FET Or Tube Compressor Question

[SurferJoe46]

Shopping for a rack unit - and I see FET and TUBE-type compressors.

Is one or the other better? I'm lost in the terminology with this question as you might imagine.

I think tubes might be a little more finicky and require more care or maintenance.

What's the best (read: simplest) way to explain this to me?

I feel I don't need stereo for a bass - right?

I'm kinda leaning toward the ART Tube Pro VLA unit here, although it is two channels:::

http://www.guitarcenter.com/ART-Pro-...16-i1386011.gc

[MAMMOTHvolume]

the art pro is supposed to be awesome for bass. Valves don't really need more mantaining that FETS in this kind've application.

[SurferJoe46]

Originally Posted by MAMMOTHvolume

the art pro is supposed to be awesome for bass. Valves don't really need more mantaining that FETS in this kind've application.

Thanks - I am relieved to know that I even asked an intelligent question about the differences in the two.

Art Pro is where I'll go then - I even have one of the ART Pro Tube Pre's and love it to death too.

[depalm]

I understand you want a rack compressor but I'd like to suggest you to read bongania's review on Markbass 'compressore' pedal.

it really uses tube compression unlike many other so called tube devices. It sounds really good, smooth and warm.

just my opinion.

best

[Boot Soul]

from Ovnilabs/Bongomania:

"For rackmount, the Rane DC24, dbx 160X/XT and 166, Ashly CLX/DPX series, Symetrix 501, Aphex 661/651, JBL 7110, and FMR PBC-6A are all excellent."

also

Compressor Reviews
Tube/Valve Compressors

I use a Rane DC24 and like it a lot. No tube in it and no real personality or 'effect' so to speak. It's a VCA controlled compressor. Split band capability with variable crossover, or may be used as a two channel dual-mono/stereo compressor/limiter. Has expander/noise gates on each channel too. Attack and release is program dependent and automatically controlled, which I though might be a weakness. But after getting this unit, this seems to work as claimed, and seems to work just right with bass, (no pumping, dipping, ducking and all that). The gain reduction lights work well to show you where you are in adjusting things. And even though these have been discontinued now for a few years, they come up often for sale in the typical places, for about $150 or less.

Rane DC24
http://www.fullcompass.com/common/fi...ne%20specs.pdf
Guitars: DC-24 by Rane | Harmony Central