[Bitrex]

I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

[Trevor]

On 30/08/2015 10:16 AM, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I've used both 266 and 166. They seem to work pretty well for the money
IMO. Never used them to crush the hell out of drum loops though, but
they should have enough range for you to do that. I doubt you'll find
anything better for $200, but then I haven't used anything else in that
price range except perhaps an old Alesis, and the DBX is better.

Trevor.

[Scott Dorsey]

bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I think you would be happier with the 266 than with anything else in that
price range. The rnc is a great clean compressor but it won't do what you
want. The other cheap compressors out there mostly fall apart when you
try and squish that much. So many of the other ones have been discontinued
as the world goes digital. But I think the 266 is worth at least checking
out.

I mean, in a perfect world you'd buy a Distressor for that, but you won't
find a Distressor for $200.

There used to be a lot of other choices out there that are gone, but might
show up used. You might find a Symetrix 501 for cheap, and they are really
handy for that sort of thing.

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

The Klark-Technik is great... but I don't think it fits your price range.
I can say that I am not impressed with the Behringer Multigate, which I
keep encountering at music festivals. One band brought in a BSS which
seemed good....
--scott


--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Phil W]

"bitrex":

I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount compressor
for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed that the DBX
266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have any experience
with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking for a smooth and
transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more obvious and "effect-y"
that one can use to crush the hell out of drum loops and really make
"pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

At least one guy in alt.audio.pro.live-sound liked the Behringer Composer
compressors better than the DBX 266. That was some years ago and I´m not
sure, if the Composer is suitable for what you want to do. Though, I´ve
heard and liked it on a live drumkit bassdrum - on the other hand, I had no
direct comparison to a DBX 266, back then.
Maybe you can find some friends with either device, who would let you borrow
it to check it out. Both devices should be in the price range for small home
studio setups, so it might be easy to find a source to borrow one from.
The DBX 266s are (or have been) quite common for smaller FOH setups, so you
might easily rent one for trial from a PA rental company in your area.


Maybe, that´s a bit helpful to you,

Phil

[david gourley[_2_]]

bitrex said...news:55e24b6a$0$22253$4c5ecfc7
@frugalusenet.com:

I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?


I agree that the RNC would be too clean for your purpose, but the RNLA
might work just fine. I don't have a 266xs to compare with mine, but then
it's also twice the price of a 266xs.

Behringer also has a couple of compressor models with a built-in gate, so
that may work for you as well.

If your budget were a little higher, you could grab a Gain Brain and a
Kepex from eBay. They're all over the place and would do exactly what you
want to accomplish.

david

[JackA]

On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack

[Bitrex]

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack


Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...

[[email protected]]

bitrex wrote: "It's not exactly my cup of tea either,
but if people want to give me money to provide it
then I do what I'm told."

Would you follow them over a cliff??

I need a beat I can FEEL, like in the
'54 days, not a pile of nonstop compressed
DOG FOOD.

[Nil[_2_]]

On 30 Aug 2015, Thekma Wrote in rec.audio.pro:

Would you follow them over a cliff??

I need a beat I can FEEL, like in the
'54 days, not a pile of nonstop compressed
DOG FOOD.

My dearest Thickma,

a) You're fooling yourself if you think that any pop or rock music made
in the past 50 years isn't heavily compressed.

b) Nobody will every pay you for any musical product. You obviously
have no idea how to craft a sound of any kind. You have a few vague
concepts that you appear to have read about on the Internet but you
show no indication that you understand how those concepts relate to the
real world.

[John Williamson]

On 31/08/2015 03:04, wrote:
bitrex wrote: "It's not exactly my cup of tea either,
but if people want to give me money to provide it
then I do what I'm told."

Would you follow them over a cliff??

If he doesn't provide what's wanted by his clients, he won't work, which
doesn't pay the bills. Will you pay his bills for him, if he plays what
you like the way you like it? I'm sure he'd be happy to set up a gig for
you and your friends, at the same price as he gets for playing the
compressed stuff.

I need a beat I can FEEL, like in the
'54 days, not a pile of nonstop compressed
DOG FOOD.

Then I suggest you stay away from the type of function where that is
what is provided. If enough people do that, then what's played at discos
will change, and you may get what you want.

--
Tciao for Now!

John.

[JackA]

On Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 10:00:31 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack


Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...

Oh, okay!! I like the rip your face off part :-)

Jack

[JackA]

On Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 10:04:35 PM UTC-4, wrote:
bitrex wrote: "It's not exactly my cup of tea either,
but if people want to give me money to provide it
then I do what I'm told."

Would you follow them over a cliff??

I need a beat I can FEEL

Doctor's order.... hold the mono, try Stereo...

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/abps...ovemedo-rs.mp3

Jack

, like in the
'54 days, not a pile of nonstop compressed
DOG FOOD.

