Best cheap compressor

fragilo · 7th February 2008, 11:52 AM

I know I know, it's been asked a million times, but Iwanted to clarify: best compressor that has a full frequency response and open full sound while still being able to warm and squash things up in an effect-y way like an 1176, distressor and valley people.

Basically, something cheap new or used (200-500$) that you don't notice a signal change when you patch it in with no compression, but which generates noticeable attack/ release and gain makeup upon tweaking and can do cool things with drums, guitars and vocals. I have transparent operating compressors, need more fun out of this one.

I already know the sound of DBX and Alesis, as well as presonus, Alto, and focusrite, looking for other options.

Any experiences are much appreciated! Thanks

aeonsound · 7th February 2008, 12:24 PM

i haven't used on myself, and i'm not sure if it's suited to your purposes, but i'm going to audition a Joe Meek MC2 later this month.

Joemeek

the other thing to consider would be a second hand Drawmer of some description; bargains pop up on Ebay occasionally.

Finstad · 7th February 2008, 12:55 PM

Aphex Expressor!!! I MUST have it on the snare drum!!
Good for everything. Transparent.

RNC, very good!!

Finstad

fragilo · 7th February 2008, 01:01 PM

Yeah, would be cool to find a rack of aphex dominators and expressors for around a grand, Aphex is really great for the price...

daillman · 7th February 2008, 01:34 PM

i like the art pro nla i dont know about how transparent it is but it sounds decent and levels in a very musical way...

Rev. Robb · 7th February 2008, 01:37 PM

dbx 160A | Sweetwater.com

This is a great compressor in your price range. Works very well on most things.

Keldog · 7th February 2008, 05:03 PM

+1 on the ART Pro VLA...

mfender · 7th February 2008, 05:12 PM

+1 RNC, or RNLA if you want something more coloured. They are an absolute steal.

mistarazor · 7th February 2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev. Robb

dbx 160A | Sweetwater.com

This is a great compressor in your price range. Works very well on most things.

+1

jaydeluca · 7th February 2008, 05:33 PM

+1 RNC

mahasandi · 7th February 2008, 05:52 PM

hey for the money :
rnc rnla dbx 119 aphex 651 old one
all great.but 1176- thing I wouldn't say.

EricF · 7th February 2008, 06:10 PM

For ~$200...

RNC, RNLA, ART Pro VLA

upinflames · 7th February 2008, 06:43 PM

RNC, RNLA, DBX 160, Valley People Dynamites, Symetrix 501, Effectron II...I'm sure there are more.

Lagerfeldt · 7th February 2008, 08:41 PM

FMR RNC is probably the best in terms of quality/price.

Don't push it too hard with bass and it'll start farting though.

EricF · 7th February 2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagerfeldt

FMR RNC is probably the best in terms of quality/price.

Don't push it too hard with bass and it'll start farting though.

That's where the RNLA comes in :)

Heartfelt · 7th February 2008, 10:11 PM

My Meek 3Q was awesome on snare in a live show. Talk about whack and crack...

kpaw · 7th February 2008, 10:22 PM

Toft DC-2. Two channels for around $400-450 used.
+1 on the RNC and RNLA

Kelly644 · 7th February 2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Basically, something cheap new or used (200-500$) that you don't notice a signal change when you patch it in with no compression, but which generates noticeable attack/ release and gain makeup upon tweaking and can do cool things with drums, guitars and vocals.

Have not tried it on GTRs or Vox, but the RNC does some cool stuff to drums. People say it's transparent but I've had no problem forcing it to shape sources like snares and overheads.

GeorgeJ · 7th February 2008, 11:44 PM

+1 for Meek - The one built into the TwinQ is tricky but when you get it - BAM.
New to it - but I think its nice. Support is great from Meek HQ as well.

DamnYankee · 8th February 2008, 12:14 AM

And the followup questions that've been asked a million times:

"What are you going to use it for?"

"Do you want something transparent or nasty & colored?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by fragilo

I know I know, it's been asked a million times, but Iwanted to clarify: best compressor that has a full frequency response and open full sound while still being able to warm and squash things up in an effect-y way like an 1176, distressor and valley people.

Basically, something cheap new or used (200-500$) that you don't notice a signal change when you patch it in with no compression, but which generates noticeable attack/ release and gain makeup upon tweaking and can do cool things with drums, guitars and vocals. I have transparent operating compressors, need more fun out of this one.

I already know the sound of DBX and Alesis, as well as presonus, Alto, and focusrite, looking for other options.

