Dual channel compressor for drums

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VirtualSamana

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Looking for a cheap dual channel compressor for drums. I am looking into the dbx 266xl. it's going for only $149 at musicians friend. I have been warned to stay away from the notorius 3630. Don't worry, I won't touch it.

Here are my options:

Alesis CLX - 440
dbx 266xl
behringer mdx2600 composer pro (Ed likes this one so don't bust my balls on it)
Anything else under $200

I know the RNC is the way to go but at $200 per channel it's out of my price range. I need a decent mic pre so I was thinking of picking up a focusrite track master which I would probably use for vox. Right now I am strictly looking for a compressor for drums.
 
Um, maybe you'd better check again. The RNC is not $200/channel - it's about $179, and it is a stereo unit. That's about $90/channel.

Scott
 
DigitMus said:
Um, maybe you'd better check again. The RNC is not $200/channel - it's about $179, and it is a stereo unit. That's about $90/channel.

Scott

True, but a RNC may be stereo but not dual mono so you can't individually change compression settings for each channel. So for many sources it is basically a one channel comp.
 
christiaan said:


True, but a RNC may be stereo but not dual mono so you can't individually change compression settings for each channel. So for many sources it is basically a one channel comp.

Unfortunately true, but still a bargin for it's quality and versatility (IMHO). But it's not like the others wouldn't do the job also.
One of the things I found the RNC does (for example) is to be able to be fast enough to tweak the snare level and shape on my stereo kit tacks. Its' other strength is it is very clean sounding.
It's of of those makes me :) tools.
Wayne
 
My Composer Pro is pretty versitile...

a lot of the time I'll just use it for the gate, which I think works pretty darn well and can be handy with close mic'd drums.

The compressor isn't bad and it does have dual mono or link.

For only a little more than the 266XL (like $10-$20 more) you could get TWO Behringers.

-mike
 
I have a Behringer Autocom and it works GREAT as a limiter and pretty decent on light compression......at $69 for 2 channels its a no-brainer.....
 
I have the Behringer Composer Pro 2200. It works for me and you can't beat that price.

Riku
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I think I'll go with the Composer.

While we're on the subject...what are the setting you use for tracking vox? I mean pre tape.

I have been having problems with mic technique. Sometimes when I am tracking I'll get really into the song and forget to back away when singing loud. I end up with an awesome track because of the captured emotion but some of the loud parts clip.
 
Personally for vox....

......I have been shying away from compressing at all but if I do I use a fairly fast gate (I am a horrible singer and VERY rarely sing sustained notes) and use a fast attack and medium release (mostly for plosives because my technique is not that good either) and only compress about 2-3dB.

The thing I always use now that I have a digital deck (vs880) is the limiter ( I try and just feather it but its hard to watch the meters all the time and sing too) and the gate is always on too.

Like I said, though lately I JUST use the gate and limiter and not the compressor.
You can always compress after.

-mike
 
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