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Topic: Good, Cheap Compressor? |
Ron Pruter
From:
Arizona, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 5:14 pm |
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I've been playing with a compressor to help smooth out what I do. It's just a cheap MXR two knob. Anyone else know of a good, CHEAP, colorless, compressor? Thanx. RP
_________________
Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112. |
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Michael Todd
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 5:22 pm Re: Good, Cheap Compressor?
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| Ron Pruter wrote: |
| I've been playing with a compressor to help smooth out what I do. It's just a cheap MXR two knob. Anyone else know of a good, CHEAP, colorless, compressor? Thanx. RP |
I wouldn't say MXR is cheap. I've been using a Boss CS-3 which I like because it has a tone control & you can pick them up for $50 on craigs list often. I have an older rack mount compressor/expander I like but it's a hassle without a rack.
The one everyone swears by of course are the Keeley 4 knob. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 7:43 pm
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I think a compressor is a poor substitute for seat time.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Jeremy Threlfall
From:
now in Western Australia
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Darrell Birtcher
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Posted 11 Mar 2015 9:27 pm
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| Gee whiz Ron, I've only got about two, maybe three jillion compressors. Come on over and try them out and see what works for you so you'll know exactly what to buy. I'm free next Wednesday. I might even sell you one...cheap. Bring your steel. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 5:21 am
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don't even fool around with floor pedals.. get one of these for less than $50- DBX 163X Over Easy..
used, they haven't been made in years...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DBX-163X-Over-Easy-Compressor-Limiter-Effects-Processor-accessory-kit-/161603830030?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25a056c10e#ht_60wt_1028
It is an ultra quiet and extremely efficient studio quality half rack unit that sits easily on any amp..
I realized just how good these units are when I saw them in at least 2 pro recording studios where money was not an issue, and they had top shelf gear stacked floor to ceiling.. When asked why they were using these small low priced DBX 163X units in million dollar studios,the replys were the same.. they did an excellent job, were super clean and quiet, and were very used friendly.. These are what I use.. They make even the best "floor pedal" comps look sad and silly.. Best bang for the buck in any compressor anywhere... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 7:41 am
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| To me, compressors take the expression out of your playing, making everything volume-equal. Some players use them to cover up deficiencies in technique, and that's really not desirable, IMHO. I feel beginners should avoid anything that covers up mistakes, such as compressors, chorus boxes, and excess vibrato. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 7:59 am
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| Donny Hinson wrote: |
| To me, compressors take the expression out of your playing, making everything volume-equal. Some players use them to cover up deficiencies in technique, and that's really not desirable, IMHO. I feel beginners should avoid anything that covers up mistakes, such as compressors, chorus boxes, and excess vibrato. |
Nope.. Most steel guitars you hear on recordings are compressed...
Might be during mixdown but the effect is the same... Compressors NEVER take the expression out of your playing unless you are using it improperly.. Thats like saying using distortion takes the expression away.. Sure it can if you use a highly saturated ultra overdrive.. However, using a little gritty drive can add a carload of expression to an other wise mundane sound... ANY effect can be used the wrong way... Compressors can improve a steel guitar sound when used with taste and restraint.. They can destroy it as well... Most of us have been around long enough to realize that you don't want a squashed sound.. You either understand the effect, use it the right way, or stay away from it... Some great steel players use compressors in their high dollar, high tech, high end steel guitar racks.... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Robert Parent
From:
Gillette, WY
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 12:52 pm
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I have used a dbx, half rack unit, with a single control knob for years. I believe its a 163x or something like that. Works great with steel.
Robert |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 12 Mar 2015 1:48 pm
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| Robert Parent wrote: |
I have used a dbx, half rack unit, with a single control knob for years. I believe its a 163x or something like that. Works great with steel.
Robert |
Correct- dbx 163x... It is a great unit,, Far superior to stomp boxes.. gets real smooth and clean recording studio quality compression, never that awful squashed sound the boxes get... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 5:11 am
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| Bob Carlucci wrote: |
Nope.. Most steel guitars you hear on recordings are compressed...Some great steel players use compressors in their high dollar, high tech, high end steel guitar racks.... bob |
Yes Bob, and I really don't consider that a good thing. (There hasn't been a nice, "lively", recording made in 35 years.) Compression ruins the nuances, and changes what could have been an artful painting into a one-dimensioned photograph. It may be great for tacky Tele stuff, but it sucks the life and dimension out of pedal steel, and music in general.
While I respect anyone who think today's recordings are better, I don't agree with them. (And that's whay I've kept my vinyl, and never considered an ipod.)  |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 5:16 am
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Donny, I understand where you are coming from, and in no way want a pissing match, you're too nice a guy!... However, just about anything ever recorded in the last 60 years has been compressed..
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rec.audio.pro/eu0CgUyFjdA
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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David Mason
From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
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Posted 13 Mar 2015 10:14 am
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Peavey DDT = compression.
Tube(s) = compression.
Any speaker run past around halfway = compression.
Any tube imitation (MosValve's mosfets etc.) = compression.
Any overdrive = compression.
