Best (and cheapest) stereo compression

[vhaghar]

I'm looking for a stereo compressor (or a set of 2 SUPER cheap compressors). Basically I'm wondering in anyone's experience, what is the cheapest, and most versatile compressor in the uber-cheap price range? I've read some surprisingly good reviews of the ART PRO VLA II, and I was also wondering about some of the cheaper dbx models?
I intern at a pro studio with a couple dbx 160A's that I love the sound of on a couple things, but sadly don't have the cash to get those at home. I've got a few decent compressor plug-ins, but I'm feeling the need for some hardware goodness (even if its cheap goodness). Any advice (or further reviews of the VLA II, my best option at the moment) would be appreciated.

[vhaghar]

edit: Cheapest, most versatile *and best!*

[enroper]

Fmr rnc

[soul&folk]

I'm in the middle of a similar search. I recently bought a FMR RNC (keep in mind it will require rewiring some cables. If you're feeding it balanced cables, they will need to be modded at the RNC input side. Also, when you send out of the RNC to a balanced source, you're going to need another pair of similar cables. I tried to just use TS cables into the RNC from a balanced output and it was humming.)

Another direction to go, from what I've learned from lots of online reading, is a used symetrix 501 (one channel only and their mostly good for bass and not so recommended for vocals.) or a used Ashly.

There are various models of older symetrix and ashly - some 1 channel, some 2, and they don't all have all the typical controls you'd expect on a compressor. Despite that, even those lacking in all the assumed needed controls have earned lots of praise.

I can't speak from experience because I'm searching for the same thing.

I do own 2 pairs of symterix preamps (sx202). They're quite inexpensive and I am extremely pleased with them! They have far exceeded what I paid for them. Lots of clean gain and a wonderful match for acoustic guitars.

[antilog]

FMR RNC is a good utility compressor, and don't be turned away by fears of cable modding. I've had no such problems with mine.

Also, since the VLA II is out, there's a bit of VLA I's out there for sale, inexpensive.

IMO, an RNC + VLA is a good, complimentary combo.

[soul&folk]

Originally Posted by antilog

FMR RNC is a good utility compressor, and don't be turned away by fears of cable modding. I've had no such problems with mine.

Can you help me out here? Which preamps are you using? What kind of cables?
I was trying to send signals from the balanced outputs of the Electro Harmonix 12ay7 preamps with basic TS cables and that caused a hum.

[antilog]

Originally Posted by soul&folk

Can you help me out here? Which preamps are you using? What kind of cables?
I was trying to send signals from the balanced outputs of the Electro Harmonix 12ay7 preamps with basic TS cables and that caused a hum.

It looks like the 12AY7 preamp may not have an insert jack, which would help. According to the product page, EHX is claiming that shorting the ring to the sleeve should work (using a TS cable in the balanced TRS jack of the 12AY7), but if it is not working for you, you options are to get a different preamp, don't use the RNC on the 12AY7, or use some sort of adapter/transformer to balance the signal

Some good info here:
Sound System Interconnection

[warhead]

The ART PRO VLA II is well worth it on the cheap.

War

[soul&folk]

Originally Posted by antilog

It looks like the 12AY7 preamp may not have an insert jack, which would help. According to the product page, EHX is claiming that shorting the ring to the sleeve should work (using a TS cable in the balanced TRS jack of the 12AY7), but if it is not working for you, you options are to get a different preamp, don't use the RNC on the 12AY7, or use some sort of adapter/transformer to balance the signal

you meant to say unbalance the signal. Keep in mind the troublemaker here is the RNC which is unbalanced.

RNC acknowledges this
this is from their website:

Why is the RNC unbalanced instead of balanced?
You'd think the answer to this one would be a simple "to keep costs down". Although that's one of the reasons, there's another reason that's less obvious and the primary one: we designed the RNC to be used in home studios (like ours) made up primarily of unbalanced pieces. So, we designed it to easily interface to equipment usually found in the intended environment. For example, many home studios use mixing boards that have single Tip-Ring-Sleeve insert points on their input channels. We thought that it'd be neat, convenient and show unambiguous support for this studio type by allowing the RNC to be hooked directly to these inserts with single TRS cables. If the I/Os were balanced, we wouldn't be able to do that.


