Compressors HELP!!

[glennblackdogs]

Hey guys,

Iv been wanting to add a compressor to my rig for a while now, but im completely new to the world of compressors, I fully understand how they work an what they do. Its just I could really use some advice on what to get as there are so many out there and I am not familiar with any of the manufacturers. Im after a rack unit as im not one to mess about running leads everywhere

I'm looking to spend in the region of £100-£250 ($150-$400)

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Compressor Reviews

My personal opinion, get the EBS MultiComp.

 

[glennblackdogs]

sorry, I should have said i was after a rack mount unit

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Then you definitely need to list a price point. The "cool" rack mount compressors are $2k and higher.

 

[glennblackdogs]

i'll edit that on, though im only looking for a lower end model. Im still paying off my mesa head and ampeg cab at the moment so cash is a little tight, but i feel its something i will need. especially with then fact i'll be recording with my band very soon.

Id say between £100-£250 ($150-$400)

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Any remotely decent studio will have compressors. I'd put the money on the head/cabs. I have no opinion on rack compressors, pedal boards all the way for me.

 

[glennblackdogs]

we're recording in our home studio so dont have the luxuries of vast amounts of expensive rack gear, just the basics really.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

There is one of these in the classifieds now:

Aphex 661

 

[GrowlerBox]

we're recording in our home studio so dont have the luxuries of vast amounts of expensive rack gear, just the basics really.

If you're recording into a DAW, I would use software over a cheap rack compressor.

 

[glennblackdogs]

yeh i think that would be the best bet for now, but I would still want one for my live set up.

 

[chuck norriss]

Is there such a thing--inexpensive rack compressor?

 

[chuck norriss]

focusrite red 3

 

[DaMoose87]

not saying its the best out there because its not...
but for what your looking for....
bang for your buck single rack space id go with
BBE Sound MaxCom - Dual-Channel Compressor and Limiter with Gate

 

[ubersku]

Where's Bongo? He's a comp guru...

 

[ubersku]

There is one of these in the classifieds now:

Aphex 661

+1 or a good used 651

 

[glennblackdogs]

cheer for that, hopefully i can get hold of one second hand over here in the uk.

 

[bongomania]

Where's Bongo? He's a comp guru...

Oh, my site was linked in the second post, and the question is answered there, so I didn't have anything to add.

 

[cchorney]

Hey guys, I don't mean to hijack the thread but this will be on topic, mostly. I noticed at a recent gig that I struggle keeping my levels the same when I switch from finger style to using a pick and back. I try to control it with my volume pot but I end up adjusting it a couple of times each time I make a switch. Is this an appropriate use of a Compressor pedal, or should I just set my volume for my "loudest" style, then use a boost pedal to bring up my other playing styles to the same level?

 

[bongomania]

Both approaches work great, depending on the subtleties of tone and action and which way most suits your tastes. Some comp pedals make great clean-boost pedals if you turn their compression function all the way down, so that is a way for you to try both methods, buying only one pedal.

 

[drewdunkin]

Id say between £100-£250 ($150-$400)

Id try and find a DBX-166a ...great 2 channel unit with peakstop, and noise gate.

Plus its bongo approved