Please advise!!! Need live compressor now!!!

[YRLK]

Hello.

A buddy of mine got an approval for 2 decent channels of vocal compression for a live rig, and my budget is about 700 dollars max.

Problem is, they could really use some compression on the drums and bass as well, so I'm thinking that I should just get a used Presonus ACP88 and be done with it.

My concern, however, is if the ACP88 works well on vocals, or if I should go another route like getting two FMR RNC's or RNLA's ??? or can I really count on the ACP88 to deliver for both vocals and drums well? What about something from TL Audio??? Are those going to slam the ACP88's for vocals?

Also... I'd prefer it if these had more of a vocal character and/or studio quality sound if possible.

PLEASE HELP!!!

Thanks! Brad

[maxpidge]

for a live rig the acp88 does a fine job, i'd stay away from there noide gates if your recording though...kinda noisy...

[Ken Paul]

If I had 700 I'd buy a used ACP88 and a DBX166XL. You might even have change left... Nothing fancy but they'll still be working when you get home.

-kp

[Rappy]

Be careful on the used Presonus ACP88s. I've used at least half a dozen of these units that had bad channels. When they get a little old, the meters on some channels start flashing even when you don't have an insert cable plugged in, and they stop passing signal. If you buy one used, make sure the unit was babied and try it out before hand, or get a warranty. When working, they are okay for vocals, but the attack knob is very sensitive. They go from transparent to heavily compressed very quickly, without a lot of finesse. Better with the soft knee engaged, but still not my first choice for vocals. I'll use them if that's all I've got, though.

The FMR RNC is a nice comp, but I think it is unbalanced. It would probably be fine for live use, but you might want to talk to someone who has used them live and see what they think.

dbx 166 and 266 are decent meat and potatoes live compressors. They don't knock your socks off, but they do the job and are pretty rugged. These might be your best bet.

I don't recommend tube units for live use.

Drawmer makes excellent comps for vocals or anything, if you can afford one.

Peace,

Rappy

[YRLK]

Hey Guys,

So I'm kinda thinking about just getting a TLA50 or maybe even that new Chameleon Audio dual compressor coming soon. Reason being, I tend to hate live compressors. I'm sure that the ACP88 is awesome on drums, but unless someone tells me that it will suffice for vocals well enough, I'd really like to get a nice vocal compressor. I've heard the TLA50 in action in live environments, and it sounds GREAT.

I still plan on getting them an ACP88 eventually for drums, etc., but again... maybe I should just go with the TLA for vocals? What do you guys think?

And which model Drawmer is worth it?

This guy's vocal - by the way - is typically a bit bitey and harsh, so I figure something tube and opto-like will do a bit of smoothing to it. At least, that's how my ELOP works.

Brad

[subspace]

A pair of dbx 160XTs should run you around $500 used, and are not uncommon as A-list dynamics inserts...

[bluesman714]

I'm using the FMR RNC for live vocals in "really nice" mode & it works! Sounds sooooooo much better than the stuff in the rack belonging to the club where I mix. Excellent even on cookie monster vocals. Takes the edge off biting vocal. They are so affordable, The first one I bought sounded so good, I bought another.

[YRLK]

Hey Guys,

I ended up purchasing a TLA-50. I want to prove that compressors can really help with the mix, and I've heard the TLA-50 in action before. Is it a little higher priced? Yeah, I think so... but for $440 shipped, and knowing that it will work, I feel like I made a good decision. I want to focus on the lead vocalist right now as that's the biggest complaint right now - he's very dynamic, so this should help smooth things out a bit.

I do expect to get more funds to purchase additional compressors for drums and some backup vocalists. When I do, I will be keeping all your thoughts and suggestions in mind. Thanks so much! It's great to come on here with a problem and have a bunch of people sharing their thoughts... even if I didn't follow them this time, it's always good to know more for future reference, because like I said, this isn't the only solution needed... it's just the most necessary for now.

Thanks guys!

Brad