Rack mount compressor

  • Thread starter Thread starter ericlingus
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ericlingus

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I'm thinking of getting a compressor that can be rack mounted. I don't have that much money. I'm planning to spend no more than 150 on it. Is the PreSonus COMP16 Compressor any good? It would be great since I already have the firebox and I can get that mini rack, maxrack I think it's called.
 
It's OK stuff on the cheap, but keep in mind it's all presets so it may not end up giving you all you need at all times. A used dbx might be in order?

War
 
A lot of people seem to bash the Alesis 3630, but I've never had any problem with mine. You can get one for $150 new if you shop around for an hour. Dual channel, lots of easy to use knobs, great manual thats easy to understand.

the dbx stuff is pretty good too, in fact if I were starting over I'd get the dbx instead of any Alesis.
 
What will you be using the compressor on? What style of music?
 
I play black/doom metal with a lot of synth. So the one i'm talking about is only presets? I can't set any of my own?! What about the behrihnger ones?
 
Presonus also makes a compressor called the Blue Max, which has a street price of $150. The Blue Max has presets, but it also has the normal controls for attack, release, and ratio, so it is user adjustable as well. You can use the presets, or put it in "manual" mode and make your own settings.

Another compressor that streets for $150 is the DBX 266XL. I'd take this or the Blue Max over the 3630 or any Behringer unit, personally.

If you are willing to buy used, then there is more of a selection. I just picked up a compressor from the 70's made by MXR called the Dual Limiter, Model 136. I paid $150 for mine, in mint condition, but you could probably find it for less.

Another vintage unit to take a look at is the DBX 166, the original model from the late 70's and early 80's.
 
I just want a new one not used. I think behringer so what one would you recommend the most?
 
oh I read your post wrong. I thought you said or behringer. I personally have really liked te behringer gear i've bought so far, which is the Vamp2 and a 210Vtone combo amp. So you'd take the blue max over any behringer compressor around the same price?
 
Me personally, if I needed one new for $150 I'd go with the Presonus Blue Max or DBX 266XL. I would not buy the Behringer. Supposedly there is a very simple mod for the 3630 that makes it sound better, so that would be third on the list I suppose, assuming I was willing to open it up and do the mod. The mod also disables the gate on the 3630, so that's a consideration as well.

Samson makes a unit called the S-Com or S-Com Plus. I've never heard it, but I suppose it is a consideration as well.

All considered, I'd probably choose the Blue Max.
 
it has presets as well which will help me out since im a complete newbie. The dbx seems much more complicated with no presets and all those damn nobs!
 
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