Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

[NT02]

I have this idea to record about 12 songs and burn some cds for friends and family, around Xmas time. I want the sound to be half way decent, and I'm thinking that using compression will help.

I've narrowed my choices down to 2 considerations: Behringer MDX 2600 Composer Pro XL and DBX 266xl. I imagine they are about the same quality. I have read positive and negative reviews on both. I have read a lot about how DBX colors the sound and is more of an effect than a compressor. But I also see more DBX than anything else in live sound racks. The Behringer seems to offer more for the money.

Funds are limited, so I'm going cheap. I have some credit with Musician's Friend, so that's where I'll be getting my goods. Or else I would consider a used RNC.

I really have no experience with compressors, and welcome all suggestions. Thanks!

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

Can you explain what you are going to record and how etc.?

 

[NT02]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

Sure. I have an acoustic guitar, several electrics with a few different amps that I mic up with the SM57 and a couple of cheap condenser mics. I also use these mics for vocals. I run the mics through the MAudio Audio Buddy, to my 6 channel mixer, to my MAudio Audiophile Soundcard on the pc, where I record using Guitar Tracks Pro. I also use An Alesis SR-16 for drums and a Yamaha keyboard. The music will have a mix of all of these. Here is a link to an example of what it might be like, something I recorded a few months back:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=605320&songID=4474448

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

My favorite outboard compressor for vox/acoustics, aside from the Empirical Labs Distressor, is by far the RNC. Awesome little unit!

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

Okay. A cheap compressor is going to be cheap no matter what you buy, I personally like Joe Meek for the cheap stuff but take a look at PreSonus too. Use just enough to tame the signal a bit on your vocals like a 2:1 ratio and you can do the same on your other tracks if you want, no rules. Also skip running through your mixer and go Instrument > Audio Buddy > Compressor > Audiophile card if you want. You can add more compression later when mixing if your software has one.

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

I know it's not exactly a compressor, but the best cheap compression/warmth I've found is the ART TPS tube preamp. The OPL presets have a useful 60's sounding comp/limiter. Very musical and friendly.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

The Alesis nano Comp can be had for very cheap. Check ebay.

 

[NT02]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

Thanks for the suggestions. Any more are welcome!

 

[baritone]

Re: Best Cheap Compressor for Recording?

I have the DigiTech Main Squeeze stomp box. It was designed in conjunction with DBX, and it sounds pretty cool. The key to using compressors effectively is to keep the settings subtle, so they are almost unnoticeable. And the Main Squeeze has a separate output for connecting direct to a recorder or something without an amp.