Rack Equipment Question

[Beatyofeet32]

I Currently don't own any rack equipment. I record hip hop music using a Korg D1600 and a Studio Projects B1 Microphone (cheapo...lol) but I still create some pretty good mixes. Anyway I was just wondering if buying a tangible rack compressor, limiter, etc. is better than just using compressor, limiter, etc. effects on something like say a D1600. If so (which I'm guessin will be the answer) what do I need to look for when purchasin my rack equipment?

 

[Beatyofeet32]

Sorry about the double post.

 

[dr.colossus]

I'm not familiar with the 1600, but I'm guessing an outboard compressor would probably sound better...

is it for just the vocal channel or the stereo mix?

If its just the vocal, and since you don't appear to have any pres other than the 1600, I would suggest that a channel strip might be useful, that way you can have a nice preamp aswell. I've not tried, but heard good things about the joemeek Q3, and the safesound. I have a TLA Fat2 channel strip (15V tube) which is kinda not well favoured around here, but I like itespecially on vocals.

Otherwise for stereo I'd go with an RNC, actually this is not to bad a vocal compressor either, very clean. There is plenty of coloured equipent out there which is definatly subject to taste.