They're the ones who talk about the need to make the cables I described. This is from their website:

Connecting the RNC to balanced (XLR) equipment
Here are the cable connections necessary to hook up the RNC to balanced equipment that uses XLR connectors. (click on link below to see image provided by RNC)

[antilog]

Originally Posted by soul&folk

you me unbalance the signal. Keep in mind the troublemaker here is the RNC which is unbalanced.

RNC acknowledges this and they're the once who talk about the need to make the cables I described. This is from their website:

Connecting the RNC to balanced (XLR) equipment
Here are the cable connections necessary to hook up the RNC to balanced equipment that uses XLR connectors. (click on link below to see image provided by RNC)

The RNC is not the "troublemaker". It was designed that way. It's actually a feature, to easily patch into a insert point with one cable. The trouble arises from you trying to use it with the 12AY7, in a way that neither device was designed to be used. To use the 2 devices in the way you want, you need to do something special. I researched options for you, as posted above.

Good luck.

[soul&folk]

No need to get so defensive. My point was that if you have balanced outputs from your preamp (a good thing) you're going to need a workaround.

I'm looking forward to using the RNC, I have no regrets about buying it, but I'm giving people a heads up that it requires a workaround with professional balanced outputs which many, many top notch preamps have.

Chill

[Kronos147]

I picked up a Drawmer DL241 for pretty cheap. I like it a lot.

[RCM - Ronan]

Even though I own compressors costing almost 20 times as much, I still use the FMR Audio on every record I mix.

[mikethedrummer]

Im picking up an alesis 3630 tomorrow, ill let you know how it is.
I'm using it for a little bit of gain reduction going into the pres, 3:1 at tops, to give me some more room to work. I've heard its a transparent compressor, but very functional. Perfect for what im using it for.
Also shouldnt be more than $70 out the door tmw =p

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

Im picking up an alesis 3630 tomorrow, ill let you know how it is.
I'm using it for a little bit of gain reduction going into the pres, 3:1 at tops, to give me some more room to work. I've heard its a transparent compressor, but very functional. Perfect for what im using it for.
Also shouldnt be more than $70 out the door tmw =p

The Alesis 3630 is hands down the most universally disliked piece of audio gear the recording worlds has ever known.

[robertshaw]

Originally Posted by vhaghar

I'm looking for a stereo compressor (or a set of 2 SUPER cheap compressors). Basically I'm wondering in anyone's experience, what is the cheapest, and most versatile compressor in the uber-cheap price range? I've read some surprisingly good reviews of the ART PRO VLA II, and I was also wondering about some of the cheaper dbx models?
I intern at a pro studio with a couple dbx 160A's that I love the sound of on a couple things, but sadly don't have the cash to get those at home. I've got a few decent compressor plug-ins, but I'm feeling the need for some hardware goodness (even if its cheap goodness). Any advice (or further reviews of the VLA II, my best option at the moment) would be appreciated.

look on ebay for an old ashly, symetrix or dbx 160 etc...
much better than the new lowend offerings like FMR
and stuff like that. It's not as good as like a distressor or something but still great if you find the right model.

[SubwayRocket]

Originally Posted by rcm

The Alesis 3630 is hands down the most universally disliked piece of audio gear the recording worlds has ever known.

I had an OLD 3630, got it early 90's (used $50), we used to record funk, fusion jams with a mackie vlz --> stereo outs -->3630--->cool edit , for fun, it actually was decent. I couldn't figure out why so disliked on here. Anyway, its long gone. So last year my friend, a drummer, recording for fun got a "New" one. The new 3630 is definitely not the same, and not in a good way. He's got a Mackie 1642, Beta52, 57's, my old e100's, e200's, it's just not the same unit they made then, not that it ever was "pro level", but the old ones were decent for the money and the new ones (In my opinion, fwiw) I would avoid them or return it. Good luck whatever ya get!

edit: since this post, I ran into the guy I got the old 3630 from and he said he "modded" it.

[mikethedrummer]

Originally Posted by rcm

The Alesis 3630 is hands down the most universally disliked piece of audio gear the recording worlds has ever known.

lol

im dropping 2gs on a computer this week, cant really spring for much else for a bit. 70 on a cheapo compressor to get my levels cooler till i can get a distressor is no big deal.
if youve got something better you can sell me for 70 count me in =p

[ears2thesky]

IMO the 3630 degrades any audio passing through it. I used to have a couple of them many years ago, and when I heard how much less high-end it had in an A/B comparison to a dBx 266 I got rid of them immediately.
You could get away with using it for instrument rigs, but I wouldn't use it in any recording application unless "much lower-fi" is the color I'm seeking.

