which of 3 Behringer compressors or RNC

[Jason James]

I know this debate is probably never ending for you guys. And yes I did search around. But I'm wondering which of the 3 Behringer compressors would be best for me or if I should get the RNC. I'm selling my Alesis 3630 (see ya!) and I'm wanting to replace it. I have a Joe Meek VC3Q and I love it. I was considering getting another to have stereo for say over heads or something, but I think I'd rather have a different flavor. So We have the RNC and the Behringers. It'll be used for recording (what ever I don't run the meek thru. ) and also for Live use in my PA rack. Any insite would be great.

Thanks
Jason

 

[Dolemite]

If live use is a consideration, I'd probably opt for the Behringer Composer Pro. The RNC is a better compressor overall, but the Behringer's dual mono channels make it more practical in live use. It also is just a lot more "rackable" than the RNC. IMO, in a recording environment there are plugins that can do the job of the RNC. Just use a good limiter (the Composer does that too) when you need it and do the rest with plugins. For $100 you can't go wrong w/ the Composer.

 

[minusone]

If live use is a consideration, I'd probably opt for the Behringer Composer Pro. The RNC is a better compressor overall, but the Behringer's dual mono channels make it more practical in live use. It also is just a lot more "rackable" than the RNC. IMO, in a recording environment there are plugins that can do the job of the RNC. Just use a good limiter (the Composer does that too) when you need it and do the rest with plugins. For $100 you can't go wrong w/ the Composer.

I agree... the compose pro (i have 2, plus the tube composer) are a damn fine compressor/limiter. I have heard a lot of good things about the RNC... in fact I intend to buy one as a dedicated compressor for certain instruments.

I only to "studio" work in that I don't record anything live, but if I where I would focus on the composer... its rackable, its built like a tank, and at the price... who cares if some drunken fool spills a pint in it... you can get a new one.

 

[dobro]

Nice to hear good words about the Composer Pro - it was sorta getting dissed here a few months ago when everyone was falling in love with the RNC.

 

[minusone]

Nice to hear good words about the Composer Pro - it was sorta getting dissed here a few months ago when everyone was falling in love with the RNC.

Its the Behringer mixers that are a joke... I think many of their outboard products are very good in terms of sound/price, features/price and quality/price. Yeah... you aren't going to get Avalon or Neve quality... but then again... when *not* recording in a perfectly tuned room (i.e. your house)... you'd be hard pressed to hear significant differences... or not

 

[skippy]

Different tools for different jobs. I have both: a pair of Composer Pros and an RNC.

The Composers are very useful for live work, and also as crash-preventers when tracking. The limiters are actually remarkably useful, and the gates aren't too shabby, either. As compressors, they are okay: not the best, but _far, far_ from the worst. They are very cost-effective for mono use.

But if I need a stereo copressor, it's the RNC. In supernice mode, that is a truly amazing piece of gear. It doesn't gate, it doesn't limit- it does just one thing, which is subtle squashing. And it does it very well. The Composer really can't compete when strapped across a stereo bus: you have to try it to believe it.

If you're seriously broke, it'd be hard to beat the Behringer as your first entry-level everything box. At the current fire-sale pricing, it's certainly hard to ignore. However, watch out for quality issues: make sure you get them as A-stock, *and* with a money back guarantee. I got one with a bad power supply: dead out of the box. Listen to them _very carefully_ for noises and crunches as soon as you get them home (or in the store, if possible) to save yourself some pain... B-stock Behinger product can pretty much be relied on to be a dead-in-the-box customer return!

 

[minusone]

If you're seriously broke, it'd be hard to beat the Behringer as your first entry-level everything box. At the current fire-sale pricing, it's certainly hard to ignore. However, watch out for quality issues: make sure you get them as A-stock, *and* with a money back guarantee. I got one with a bad power supply: dead out of the box. Listen to them _very carefully_ for noises and crunches as soon as you get them home (or in the store, if possible) to save yourself some pain... B-stock Behinger product can pretty much be relied on to be a dead-in-the-box customer return!

In fact... I would NEVER EVER buy a Behringer (or really any product for that matter) at a Guitar Center or Mars. I bought a behringer headphone dist. amp (in a pinch) at a guitar center... and it was "dead in the box" only to have it replaced by yet more crap stock from the guitar center. I finally just got store credit, got the headphone dist. amp at Musician's Friend (who actually had it for $10 cheaper... but shipping... so it came out even).

Musician's Friend and Zzounds seem to always have good stock, as I have gotten all of Behringer gear there... and have never had any problems (over a period of 6-years)