Author Topic: Rack mount compressor - suggestions? (Read 539 times)

musikill · « **on:** February 02, 2004, 05:42:05 PM »

I have been using an Ashley SC-50 limiter/compressor for 20 years and it has finally started to fail. I have not paid any attention to new compressors since I didn't need one, but now faced with replacing the SC-50, I have been overwhelmed with the number of brands and configurations available. I don't need a 25 knob stereo with reverse flow plumbing and optional auto-pilot/indoor grill. But I want a single channel rack mount unit. I would really appreciate any suggestions you might have to offer.
Thanks,
greg

lindoom · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2004, 09:06:40 PM »

the DBX 163 over easy compressor is very simple very small and inexpensive

essencetimestwo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2004, 09:33:10 PM »

I think it is called an Emperical Labs Distressor. Somebody out there can correct me if I am wrong. It is the one with the big white knobs on it. Magical! I wish I could afford one. Marcus Miller has one in his setup. Way cool. Check it out

essenceman · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2004, 03:13:45 AM »

I use an Alesis Nanocompressor. It's only 1/3 rack size, but it does the job and it doesn't cost the earth!

Here's the link:
http://www.alesis.com/products/nanocompressor/index.html

palembic · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2004, 03:42:20 AM »

Brother Rob.

I'll try to load the Alesis picture as an example. No ...not to show off me loading pictures but just as a didactic help for you all to explain me what in fact a compressor is doing. Well ..I KNOW he is lifting dips and cutting peaks but ...that related to the knobs here.
Can you clear this out for me please?

Paul the bad one

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2004, 04:49:07 AM »

Brother Paul TBO,

I'm no expert, and I don't know the Alesis, but I think in ordinary language it goes a little like this:

Threshold translates as drempel: it is the minimum level for the output signal. If the signal starts out above that level then the compressor won't bite at the start of the signal, else it amplifies the signal to the threshold level. As you turn this up, you should start noticing the compression more and more.

Ratio is how flat you want the output signal to be, like the dynamic range you want to allow in the output signal. Turn this up to get a less natural sound, or when you get tired ;-)

Attack sets the time it takes to reach the peak level. As you turn it up, your notes will sound increasingly lazy.

Release (I may be entirely wrong here, but okay ...) sets the time it takes before the unprocessed signal takes over from the processed signal.

Hard/Soft sets the compressor's manners (aggressive or civilized).

Peak/RMS sets what you're seeing on the LEDs on the left: RMS shows the average signal strength, Peak will show (surprise, surprise) the signal peaks.

Input/Output is for the LEDs on the right, which kind of show the amount of compression in the output signal or the dynamics of the input signal (I guess).

(Message edited by Adriaan on February 24, 2004)

effclef · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2004, 05:17:25 AM »

Here you go, Essencetimestwo:

http://www.empiricallabs.com/

EffClef

David Houck · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2004, 05:41:45 AM »

Paul; I thought about it for awhile and decided I couldn't explain it. So I went looking and found this excellent article which increased my understanding of what the compressor is doing:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/Articles/Compression/

palembic · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2004, 06:00:21 AM »

Well ...printing time again I guess.

Brothers and sisters ...I have No -abosultely zip/nada/niente/nul- technical background so I am afraid this article will be close to japanese for me. I suggest I read it first than -als hij dat goedvind- I'll do a mail to Brother Adriaan or Brother Edwin to translate the lingo in just plain understandable flemish.
Iedereen akkoord???
Hurrah!!

I REALLY like this club.
Watch me when I'll be grown I'll be a real bass-player LOL!!!!!!

Paul the bad one

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2004, 06:41:34 AM »

Paul;

Some guitar and bass players use compressors as an effect, i.e. by turning up the ratio and the release they can get an interesting sqeezed and sustained sound. If you like a clean natural tone, this is probably not what you want to do. I suppose this is useful for heavy metal playing; I don't know, I'm just guessing; I don't play that style.

I use a variety of right hand techniques, from barely touching the strings to heavy thumb attacks and finger plucks, which results in a wide dynamic range. For me, the compressor is useful in controlling that wide range for both the protection of my speakers and for sending a useful signal to the PA. If your right hand technique is fairly consistent dynamically you may not need a compressor for this purpose.

