Man, what do I get. DBX 166 or 266?

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frank_1

frank_1

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I want a compressor for recording my acoustic guitar, and electric bass guitar. I need 2 compressors because I use 2 mikes on the acoustic.

I don't want to spend over $200, so I will buy one used. I would get the RNC, but if I bought 2 it would be over by budget. So I am considering the 166 or 266. I don't know which one?

Should I forget DBX, and look into other companies? I will stay away from Alesis-from the stuff I heard about it on these boards.

Any suggestions?
 
Really?:confused:

So what your saying is that I can use one RNC with two microphones. Cool dude.
 
you can use the RNC to process both mics, but you will have to apply the exact same compression to both mics. With dual mono units, like the DBX 166 and 266, each channel can be adjusted seperately. Stereo units, like the RNC, have two inputs, but only one set of controls. Each channel would be compressed in exactly the same way.
 
How about the Behringer composer pro? :)

2 channels and less than 100 bucks!
 
I'm leaning toward the RNC! There has been all too many good words said about that sucker!
 
Frank,

I don't really know what folks around here think but, one compressor I love for the dough is the DBX 163x. It's a small simple thing...not a lot of control....one slider....but it's so cool sounding on bass and kick drums and stuff.
It generally goes around 45-60 bucks on ebay and while it should not be one's only compressor, much like a 57, one should keep a couple around cuz they can do wonders on many things. Most pro studios even keep a couple around...in fact that's where I first heard them and decided I loved them.

Besides that....get the RNC as well...it rules! I got my first one a month ago and it's everything folks say they are.



heylow
Rock Jedi/Indie Snob
www.heylowsoundsystem.net
 
behringer composer pro

half the price of the RNC

you could get four channels for the price of the RNC

You'll be able to compress the channels independently.

~Brandon
 
frist44 said:
behringer composer pro

half the price of the RNC

you could get four channels for the price of the RNC

You'll be able to compress the channels independently.

~Brandon
Click to expand...

I would have to agree... for the bang/buck ratio, the behringer composer is a solid unit.

I have been using the composer for close to 6 years and it has never let me down. It, to me, has a very unique quality... that makes it unique.

I am going to be ordering the tube composer in the next few weeks for compressing guitar and vocal tracks.
 
I have the Behringer Autocom and its a very nice 2 channel unit for $79...but if you are doing SERIOUS compression, accept nothing less than the RNC.....
 
Well, I am thinking of getting a compressor for my acoustic guitar. I am using the Marshall V67 and 603s for the acoustic. I don't need a Serious ass-kicking , in your face, never let you down, hell of a compressor; on the other hand quality does matter because I am sure I will get tried of a shitty sounding compressor.

Yes money is an issue. I only work part time, less then 25 hours a week at B, B & B (Bed, Bath, & Beyond). I might be able to get the RNC off ebay for $165, but that is $165 out my pocket, when I could spend $80 on a Behringer. I guess I have to decide quality over quantity.

Thanks for your input guys.
 
163 X

Hello Heylow, I got two 163Xs at Daddys Music for 60 bucks, I agree they're great on drums bass or guitar. I also have a 266,266XL(junk), 160X nice for lots of stuff, and 7 Ashley CL-50s or SC-50s. Could you give me your opinion on the RNC? I am considering geting one to use mainly on vocals. How different does it sound sonically to the 163X. I also have the TC Triple C comp which I use to master my demos. Thanks, Paul.
 
Whatever you do, don't go buy one of them dbx266XL.. that's 19" of crap.

You'll never regret cashing out some dough for GOOD equipment.. But you will regret buying cheapo-gear.
 
Paulie,

Nice deal on the 163x's. The 160x is sweet...I've used them before but I don't own one. I have a 166x though(the old one).

On the RNC compared to the 163x:

Two TOTALLY different animals. The 163x is certainly a colored compressor with it's own sound altogether....slide the slider, adjust the output and what you got is what you got for better or for worse though usually for the better...an engineer friend of mine calls it the sm57 of the compressor world: may not always be the BEST or first choice, but it will always do the trick!

The RNC is probably the coolest thing out there for the dough. It can be totally transparent even under relatively high compression with almost no real audible coloration....very clean with alot more control and you can still get some nice pumping and breathing if that's what you want.
The bonus is SUPERNICE Mode which is the equivelent of using 3 compressors very lightly to achieve maximum squash with minimum coloration.

That said, I the 163x rules for bass while the RNC rules for vocals (assuming you want clean transparent vocals). Get the RNC...you won't be disappointed. Check out the web site if you haven't already, too:http://www.fmraudio.com/

Hope this helps;)



heylow
Rock Jedi/Indie Snob
www.heylowsoundsystem.net
 
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