dbx 162 Anygood or

[Aearth]

I have a chance of getting one of these to add to my compressor collection which is pretty poor at the moment. I've been using plugins (TDM) and really i'm over them.
What I have are 2 x 1176 and the compressor on the 737 and then there are the plugins.
So what about the dbx 162. I wouldn't mind something vintage.
Around the same money is the LTD-2, Distressor and there is the new UA LA-610 (compressor with a 610 pre thrown in).



Nick

[Ruudman]

162 is good, yes thumbsup

But it's a stereo unit with only one set of controls.
Personally I love the DBX sound.


ruudman

[airmate]

are you talking about the vintage 162, or the new one?

[Aearth]

Originally posted by airmate
are you talking about the vintage 162, or the new one?

Vintage 162



Nick

[airmate]

in my opinion, it's a great compressor!

also try to use it in conjunction with the 1176. take the urei as a compressor (4:1) and let it run through the dbx as a peak limiter. great results on extremely dynamic vocals...

i very often do this with my 1178 and dbx 160sl (new unit).

[airloom]

I can't believe I found a thread about this compressor where the first thread doesn't misidentify as the stereo version of another compressor.
This thing rules and is a the best drum buss compressor when you don't include the kick drum (which I never do).
Also great for tracking guitars, piano and it is great on even vocals that don't really need compression.
Haven't tried it on bass yet, but due to my experiences with low end stuff, I won't be trying too soon.

I shouldn't have posted this. I don't own this unit yet and the price may go up

[gear is cool]

The 162 sound great on stereo AC guitar.
I haven't tried it out for many other sources - maybe its time to...

[gogar]

I have one and like it a lot on drum sub or just kissing an acoustic or something, as mentioned. If you try to get the meter to move a lot you might end up getting yourself in trouble.

[Aisle 6]

+1 using it on stereo acoustic guitars...and yes the metering is not accurate. If the needle is moving then the compressor is definitely hitting the source. You have to listen.
Funny that.

[Third Eye]

We have two 162s here (actually 3-but only 2 in the rack) and really like them!! We'll use them on stereo room mics when tracking and we use it a lot when mixing, usually on kick drum. After reading these posts, I'm excited to try it on acoustic guitar!!

[sage691]

I use it pretty much exclusively for paralell comp on stereo acoustic guitars.

Amazing how in dense, loud rock mixes you can still clearly hear those sweet acoustics strumming away