Compression - Rack Mount?

I go back & forth on compression. Right now I'm not using any, but I own a DOD comp pedal- some would say it's total junk cheap quality crap, but I guess I'm not that picky. It does the job for me, when I'm in that mood. It tames sloppy slap technique for me. I've also used an Alesis 3630; it's a cheap($100-$150 new)rackmount unit. More versatility, a noise gate & two channel/stereo capabilities. I mentioned it on a thread once, though & was politely told it was junk & DBX makes much nicer stuff in the same price range. As for being 'neccesary', absolutely not, unless you're Billy Sheehan.

 

I have the DBX 266XL and it works just fine for me. There is better out there but for the price range of similar brands the DBX sounds better. I'm sure others could recommend a higher end rankmount comp.

 

I like my Rane split band DC24

 

If your amp already has compression AND you like the on-board compressor's operation, why would you need an additional compressor? Unless you are dissatisfied with the amp's compressor, I think your money would be better spent elsewhere.

 

There you have it- in writing. Seriously- no, you do not 'need' compression. Many players can control their dynamics just fine w/o it. OTOH, some prefer the sound. Whatever you like, but to answer your question, you will NOT burst into flames w/o using a compressor. On yet another hand, most rigs' onboard compressors aren't worth using, IME...

 

Yeah, only you can decide if you need compression. Do you feel like you need to remove some of the dynamics of your playing? Do you want a crazy over compressed sound? Do you want to add more lights to your rig? Or do you want to just add more lights to your rig? The fact that you are asking leads me to believe that you don't fully understand it. IMHO don't use something if you are unclear of its results. I think you are probably just fine with the compressor in your amp, untill you can identify what you don't like about it, then get something else.

 

http://www.behringer.com/T1952/index.cfm?lang=ENG

what about that, i know, its a be*****er, but, is it any good?

Im looking for a cheapish compressor to waste some money on

(sorry to nab your thread, but i didnt see the point in starting another thread on rack mount compressors)

 

3 uses for compressors and 1 rule of thumb in my book

1. As a limiter in a live environment. Basically preventing string pop's from taking people's heads off at the first few tables.

2. as an additional gain stage

3. When recording, to bring up the level of the overall recording during the mastering process. This is about the only time I actually use a compressor as a compressor.

The rule of thumb is that if I can hear the compressor - I am using too extreme a setting.

 

+1 Absolutely.

Though some people do like extreme compression as an effect, does'nt do much for me however and not recomended for the novice.

 

Ok, here is the best article I have ever read on compressors and compression. Its kind of long and is geared toward engineers, but if you really want to know about compressors this is it.Electronic Musician - The Big Squeeze Highly recomended read, I was suprised I found it on the net.

 

After much trial, I settled upon a dBX 160X in my rack. It is the discontinued version of the current dBX 160A. For $150.00-$200.00 you get a studio quality compressor, with many useful features that is transparent, quiet and bulletproof.

I owned a Behringer, and it petered out after a year.

 

An easy to understand document of Compression.

 

Let me guess...you don't care for compression.

 

Thats not it all. Compression is a powerful tool if you know how to use it. I just don't recomend people to buy one if they are unclear on what it does. I love compression, but misuse sounds terrible.

 

The Ashly Audio CLX-51 is supposed to be pretty good.