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View Poll Results: Which Compressor?
DBX 266XL 10 40.00%
Behringer MDX1600 or 2600 2 8.00%
Nady CL-5000 0 0%
Pyle 0 0%
other (post your choice) 13 52.00%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

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  #1  
Old 01-01-2009, 06:09 PM
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Trying to choose a budget compressor

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id like it to be less than $200, i dont need top of the line, just enough to get the job done decently. i have an ampeg 410hlf cab and ampeg b2re head if it makes a difference. I am considering models such as the DBX 266XL, Behringer MDX1600 or MDX2600, Nady CL-5000, and the Pyle PPCL-E2020.
please post any comments you have on these particular models or some other model in that price range
  #2  
Old 01-01-2009, 06:12 PM
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also the behringer, nady, and pyle have a dynamic enhancer, is that a good feature to have? im not too familiar with it
  #3  
Old 01-01-2009, 06:23 PM
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It's been a while but I owned a dbx 266xl and a Behringer mdx 2200, one right after the other. The Behringer seemed more transparant to me. For that reason I liked it better but YMMV.
  #4  
Old 01-01-2009, 06:24 PM
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I've got an EBS Multicomp ($199) and love it. I know that's at the top edge of your price range, but it's worth it. I've also got a BBE Opto Stomp ($99.99) which is another great compressor that gets love around TB too.

For (much) more in-depth info, Bongomania started the super fantastic TB Compressor Megathread that has a TON of great information. Bongo also has a huge Compressor Reviews Page, I think he's had/reviewed every compressor on the planet. lol

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  #5  
Old 01-01-2009, 08:26 PM
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Are you set on a rack unit? I would maybe try to find a used DBX model. I recently got a Maxon CP9 which is actually a DBX circuit and I love it but it's a bit pricey. Are you looking for something flavorful? transparent? flexible? Definitely check out Bongomania's site.
http://www.ovnilab.com/
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  #6  
Old 01-01-2009, 08:34 PM
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FMR RNC. 200 dollars.
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  #7  
Old 01-01-2009, 08:41 PM
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I really like the metering on the Behringers, it makes it very easy to visually see what processing is being applied to your sound. That's the biggest reason I went with them for my budget compressor. For live sound applications I've used the dbx quite a bit, and have no complaints about them.
  #8  
Old 01-01-2009, 08:59 PM
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used DBX160a.... if you hunt around you should be able to find one around $200... a few at $250 on the EvilBay...

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  #9  
Old 01-01-2009, 09:39 PM
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gotta say, the bbe optostomp is one of the best i've used. very transparent.
  #10  
Old 01-01-2009, 09:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Swift713 View Post
Are you set on a rack unit? I would maybe try to find a used DBX model. I recently got a Maxon CP9 which is actually a DBX circuit and I love it but it's a bit pricey. Are you looking for something flavorful? transparent? flexible? Definitely check out Bongomania's site.
http://www.ovnilab.com/
yea im definitely going for a rackmount comp. i have some spaces to fill, and i like the extra adjustments
  #11  
Old 01-01-2009, 09:52 PM
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Based solely on my experience with the Maxon I'd suggest the nicest used DBX you can find. The only thing the Maxon conceivably lacks is attack & release adjustments and it's super easy to find the action I like on it, unlike my previous comp which I fiddle and fatutsed with and never found the right feel.
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  #12  
Old 01-01-2009, 10:07 PM
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IMO, dbx, hands down.
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  #13  
Old 01-01-2009, 10:11 PM
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dbx. The fact that they are the only company listed that makes pro level studio comps adds weight to thought on them.
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  #14  
Old 01-01-2009, 10:26 PM
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Cooptroop, I have your rigs big brother, I have a SLM Ampeg 8x10E with matching B4R. I am hunting down a comp. right now too, and bongo's reviews have been a HUGE help for me. I am going to get DBX, but there are other things out there worth looking into, as some of the previous posters have mentioned. All the best!
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  #15  
Old 01-02-2009, 10:22 AM
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I'd recommend the DBX 163x, it's an older unit but can be found cheap used, simple and sounds great, DBX quality too.

Pedal-wise you can look for a BBE OptoStomp ($99) or an Aphex Punch Factory ($150). With that said, I love my Demeter Compulator ($200), it is top-notch studio quality compressor, smooth and simple.

Out of the ones you listed, I think DBX is the way to go.
  #16  
Old 01-02-2009, 12:44 PM
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+1 on the Demeter. I love mine. If you're looking for subtle compression, it's the way to go.

If you look around and are patient, you can find deals on a new one. Bought mine just before the holidays for $170.00 USD.
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  #17  
Old 01-02-2009, 02:12 PM
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I love my new Art Tube Pac tube preamp/compressor. The compressor is very easy to use and have leds indicating the ingoing level and the amount of compression. Easy to get a good sound out of. Recommended. Only cost about $100-150 too so it fits well into your price range.
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  #18  
Old 01-02-2009, 02:37 PM
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http://www.barberelectronics.com/tonepress.htm

The Barber Tone Press: Tone and Sustain with “Plug and Play” Performance.

Bringing together the very best of classic guitar compression and time-honored recording techniques, the Barber Tone Press is a revolutionary performance compression pedal that has no rival...

A Tonal Breakthrough: How We Did It

In research and development, Barber studied the problems associated with classic guitar compressors and their recent clones and found that, while the clone-makers build pedals with improved components (cleaner switching, in particular) and matched transistors, a few of the major drawbacks of those “vintage” designs still exist. The most glaring drawback of popular classic compressors is that they reverse the guitar’s phase and cause a “pop” (squashed attack anyone?) at the beginning of every note. Although we now see some compression units that have “attack controls,” they leave a bit to be desired as they require seemingly endless trial and error tweaking – and no solution.

Our solution? Parallel compression, a Barber innovation that blows away having to deal with attack, ratio and release knobs of other so-called "studio compressors." Barber developed a one-of-a-kind and quite proprietary continuous “blend control” circuit and combined it with a discrete “Class A” FET mixer circuit to allow you to continuously blend the natural signal of your carefully selected guitar with a “phase-corrected” classic compression circuit. The result? What guitar players have always wanted - unaltered attack and supernatural sustain and resonance, no studio engineering degree required.

• Precision components- Panasonic capacitors and metal film resistors for low noise.
________________________________________
•True bypass switching with led indicator- this is achieved by using an high grade switch, in addendum Solid 20 gauge copper hookup wire is used between the jacks and switching to create a transparent bypass.
________________________________________
• Full size pots- for durability and for easy serviceability if needed.
________________________________________
• Cast aluminum enclosure-our incredibly durable enclosure will last decades if not centuries!
________________________________________
• Double sided pc board with plate through holes-This is the way the military does it when they want electronics to work FOREVER! all pedals should be made this way , few are.

Don't be fooled by cheap imitations! Barber is the pioneer of compression pedals with adjustable blend, all others are just followers trying to cash in on our excellent design. Barber maintains phase from input to output, demand proper phase in your compression pedal. The Barber Tone Press is the real deal!



Only $149.95

DC jack included (ac power adaptor not included)
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  #19  
Old 01-02-2009, 07:09 PM
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How about this:

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