Good 1U compressor under $100?

NickInMesa · #1 09-30-2009, 10:42 AM

What compressor would you advise me to use, that would fit in a rack, take less than 1U, do a good job and cost less than $100?

Thanks!

Steveaux · #2 09-30-2009, 10:57 AM

Maybe you can get lucky and find a used dbx.

Wait ... less than 1U ???

Bardley · #3 09-30-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveaux

Maybe you can get lucky and find a used dbx.

+1

Foamy · #4 09-30-2009, 10:59 AM

A used DBX or a used Behringer. I got my 4-ch Behringer for $60. It works as well as my DBX plus has a few more features.

selfblessed · #5 09-30-2009, 10:59 AM

+2

I have seen it happen before out here in AZ too. I missed out on it too. Hound Craigslist often and hard!

NickInMesa · #6 09-30-2009, 11:26 AM

Yes, found a 266XL for $75 but how good is it for bass?

Thanks!

bongomania · #7 09-30-2009, 11:39 AM

It's crap.

If you keep a close eye on Ebay, you can snag a dbx 166, Symetrix 501, Rane DC24, or Ashly CLX-52 for under $100. Sure, you'll see them selling for up to $250 as well, but believe me I've seen each and every one of those go for peanuts lately.

NickInMesa · #8 09-30-2009, 11:50 AM

What about the Symetrix CL-150?

Thanks

ItsMichaelYeah · #9 09-30-2009, 12:22 PM

+3 on the dbx 166/266. Both are really good on bass and it's 2 channel so you can have one for your main head and one for your back up. Or if something happens to one channel just switch it.

NickInMesa · #10 09-30-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsMichaelYeah

+3 on the dbx 166/266. Both are really good on bass and it's 2 channel so you can have one for your main head and one for your back up. Or if something happens to one channel just switch it.

Hey Michael, a previous poster qualifies the 266 as crap...

We have a situation here!

ItsMichaelYeah · #11 09-30-2009, 01:12 PM

The 266 I wouldn't call it crap. Now is the 166 better? Yes it is.
166 comp/limiter/gate
266 comp/gate

look into it.

bongomania · #12 09-30-2009, 01:21 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/DBX-166a-Compres...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Used-DBX-166A-Co...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/DBX-166A-166-A-S...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/DBX-166-Over-Eas...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/dbx-166XL-Compre...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/DBX-OVEREASY-COM...d=p3286.c0.m14

Please do not waste your time trying to save a few dollars buying the 266.

bassman1185 · #13 09-30-2009, 01:56 PM

I'll throw in my vote for the Symetrix 501. I got mine for $75, and it's awesome. Unfortunately, I don't have a good way to rig it up, so it's not getting used, which bums me out, because I love what it does for my tone.

Pitbull Growl · #14 09-30-2009, 02:04 PM

Nick,

I had a CL-150 and it's very transparent, but it's not an orange squeezer. It'll limit transient spikes/peaks and all really well, but it doesn't do the heavy squash thing. That's the reason alotta studio engineers really like 'em on guitars & snares... they'll bring everything down below clipping levels, but the attack dynamics remain intact. It's very similar to the Symetrix 501 but w/o the aditional heavy limiter function. It uses a Valley People VCA and it also has a manual/auto compress function that'll over-ride the controls on the face for a more "plug & play" approach.

I liked it for my needs, but I don't personally do alotta heavy compression. In fact, I sold it off because I get all of the compression I need outta the tubes in the amp I use now. I'll ask the guy I sold mine to to post his thoughts on it once he gets it.

Bottom line IMHO: These things are a steal @ the used prices they go for.

TheWoodShed · #15 09-30-2009, 02:39 PM

Save up your money and get a dBX 160X. Studio quality compression for a good price. You will never get rid of it.

synaesthesia · #16 09-30-2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

It's crap.

If you keep a close eye on Ebay, you can snag a dbx 166, Symetrix 501, Rane DC24, or Ashly CLX-52 for under $100. Sure, you'll see them selling for up to $250 as well, but believe me I've seen each and every one of those go for peanuts lately.

+501. I bought 3 Symetrix 501 units from a PA rental co. for about UD$120.

TomB · #17 09-30-2009, 02:59 PM

I very much like the Art Dual Levelar if you can find one. ...very smooth & simple to use. ...likely too simple for some folks.

NickInMesa · #18 09-30-2009, 08:29 PM

So I bought the 166A. Should be there in a few days.

What settings do you recommend?

bongomania · #19 09-30-2009, 09:51 PM

There's a "good settings" article in my FAQ; also you can use the gain-reduction LED meters as a good indication of what's going on as you adjust the parameters.

SG-Jazz · #20 10-01-2009, 12:12 AM

How about a fairchild 670 or an LA-2A. Oops theyre not 1u. Oh did you say under a 100bucks