Looking into buying a compressor HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bguzaldo
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Bguzaldo

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Up until now I am ashamed to say I used only Plug-in compression from cubase on my recordings for the last 2 years and I'm looking to finally man up and buy a real compressor. I'm not looking for anything over the top expensive or nice, just something down to earth so I can get a handle on how it works before I upgrade. I like the DBX 166 and 266 especially because I can find em for cheap on ebay. If any one has an idea for a good compressor I'd be more than appreciative to hear it.

Thanks
-Barrett
 
My first outboard compressor was the RNC, which does a fine job. The mood hit me to spend some more money and I got a DBX160A, and have to say that it is very good for the money. I really like what is does for the bass, but does a good job on everything I run throught it.
 
Both the DBX 160(x, xt, a) and the RNC are far better the the DBX 166 or 266. Generally, I like the RNC better on vocals and the DBX better on drums and other instruments. Another cheap comp (@$140) that I'd add to the list is the Symetrix 501. Available used only, it's linkable for stereo and absolutely great for bass (which is what I use mine for). Allegedly, you want the version with the metal toggle power switch, as opposed the the later plastic push button power switch, as the chips are different. If you want a relatively inexpensive, very transparent comp, I'd also suggest the Aphex Compellor (used). It will be a bit more expensive than the other comps mentioned (@$300), but is two channel and very transparent.
 
pohaku said:
Both the DBX 160(x, xt, a) and the RNC are far better the the DBX 166 or 266. Generally, I like the RNC better on vocals and the DBX better on drums and other instruments. Another cheap comp (@$140) that I'd add to the list is the Symetrix 501. Available used only, it's linkable for stereo and absolutely great for bass (which is what I use mine for). Allegedly, you want the version with the metal toggle power switch, as opposed the the later plastic push button power switch, as the chips are different. If you want a relatively inexpensive, very transparent comp, I'd also suggest the Aphex Compellor (used). It will be a bit more expensive than the other comps mentioned (@$300), but is two channel and very transparent.
Click to expand...

http://www.aphex.com/320A.htm

Like that one?

By the way, thanks a ton for all the help man, now I've got a few good options to choose from.

Thanks
-Barrett
 
in the past ive had a TLA C1, 5021, DBX266, behringer composer and Focusrite voicemaster.

The only one i kept was the voice master... i use plugins for most stuff now.

A bit of the voice master comp on vox as im tracking is good but i still use plugins for main compression (Waves RVOX).

Other than tracking is there any advantage to hardware compressors these days?
 
I'll add the ART VLA Pro and FMR's RNLA. They're both fantastic...warmer and thicker than the RNC...both of them around $200-$300 or so. The DBX 160 is another great budget compressor. To beat any of these three you'd have to spend four times as much...they're that good.

Frank
 
Twinnesota said:
Either the ART VLA or VLA II?
Thanks,
T
Click to expand...

I have two VLA's...the VLA II adds attack/release controls plus some other monitoring options, but I think it's the same sonically. I don't have one right here to compare with though.

Frank
 
For anyone interested, I went with the VLA II, its pretty nice, a lot of cool features. Thanks for the help everyone, I'll keep the 160 in mind

Thanks
-Barrett
 
Bguzaldo said:
For anyone interested, I went with the VLA II, its pretty nice, a lot of cool features. Thanks for the help everyone, I'll keep the 160 in mind

Thanks
-Barrett
Click to expand...

You should...the 160 can be had for under $300 in most cases and has no equal in that price class for vocals and bass. The VLA is right up there, but it's a different animal.

Frank
 
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