Compressor - rackmount or pedal?

SuperSnake2012 · #1 01-21-2008, 03:12 PM

What are the pros and cons (besides the obvious that one can be rackmounted and the other can't

) between the two? Do you prefer/recommend one over the other?

fokof · #2 01-21-2008, 03:17 PM

IMHO
There are a lot more choices of very good sounding units on the rackmount side.

fretlessrock · #3 01-21-2008, 03:17 PM

It really depends on your needs and your setup. There are some excellent pedal compressors out there. The Demeter Compulator is a good example of a musical and useful optical compressor in a stompbox enclosure. There are some others that have more complete adjustments too. Rack compressors also run the gamut in quality and sonics.

What do you want the compressor to do? Are you looking for it as an effect, or to control the signal level hitting the input of an amp?

SuperSnake2012 · #4 01-21-2008, 03:26 PM

I'm interested in a compressor as an effect. But I am also building a small rack (planning on getting a GK 700RB and a rack tuner in there), so I don't know if I should get a rack mounted compressor or just get a pedal. FWIW I don't use any other pedals at the moment.

ksandvik · #5 01-21-2008, 03:26 PM

Some amps even have compression built-in, like the Line 6 LD series. --Kent

Stuggi · #6 01-21-2008, 04:08 PM

Rackcompressors are a bit more expensive, but they also have more settings. If you want a set and forget, get the EBS Multi-Comp. I have one on it's way to me as we speak

EricF · #7 01-21-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fokof

IMHO
There are a lot more choices of very good sounding units on the rackmount side.

I beg to differ. I think there are plenty of excellent (and crappy) sounding options in either configuration.

As for recommendation, it all depends on your needs. If you're using it as an effect and turning it on and off frequently, a pedal would probably be more convenient. If it's a leave-on processor for your sound, and you have a rack-mount rig, a rack unit might be a better call.

When I had a rack-mounted rig, I used a dbx 160A that I liked a lot. Currently, I'm running a Demeter Compulator that I'm also very fond of.

bongomania · #8 01-21-2008, 04:20 PM

~Generally speaking~ With rack units you are more likely to have greater control over the compression parameters, while with pedals they will have optimized its performance for guitar/bass-type one-channel signals and provided only the controls that are absolutely necessary.

I find that higher voltage or higher current power supplies tend to be a sign of a circuit with less noise and distortion than circuits designed to run off a 9V battery. So (again, in general) I see more rack units with low noise and low distortion compared to pedals. But there are lots of exceptions to this observation, it's only maybe 60% or 70% accurate.

Another factor is that there are companies producing rock-solid pro gear and cheap consumer/beginner crud in both formats. So it's good to do your homework on any specific model you have your eye on.

My personal favorites are rackmount, but then I'm a tweaker. For most bassists a good-quality pedal is a more sensible and practical choice.

Yazzman · #9 01-23-2008, 12:30 AM

Honestly, the best compressor is called the FMR RNC. Its like $175 I used to own a couple when I needed compression for recording, they are absolutely silent...so silent you think they are broken, but its really just invisible compression with no artifacts. People compare it to $1,000 compressors. Its not rack mount or pedal, but its as big as a pedal. Look into it or PM me to discuss, they are really worth the cash. If you do audiop mastering, I wouldn't use anything buy an RNC because you want a quiet compressor for that. I Heart FMR, the guy who started the company knows his **** and isn't in the business for the money.

Swift713 · #10 01-23-2008, 05:49 AM

Seems to me rack units would be great for studio use with stereo signals etc but pedals would be more appropriate for use as an effect for a bass rig. I certainly don't want compression on every tune I play, sometimes I want it on the chorus but not the verse, for instance, so I'd rather have a pedal.

Surly · #11 01-23-2008, 06:09 AM

I've been happy with my Aphex compressor. It is not tone shaping, however, just a set it and forget it pedal. Also it sounds clearer when used with better quality basses. I would start by thinking about how much you want to spend.

KrispyJones · #12 01-23-2008, 06:51 AM

just get the digitech bass squeeze ..... ! all you need !

bongomania · #13 01-23-2008, 07:22 AM

Krispy, a word of advice. If you want someone to take your suggestions seriously, you should qualify them. Something like "I've tried several different rack and pedal compressors, including X, Y, and Z models, and the Digitech was better than them in this way and that way for the style I was playing".

Saying "just get it" honestly makes it sound like you "just got it" for Xmas and it's your first compressor.

santucci218 · #14 01-23-2008, 08:00 AM

I suggest reading bongos reviews. I too am to purchase a compressor soon. From what he suggested i will probably get the BBE Octa Stomp that he talks about.

diechris · #15 01-23-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

I beg to differ. I think there are plenty of excellent (and crappy) sounding options in either configuration.

As for recommendation, it all depends on your needs. If you're using it as an effect and turning it on and off frequently, a pedal would probably be more convenient. If it's a leave-on processor for your sound, and you have a rack-mount rig, a rack unit might be a better call.

When I had a rack-mounted rig, I used a dbx 160A that I liked a lot. Currently, I'm running a Demeter Compulator that I'm also very fond of.

i agree. i was going to get a demeter next or a multicomp but what i want in a comp is an "always on" i figured i could get more out of a rack comp for less money and it wont take up space on my pedal board. with that said.. i just picked up a dbx 166a that should be here at the end of the week

fokof · #16 01-23-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

I beg to differ. I think there are plenty of excellent (and crappy) sounding options in either configuration.

Of course , and that's true for everything.

The best sound comp I've ever used for bass is the LA-3A ( closely followed by the LA-2A ) I haven't tried every "stomp comp" in the world, but my guess is that there is no pedal that would sound as good as those. Or a Distressor , or a BSS DPR901 etc.....

So , IMHO there are more good sounding comp in the rackmount world. And I'm not talking Behringer or Alesis here.....

The OP asked about pros/cons.
A "pro" for rack comp would be best sounding units
A "con" for rack comp would be those are not cheap

**Eric Perry** · #17 01-23-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

I suggest reading bongos reviews...

+1. He's the TB resident pro on compressors. I decided on the dbx 166XL after reading his reviews (and counting my cheddar). lol

No offense, but I'd steer very clear of the "just get it" crowd as well. Bongo has done extensive research of MANY compressors. Read his review of the Digi. lol

Surly · #18 01-23-2008, 10:11 AM

Reviews are confusing me these days.

one man's trash is another man's treasure.

::Saint:: · #19 01-23-2008, 10:37 AM

Does anyone have anything to say about the EHX Black Finger? It looks interesting to me, but I don't know much about compressors as I've never really used one. I would like something to beef up my tone a little bit, though, and maybe help get a tighter sound with my fuzz and synth effects.

hawaiianbass · #20 01-23-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::Saint::

Does anyone have anything to say about the EHX Black Finger? It looks interesting to me, but I don't know much about compressors as I've never really used one. I would like something to beef up my tone a little bit, though, and maybe help get a tighter sound with my fuzz and synth effects.

Read what Bongo has to say about it in his review. the link is in his sig.

CK