Any experiences are much appreciated! Thanks

acdctom92 · 8th February 2008, 12:31 AM

Didn't read, but dbx 1066.

fragilo · 8th February 2008, 01:18 AM

Looking for some forgotten or underrated cheapies that sound cool and do cool compression fx, but don't have the shittiest analog stages that make the sound nasaly or pinched.

fragilo · 8th February 2008, 01:23 AM

For instance I just picked up an Ashly SC50, and while limited in uses does do a certain cool smoothing while maintaining a hi def sound. I like that old warm 70s 80s electronics sound, with envelopes that really curve the source and make it juicy in some unique way.

peeder · 8th February 2008, 01:28 AM

http://www.music123.com/Ashly-CLX-52...73609.Music123

Currently $250 delivered. Not too shabby...I paid more for mine. Far better i/o than the RNC, and I think more mojo, but a little more tricky to get the hang of. Does not have true bypass and does color everything going through it however.

Audio Hombre · 8th February 2008, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finstad

Aphex Expressor!!! I MUST have it on the snare drum!!
Good for everything. Transparent.

the man speaketh the truth. other than that, ART VLA for your budget LA2A type vibe.slow and spongy.

LURCH · 10th February 2008, 04:27 AM

I would go with a DBX 160 xt hands down for cheap comps.

Most stuff for under $1000 sucks, there are few great comps

The RNC is ok, but not as good nor as fat and rich sounding.

The RNC can pump it pretty good!

You could get a stereo ART and severely mod it add transformers and Op Amps, but then it is still and ART and only worth half what you paid for it after all that work and cash out lay

Mods are over rated that way if you have to pay some over priced tech to do them.

If you got someone to do the mods who is cool ,and understands that then great.

The DBX 160XT is fully balanced and transformed from what I know, or the ones I have are!

They go for around$275- $350 for a good one on the crappy service know as ebay.

The 160 A is not good nor the same, the x is good, but you miss a bit of sound compared to the XT and lets face it balanced gear is worth it

Dbx turned into a crap sounding company a while back, Harmonized badly! Ha!

I know for a bit more the Chamilion Labs is cool, but it is a price jump

I still have not heard a great Chinese comp, I am sure they exist ,but?

I wish they would copy the Tube Tech, Avalon, Manley and GML stuff

If you ever crack one open you would see it would be pretty damm easy to copy

There is not a huge difference between most of the high end unit and a good techniques receiver from the 80's, A little better grade of cap and so on, but it hardly justifies the overly huge price tags

They would argue that the r and D high grade components, Bla Bla Bla, they all copied the best hear made years before they were on the block .

GML vrs Drawmer, sounds quite similar to me! Dry thin.

Go China, the most powerful nation on earth, for real!!

I also recommend the 160XT to a lot of my customers for home tracking of most things, vocals especially.

Any I also recommend not getting one stereo unit if you are limited to a couple compressors, get two of something like that Noah dude!

Mix is up, I am sure you record more than a couple tracks,,,, so think bout it!

Cheers

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7th February 2008, 11:52 AM	#1
fragilo Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 13	Best cheap compressor I know I know, it's been asked a million times, but Iwanted to clarify: best compressor that has a full frequency response and open full sound while still being able to warm and squash things up in an effect-y way like an 1176, distressor and valley people. Basically, something cheap new or used (200-500$) that you don't notice a signal change when you patch it in with no compression, but which generates noticeable attack/ release and gain makeup upon tweaking and can do cool things with drums, guitars and vocals. I have transparent operating compressors, need more fun out of this one. I already know the sound of DBX and Alesis, as well as presonus, Alto, and focusrite, looking for other options. Any experiences are much appreciated! Thanks

7th February 2008, 12:55 PM	#3
Finstad Gear nut Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Norway Posts: 77	Aphex Expressor!!! I MUST have it on the snare drum!! Good for everything. Transparent. RNC, very good!! Finstad __________________ www.toproomstudio.com

7th February 2008, 01:34 PM	#5
daillman Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: bartow florida Posts: 407	i like the art pro nla i dont know about how transparent it is but it sounds decent and levels in a very musical way... __________________ words often pale in comparison to the reality behind them.

7th February 2008, 01:37 PM	#6
Rev. Robb Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 353	dbx 160A \| Sweetwater.com This is a great compressor in your price range. Works very well on most things. __________________ Respectfully, Robb

7th February 2008, 12:24 PM	#2
aeonsound Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 247	i haven't used on myself, and i'm not sure if it's suited to your purposes, but i'm going to audition a Joe Meek MC2 later this month. Joemeek the other thing to consider would be a second hand Drawmer of some description; bargains pop up on Ebay occasionally.

7th February 2008, 01:01 PM	#4
fragilo Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 13	Yeah, would be cool to find a rack of aphex dominators and expressors for around a grand, Aphex is really great for the price...

7th February 2008, 05:03 PM	#7
Keldog Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nevada Posts: 185	+1 on the ART Pro VLA... __________________ some air came outta my butt. myspace/doghausrecords

7th February 2008, 05:12 PM	#8
mfender Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 162	+1 RNC, or RNLA if you want something more coloured. They are an absolute steal.

