dbx project 1 286 over female vocal for live band - opinions?

[LukeSnarl]

Hi all

not sure if this is the right place for this question but....

I mix a band and usually put compressors over the vocalists. I use what ever compressors are provided by the venue or production company.

Recently we played a gig when there was a dbx project 1 286 mic-pre/comp in the rack and I inserted it over the female vocalist. It sounded great. I didn't however use the mic pre in the unit. Although I suppose I could have if I could have been bothered to unplug the channel input and route it over to the comp rack.
I really liked the way the LF and HF detail sexied up the voice and the compression itself was really effective without 'flattening' the voice.

The band is in the position where they are looking at buying a nice vocal compressor/processor for this band member - or at least spec'ing one to be provided. However their budget is more than the cost of a 2nd hand 286.

So I have a few questions:

1. what is the difference between the dbx 286a (available new) and the (older I presume) dbx project 1 286??

2. what other devices would people suggest I considered for this application either in the same price range or even at 5 or 10 times the price?

many thanks oh live gurus and apologies once again if this is the wrong place to ask live sound questions....
:L uke, out.

[Jim vanBergen]

Hey Luke,

Welcome to the Remote forum. This really IS the best place to ask live questions, but I would also suggest you:

1) check out Pro Sound Web and live-audio.com for additional resources on live reinforcement. Good stuff!

2) do a search for low end compressors here on GS. What price point are you looking for? I saw dbx 286a at Sweetwater for $199, and that's pretty inexpensive in this world.

in your search for low end comps, (low referring to PRICE, not QUALITY!) you'lll see a lot of mention of ART VLA (tube comps) as well as the RNC and RNVLA, (solid state and tube comps respectively) that are inexpensive yet sound really good. You'll also see a lot of people saying dbx 160! I agree with that. The folks who tell you to spend upwards of $1000/channel for live sound comps (me included!)...well, disregard them until you really want to spend the $$. I can tell you, having traveled with Distressors, Purple Audio /1176, LA2As, Gainryders, Manley and Summit comps, you will love the sound but right now, a VALUE compressor will suit you best.


3) Having said that, dbx comps are among the most popular in the live sound world, and offer some amazing bang for the buck. Look for a dbx 160 used (there are MANY flavors- 160a, 160t, etc but most of them are great), or a 266, and see how they fare in terms of price. The 266 is a two channel comp that has a lot of flexibility and "the" dbx sound you're looking for...and I assume, you were working in 'overeasy' mode?

As far as specifying a great compressor, there is nothing wrong with specifying a dbx 160 as a vocal comp, but you might suggest BSS, Drawmer, or a Distressor - at least listed as options to a dbx 160 on her vocal channel. dbx is pretty much the standard in both live FOH and broadcast trucks. But you can find some gems, like the VLA, RNC, and I think the low end Presonus stuff has had some good reviews. There is a LOT to read about this before you drop your $$.

Last suggestion, try NOT to settle on something cheap (like an Alesis 3630 or a Behringer anything!) without trying it on her voice. When you go super-low end, you'll be sorely disappointed and it's an expensive lesson.

I hope this helps!

best of luck,

Jim