A lot of players don't like compressors, and don't like preamps with built-in compressors, because they feel that the compressor only takes away from the natural tone of their instruments. And I think they have a very good point.

The way my compressor is set up it only really takes effect when I'm attacking the strings aggressively. When I'm playing a normal finger style, the compressor doesn't do much. But if I suddenly pop my thumb hard on an open E, the compressor's gain reduction comes into play.

I like the clean natural tone that my Alembics and F-1X give me; and I don't think the compressor does anything to enhance that tone. I certainly understand why some players do not use a compressor. I just feel that with my playing style it's a good idea to have a compressor controlling the dynamic range.

essenceman · « **Reply #10 on:** February 24, 2004, 10:55:46 AM »

Hi Paul,

As you asked me to try to explain how compressors work, it only seems fair that I give it a go. The Alesis Nanocompressor handbook is really helpful here ? it has suggested settings for different uses, even bass!

Adriaan is pretty close in his post ? THRESHOLD sets the level at which compression will begin. As long as the signal level is below the Threshold level, it will not be compressed. Once the signal goes above the Threshold, compression starts (this is how Davehouck uses it with his thumbed E string), How much compression depends on the Ratio setting. For example if the RATIO is set to 6:1, the signal level will have to be 6 decibels above the threshold for the output level (what you hear) to rise by 1 decibel.

ATTACK is the length of time before compression starts and RELEASE controls the length of time before compression stops. Using these controls together sensibly can make compression work really smoothly.

The HARD and SOFT knee settings determine how compression starts. HARD knee only applies compression above the threshold, SOFT knee brings it in gradually (less noticeably) from just below the threshold. The picture below should help with this. As to the PEAK/RMS Adriaan is right on the money.

Just out of interest my settings are:
Threshold set so only the peaks are compressed (around 0dB)
Ratio set at 4:1
Peak/RMS set at Peak
Attack is set at 9 o?clock
Release set at 10 o?clock

Hope this helps
Rob

(Message edited by essenceman on February 24, 2004)

(Message edited by essenceman on February 24, 2004)

palembic · « **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2004, 11:08:37 AM »

Brothers Rob, Dave, Adriaan ...

unbelievable ...
I CAN FOLLOW this.
I'am an INTELLIGENT bassplayer ...well ...let's not overreact here.
I am interested because I like to switch plucking style in 1 song: so going from parts plucked to parts slapped.
When everything is set on Tweak Peaks for the plucking ...the moment I hit the strings with my thumb ...gosh!!!
OTOH ...I don't want to have my more silent playing being cranked up, only the top flatted between a reasobable range.
So I guess I have a compressor to add to my loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong wish list.
When I'm grown up ...just you wait!!!

Paul the bad one

Again ...I LOVE this club!!!

hollis · « **Reply #12 on:** February 24, 2004, 11:46:07 AM »

Thanks for all the explainations.

It seems I've been reinventing the wheel in yet another phase of my oh so limited understanding of sound reproduction...

The Harmony Central article really helped me to understand why I've been turning the knobs the way I have for so long! Thanks Dave!

It's not only Alembic Instruments that are clearing the fog, the folks in this club have taught me so much useful information that can be resonably applied.......Thanks!

Hollis

I too LOVE this club!!!

essenceman · « **Reply #13 on:** February 24, 2004, 05:01:35 PM »

Paul & Hollis, you are both welcome.

I agree with you in your love for this club. We make friends, even if we don't meet, (which would be great!!). Most important of all, though, is that we keep on learning from each other and through each other.

Long may it last.

Rob

thebass · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2004, 02:01:37 AM »

I am using the TC Electronics Triple C Compressor (Mono) in my rack for 3 years. It is a 3-Band compressor with 60+ factory presets and 100 user presets. The sound is absolutely brilliant and noiseless. Due to the (named) user presets there is no time consuming tweaking required on stage or in the studio. By using the Midi interface it's software is even upgradeable (did it once, worked fine). I am only using the Triple C less and lesser since I play more often now.

More informations are available here http://www.tcelectronic.com/Triple-C