7th February 2008, 05:33 PM	#10
jaydeluca Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boston/Orlando Posts: 105	+1 RNC __________________

7th February 2008, 05:52 PM	#11
mahasandi Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 675	hey for the money : rnc rnla dbx 119 aphex 651 old one all great.but 1176- thing I wouldn't say.

7th February 2008, 06:10 PM	#12
EricF Gear nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 77	For ~$200... RNC, RNLA, ART Pro VLA __________________ I'm not a complete idiot...some parts are still missing. SoundClick

7th February 2008, 06:43 PM	#13
upinflames Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 742	RNC, RNLA, DBX 160, Valley People Dynamites, Symetrix 501, Effectron II...I'm sure there are more. __________________ The Studio is moving and tracking starts on two albums next week!

7th February 2008, 08:41 PM	#14
Lagerfeldt Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Posts: 2,212	FMR RNC is probably the best in terms of quality/price. Don't push it too hard with bass and it'll start farting though. __________________ Producer & engineer Apple Certified Pro for Logic Pro Popmusic.dk my production company Hit Kit V3 Sample CD urban & electronic beat production - used on Billboard #1 hits (recently on: Katy Perry, Britney, Usher, Jordin Sparks, Leona Lewis, Sugababes, The Pussycat Dolls

7th February 2008, 10:11 PM	#16
Heartfelt Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 417	My Meek 3Q was awesome on snare in a live show. Talk about whack and crack... __________________ Robert Smith http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/heartfelt www.myspace.com/heartfeltdigital

7th February 2008, 10:22 PM	#17
kpaw Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,470	Toft DC-2. Two channels for around $400-450 used. +1 on the RNC and RNLA __________________ http://www.myspace.com/kpawalker "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies...a theft from those who hunger and are not fed." --Dwight D. Eisenhower, speech, 1953 "People were angry that I spoke the truth. There was a double standard applied to the finest candidate I ever supported for President." --Bill Clinton, about the press handling of Hillary and Barack, GMA interview.

7th February 2008, 11:44 PM	#19
GeorgeJ Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 42	+1 for Meek - The one built into the TwinQ is tricky but when you get it - BAM. New to it - but I think its nice. Support is great from Meek HQ as well.

8th February 2008, 12:31 AM	#21
acdctom92 Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 304	Didn't read, but dbx 1066.

8th February 2008, 01:18 AM	#22
fragilo Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 13	Looking for some forgotten or underrated cheapies that sound cool and do cool compression fx, but don't have the shittiest analog stages that make the sound nasaly or pinched.

8th February 2008, 01:23 AM	#23
fragilo Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 13	For instance I just picked up an Ashly SC50, and while limited in uses does do a certain cool smoothing while maintaining a hi def sound. I like that old warm 70s 80s electronics sound, with envelopes that really curve the source and make it juicy in some unique way.

8th February 2008, 01:28 AM	#24
peeder Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,539	http://www.music123.com/Ashly-CLX-52...73609.Music123 Currently $250 delivered. Not too shabby...I paid more for mine. Far better i/o than the RNC, and I think more mojo, but a little more tricky to get the hang of. Does not have true bypass and does color everything going through it however.

10th February 2008, 04:27 AM	#26
LURCH Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4	Cheap Comps I would go with a DBX 160 xt hands down for cheap comps. Most stuff for under $1000 sucks, there are few great comps The RNC is ok, but not as good nor as fat and rich sounding. The RNC can pump it pretty good! You could get a stereo ART and severely mod it add transformers and Op Amps, but then it is still and ART and only worth half what you paid for it after all that work and cash out lay Mods are over rated that way if you have to pay some over priced tech to do them. If you got someone to do the mods who is cool ,and understands that then great. The DBX 160XT is fully balanced and transformed from what I know, or the ones I have are! They go for around$275- $350 for a good one on the crappy service know as ebay. The 160 A is not good nor the same, the x is good, but you miss a bit of sound compared to the XT and lets face it balanced gear is worth it Dbx turned into a crap sounding company a while back, Harmonized badly! Ha! I know for a bit more the Chamilion Labs is cool, but it is a price jump I still have not heard a great Chinese comp, I am sure they exist ,but? I wish they would copy the Tube Tech, Avalon, Manley and GML stuff If you ever crack one open you would see it would be pretty damm easy to copy There is not a huge difference between most of the high end unit and a good techniques receiver from the 80's, A little better grade of cap and so on, but it hardly justifies the overly huge price tags They would argue that the r and D high grade components, Bla Bla Bla, they all copied the best hear made years before they were on the block . GML vrs Drawmer, sounds quite similar to me! Dry thin. Go China, the most powerful nation on earth, for real!! I also recommend the 160XT to a lot of my customers for home tracking of most things, vocals especially. Any I also recommend not getting one stereo unit if you are limited to a couple compressors, get two of something like that Noah dude! Mix is up, I am sure you record more than a couple tracks,,,, so think bout it! Cheers

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