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

lol

im dropping 2gs on a computer this week, cant really spring for much else for a bit. 70 on a cheapo compressor to get my levels cooler till i can get a distressor is no big deal.
if youve got something better you can sell me for 70 count me in =p

I know I am Mr. Outboard and all, but I would definitely take the $69 Massey CT4 over the 3630 (if you are on pro tools that is)

[2Loud]

Originally Posted by robertshaw

look on ebay for an old ashly, symetrix or dbx 160 etc...
much better than the new lowend offerings like FMR
and stuff like that. It's not as good as like a distressor or something but still great if you find the right model.

Dont have the experience with Ashly or Symetrix, but you do - and from
what Ive read, you know both..how would you describe the differences with these and for example with latest FMR comp you quoted?

[Marion]

I used to own an alesis 3630.. and I loved it.. I may just get another one or two because of the price.. It makes anything you throw through it incredibly gritty, (particularlry breaks and such)

I'm in nostalgic mode, I want to rebuy all of the old gear I sold..
Marion

[moon_unit]

Best and cheapest?


Here you go.

I would trust this one for any level of project.

[mikethedrummer]

Originally Posted by rcm

I know I am Mr. Outboard and all, but I would definitely take the $69 Massey CT4 over the 3630 (if you are on pro tools that is)

Like I said, I just need to keep my levels under control so I can record things a little hotter
so mic>3630>pre>protools with a 3:1 ratio tops.
Unfortunately, in my current setup I doubt I have converters/monitors clear enough to even notice the minor sonic coloration the alesis will have.
I will NEVER make a converter trip just to use the alesis as an outboard.

Of course, I will a/b the 3630 w the hotter more controlled levels then mixed itb VS. the dry track direct in w.o compression then mixed itb
Ill let you guys know tonight maybe! Should be here already..

[soul&folk]

I own a 3630 and have used it for limiting when recording a loud band. I think it has done an acceptable job.

[soul&folk]

Originally Posted by moon_unit

Best and cheapest?


Here you go.

I would trust this one for any level of project.

there isn't a standard threshold on that unit. How would one go about using it as a limiter? Does that button/dial serve two functions?

[turtlejon]

3630 made audible (barely) "clicks" when strong transients hit. tried multiple units over a long period of time. might be "cool" as a special effect here and there, but i wouldn't use it for anything other than a novelty sound....

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

Like I said, I just need to keep my levels under control so I can record things a little hotter
so mic>3630>pre>protools with a 3:1 ratio tops.
.

Not to get too off topic and go into teacher mode, but there are two problems here worth mentioning.

1) The 3630 is a line level device, it is not meant to go between the mic and the pre.

2) Why are you trying to record your levels hot into pro tools? I can think of no upside to that. You are adding a device that will degrade your sound, so that you can record your levels hot (another thing that will most likely degrade your sound)

I am not a purist or anything, so if your approach gets you something that you think is cool, that is all that matters, but if you are trying to get things to sound "good" in a way that most people would describe it, its seems like you are working against your best interest.

[ThunderShepherd]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

Like I said, I just need to keep my levels under control so I can record things a little hotter
so mic>3630>pre>protools with a 3:1 ratio tops.
Unfortunately, in my current setup I doubt I have converters/monitors clear enough to even notice the minor sonic coloration the alesis will have.
I will NEVER make a converter trip just to use the alesis as an outboard.

Of course, I will a/b the 3630 w the hotter more controlled levels then mixed itb VS. the dry track direct in w.o compression then mixed itb
Ill let you guys know tonight maybe! Should be here already..

if the signal is peaking turn the gain down on the pre.

[RTR]

Originally Posted by mikethedrummer

Like I said, I just need to keep my levels under control so I can record things a little hotter
so mic>3630>pre>protools with a 3:1 ratio tops.
Unfortunately, in my current setup I doubt I have converters/monitors clear enough to even notice the minor sonic coloration the alesis will have.
I will NEVER make a converter trip just to use the alesis as an outboard.

Of course, I will a/b the 3630 w the hotter more controlled levels then mixed itb VS. the dry track direct in w.o compression then mixed itb
Ill let you guys know tonight maybe! Should be here already..

NO..3630 after the pre= mic>pre>3630>PT