog tape. Half of the "warmth" is its gentle compression!
Tim

 

[cjacek]

For what it's worth, I think the differences between good comp's would be small compared to the vast differences in effect you get just by playing around with the controls on just one unit.

I agree with that. Of course. Good point.

 

[dementedchord]

$ .02

if your lookin for a good starter type thing the 166xl is a real good box for the dough...(i'ld stay away from the 266 personally)all the controll is there... even if you hit the lotto there will still be a use for a 166... i even take mine out in my live keyboard rig...