Need top-of-the line rack compressor - not used

[Gladowsky]

Before you say "here we go again" - all of the previous posts that discuss rack compressors contain recommendations of units that can only be purchased in the used market, that is, they are now obsolete. I'd like to narrow that down to a compressor with the following criteria:

- rack unit

- able to buy new as of Nov-2011 (no out-of-production suggestions please)

- budget: under $1200

- quiet

- no (or very little) coloration to the sound of my Sadowsky (I love its natural tone)

- no degradation to the low B (or lower with hipshot extender)

- 1 rack unit space

- usage: live settings (some travel so must be durable)


Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[gscroggin]

Chameleon Labs offers a great one right now, and IMO it's cheaper than it should be (sub $500?). Most of the reviews I've read say the same thing. It's designed as a stereo studio unit, but it's 1RU, likely durable, and certainly high end performing.

There's always Empirical Labs, hard to wrong there.

 

[chessrocks]

SPL DynaMaxx
Drawmer DL241-XLR Auto-Compressor/Limiter/Gate

half-rack:
FMR Audio PBC-6A Mono Compressor
Safe Sound Audio Audio P1

 

[JohnDavisNYC]

hmmm... dbx160 is hard to go wrong if you just want a little squish... most versatile would probably be a Distressor.

Also, it's a stereo comp, but the Drawmer 1968ME is an amazing compressor, and can be aggressive or super transparent... not sure if i'd want to take it on the road, though.

Chandler has some great comps, but they might be out of your price range.

john

 

[bongomania]

If you want clean, uncolored control, look into the Ashly CLX-52.

 

[lowfreq33]

The Chameleon Labs is great, but very colored IMO. The Distressor is fantastically versatile, and can do clean, but a hair over your budget at $1249.

 

[Gladowsky]

If you want clean, uncolored control, look into the Ashly CLX-52.

Thanks for the tip. I looked over the CLX-52 manual. How would the 2-channel compressor fit into my chain?:

Demeter HBP-1J => QSC PLX1104 => 2 Bag End D10BXDs

Would it be put through the effects loop of the Demeter or as an Input from the Demeter / Output to QSC?

 

[bongomania]

I would put it in series between the preamp and power amp. You would typically only use one channel of the comp, but there can be cases where you could use both.

 

[Gladowsky]

I would put it in series between the preamp and power amp. You would typically only use one channel of the comp, but there can be cases where you could use both.

Thanks for the tip. I've read your reviews & tips at your website. Very helpful!

I put in an order for the Ashly CLX-52.

There was a 1-star review at Musicians Friend from June-2010:

Ashly Audio CLX-52 2-Channel Peak Compressor/Limiter: Product Reviews | Musician's Friend


There was a very negative review at Music123 from April-2008 but I'm hoping that was a defective unit:

Link Removed