New compressor

[nampas91]

Hi, Im looking to buy a rackmount compressor. I'm going cheap here, looking to spend less than $150, and was wondering if anyone has some experience/ideas about compressors in this range.
I'm currently leaning towards the Alesis 3630. I'm aware this (and other entry level units) won't sound incredible, but they will do the job.

Suggestions and opinions would be appreciated.
Mark

[Renegade Studios]

Originally Posted by nampas91

Hi, Im looking to buy a rackmount compressor. I'm going cheap here, looking to spend less than $150, and was wondering if anyone has some experience/ideas about compressors in this range.
I'm currently leaning towards the Alesis 3630. I'm aware this (and other entry level units) won't sound incredible, but they will do the job.

Suggestions and opinions would be appreciated.
Mark

Check out the TC Electronic c300 its in that price range and has some nice features...

[sparqee]

I'm not an equipment snob but I do feel that the Alesis 3630 has no real place in a modern studio unless you're after a lo-fi effect. It has it's uses in a live rig but I tried and tried to get several different condenser mics to sound good through it and they always came through as boxy sounding, and that was with a minimum of compression.

For $175 you can get an RNC by FMR Audio. This thing is a completely pro quality stereo compressor. No one believes it because they are so cheap but it is a fabulously transparent compressor that does everything from smooth to extreme. If you want a more "characterful" compression sound there is the RNLA also by FMR Audio for $225. It sounds more like a classic Opto compressor. Like the RNC it sounds great.

I'm sure there are other compressors in your price range but I give the RNC my highest rating.

p.s. Mercenary Audio is a great place to order equipment. Once you get it, you try it out and if you don't like it just send it back. They have a great return policy: Mercenary Audio - FMR Audio Really Nice Compressor

[nampas91]

Thanks for the responses. I've never heard of the FMR, I'll check it out.

[brandondrury]

My experience is limited to just a few hardware compressors, but based on what I've heard I'd avoid the Alesis like the plague and hop on the RNC in a second.

Brandon

[Renegade Studios]

I also heard great things about the FMR RNC ... Me thinks that will be the best thing you can get at the moment... I know a few folks that swear by it. That and the RNP which is the preamp... Only thing is its a Single Channel.

[tacman7]

Fmr Rnp-rnc +1

[scribe]

Hey there,

Ive got a question in regards to the FMR RNLA. I have done a bit of reading on it on the FMR site but am confused about something. Is this a stereo unit (It has left and right ins and outs but one set of controls)? So what signal actually drives it? is it a mono sum of the left and right?

How have you got it patched into your desk. for eg over a stereo buss?

Thanks

[sparqee]

You are correct, the detection unit looks at a summed L+R signal to determine the amount of reduction to apply to the stereo input. This is a typical arrangement for a compressor that is called a "stereo compressor". Those compressors that have two input/outputs and have two discrete detection units are typically called a "dual mono compressor". Such units often have a switch that allows them to function as either a stereo linked compressor or a dual mono compressor.

I typically use my RNC & RNLA as mono compressors while tracking. I occasionally hook up RNC on my 2bus but not so often.

[scribe]

Originally Posted by sparqee

You are correct, the detection unit looks at a summed L+R signal to determine the amount of reduction to apply to the stereo input. .

Thanks for the reply. Is this what is referred to as a mid side compressor, such as the Joe Meek MC2. Any info on mid side compression would be great.

Actually, I might start a new thread on that.

Cheers....