The only time this matters to me is that some certain amount of compression may need to be added to a non-tube setup if you want either picking dynamics or a volume knob (or volume pedal) to "drive" into distortion without much change in volume; which is pretty much what tube amps DO for rock playing. If you make it sound bad, it is bad; if you make it sound good, head for the hills because the Tone Police are coming! 
Humid day = compression.
Old age = compression.
Earwax = compression.... |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 14 Mar 2015 1:45 am
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Discussions about Compressors sure brings out the best of us !
Although I do not use one for playing LIVE anymore, I have in the past after hearing both Buddies use one. If you have an older RED MXR Dynacomp, thats a niece little pedal. I did own one once, I either lost it, sold it or gave it away years ago.
I picked this one up at a Pawn Shop for $20 a couple of years ago, an off the wall brand but it sounded pretty good when I used it, 3 knob control.
The thing about compressors as an "effect" is , used very sparse they are nice and can add a little color , over used they are not nice anymore, they subtract from your overall sound.
If we practice with effects, it becomes part of what we do,how we play, how we execute, if we don't practice with effects and then use them on a gig we are not playing or executing the same as when we practiced.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 14 Mar 2015 6:50 am
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| I use a compressor for six string guitar but not on steel. No right if wrong here just a preference. |
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Michael Todd
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 15 Mar 2015 4:12 pm
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I notice whether my amp is class A (5-6 watts) or class AB >10 watts, more than if compressor is first signal processing in chain. The class A sounds more compressed at lower volumes than the class AB. I also notice more whether rectifier is diodes or a tube than a pre-amp compressor.
I'm finding many of the classic recordings I like used a very basic amp, like Tweed Deluxe with stock mass consumer electronics parts & stock speaker, cranked up to 6, with guitar plugged directly into amp. Any signal processing was done after the signal left the mic'ed cabinet. I would imagine the old tube compressors were quite different in the recording process than DSPs or even solid state.
That being said, I do agree that one day when I grow up, I will not depend so much on a compressor & delay for live playing! |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 16 Mar 2015 12:57 am
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| Michael Todd wrote: |
That being said, I do agree that one day when I grow up, I will not depend so much on a compressor & delay for live playing! |
Why ? If you like the sound of your playing and it's not overdone and adds some color, why would you not ?
Especially some delay, approx 300 ms , single slap at approx 15 or 20% mix.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Clete Ritta
From:
San Antonio, Texas
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Posted 17 Mar 2015 12:08 am
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| Len Amaral wrote: |
| I use a compressor for six string guitar but not on steel... |
Me too.  I never used to use a compressor, but since playing both steel and guitar thru the same amp, I've found a boost/compressor ideal for level matching my guitar to the PSG so the sound man doesn't take me off his christmas card list.
| Ron Pruter wrote: |
| ...Anyone else know of a good, CHEAP, colorless, compressor?... |
This Xotic SP is what I recently bought and I love it! The dry/wet blend knob is the secret to its transparency. 
 |
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Charlie Thompson
From:
South Carolina, USA
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Posted 17 Mar 2015 5:24 am Dbx 163
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Bob
Your comments interest me..Every compressor I've tried I did not like on steel. I found no useful sonic purpose. I would think that studios would be using them as peak limiters to insure that random loud sounds are distorted...What are you hearing from the DBX and what settings are you using?
Best
Charlie |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 21 Mar 2015 2:12 am
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The dbx 163x just doesn't have the squashed sound the floor pedals have.. Its very clean and natural.. Leaves all your picking/playing dynamics in place, and it doesn't sound processed, unless of course you max out the slider ... it only has 2 controls, a level which controls how much signal boost you want, and the aforementioned slider control which increases or decreases the compression itself..
As stated, I have personally seen guys in very expensive studios using these units in thier massive rigs, mostly for ease of use most likely.. The dbx 163 "over easy" compressor is the best compressor/limiter I have ever used for the price.. At about $50 or less used, they are a wonderful bargain... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Jerry Kippola
From:
UP Michigan, USA
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Posted 21 Mar 2015 12:37 pm
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| Compressor for recorded steel is necessary, but for live, i frankly hate the sound |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 21 Mar 2015 2:42 pm
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| Jerry Kippola wrote: |
| Compressor for recorded steel is necessary, but for live, i frankly hate the sound |
You haven't heard a steel through a moderately adjusted BOSS LMB-3 then. Oh, sorry, that's right, the LMB-3 isn't a real compressor since it doesn't "compress" the sound, it just "enhances" and "sustain" it. Most listener think I turn it on when I actually turn it off |
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Jerry Kippola
From:
UP Michigan, USA
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Posted 22 Mar 2015 4:51 am
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| The only compressor i've used live, and liked, was an La-2a,or 1176, both of which i have in my studio, |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 22 Mar 2015 5:30 am
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| Jerry Kippola wrote: |
| The only compressor i've used live, and liked, was an La-2a,or 1176, both of which i have in my studio, |
Fair enough. We all have our personal preferences.
Does any of those you mention happen to be in the "good, cheap" class, so they can be recommended to the original poster? |
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Waisznor
From:
Berlin, Germany
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Posted 23 Mar 2015 11:17 am dbx 163x
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I can confirm everything that Bob Carlucci has reported from the dbx 163x compressor. 
_________________
Horst Waisznor |
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