[Scott Dorsey]

bitrex wrote:

Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

If it's for DJ work, have you considered the Behringer Ultracurve? They
turn up very cheaply on the used market. I would never, ever recommend one
for a traditional live sound application because the controls are very clumsy
and everything is menu-based, but for a DJ application that might not be
bad. The thing is DSP-based and it sounds better than I'd ever expect for
something from Brand B.

I see a bunch of the dance hall guys using the MXR Smart Gate Pro, and
I don't know what it costs, but it sure does snap like hell.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...

I worked an EDM festival this spring and it was an interesting eye-opener
to talk with those people because the way they listen is so different than
the way I do. They think a lot more about bass textures in part because
with electronics it's possible to have so much going on in the lower octaves.
I don't like the music but I like the people a lot and it made me think.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[[email protected]]

Nil wrote: "On 30 Aug 2015,

My dearest Thickma,

a) You're fooling yourself if you think that any pop or rock music made
in the past 50 years isn't heavily compressed"

Much of it, until the early 1990s, relatively transparent and non-
intrusive. What's happened in the last 15 years is a disaster!


And yes, I do know about the musical real world. I played "Bohemian
Rhapsody" at work for my kiddie co-workers, and most of them
found the bursts of volume during the opera segment "I'm just
a little silhouetto of a man, scarramouche, scarramouche will you
do the fandango -THUNDERBOLTS OF LIGHTNING VERY VERY
FRIGHTENING MEEE!" to be more annoying than anything else.

They obviously know nothing about music.

[Scott Dorsey]

david gourley wrote:

If your budget were a little higher, you could grab a Gain Brain and a
Kepex from eBay. They're all over the place and would do exactly what you
want to accomplish.

These are pretty much the classic boxes and they make the sound that a lot
of people expect to hear. But they're also apt to need an overhaul if you
get a random old one off of Ebay. That's not a big problem, it's just
something to budget for.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Mike Rivers[_2_]]

On 8/31/2015 9:35 AM, Scott Dorsey wrote:
If it's for DJ work, have you considered the Behringer Ultracurve? They
turn up very cheaply on the used market. I would never, ever recommend one
for a traditional live sound application because the controls are very clumsy
and everything is menu-based

I had one for a week, in hopes of using it to replace my Rane graphic
EQs that hum - not too much hum for 1980 when I bought them, but too
much hum for today's quiet systems. I gave it back for just the reason
you mentioned. It wasn't too bad to set up initially, but took too much
concentration to make adjustments in real time during a show. A little
hum is the better choice.

--
For a good time, visit http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

[Luxey]

If I remember correctly, 266 has a gate built in, one knob function.

[Luxey]

I used to have both. Think Behringer was more versatile, while 266 was a bit cleaner.

[geoff]

On 1/09/2015 1:35 a.m., Scott Dorsey wrote:

They think a lot more about bass textures in part because
with electronics it's possible to have so much going on in the lower octaves.

But that is maybe a constriction - think *only* about bass textures ?
But I guess in the end it's just whatever the subscriber to whatever
genre wants.

But good to be exposed to something different, either direction. I feel
blessed (no in a religious sense) to have a broad range of musical
appreciation. Even the occasional cheesy 60 big-band and crooner.

But rap (not r.a.p) and hip-hop remains a bit of a stretch.

geoff

[Gareth Magennis]

"bitrex" wrote in message
...

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack


Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...






Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot, and have not thought that
my job is to do that sort of thing to their sound.
The live act should be pretty much producing what they want the audience to
hear.

Unless I am misunderstanding your situation here?



Gareth.

[JackA]

On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 5:51:54 PM UTC-4, gareth magennis wrote:
"bitrex" wrote in message
...

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack


Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...






Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot

Guess it's better than dealing with the dead DJ thing!!!

Jack

[Phil W]

Gareth Magennis:
"bitrex":

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack

Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...
-----

Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot, and have not thought
that my job is to do that sort of thing to their sound.
The live act should be pretty much producing what they want the audience
to hear.

Unless I am misunderstanding your situation here?

Maybe a DJ/live act wants a comp and a gate for his "side rack", providing a
stereo feed to the FOH/Club sound system rather than just using what´s
already there?

Just a thought...


Phil

[Gareth Magennis]

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack

Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...
-----




Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot, and have not thought
that my job is to do that sort of thing to their sound.
The live act should be pretty much producing what they want the audience
to hear.

Unless I am misunderstanding your situation here?





Maybe a DJ/live act wants a comp and a gate for his "side rack", providing a
stereo feed to the FOH/Club sound system rather than just using what´s
already there?

Just a thought...


Phil







No.

[JackA]

On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 6:29:10 PM UTC-4, Phil W wrote:
Gareth Magennis:
"bitrex":

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack

Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...
-----

Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot, and have not thought
that my job is to do that sort of thing to their sound.
The live act should be pretty much producing what they want the audience
to hear.

Unless I am misunderstanding your situation here?

Maybe a DJ/live act wants a comp and a gate for his "side rack", providing a
stereo feed to the FOH/Club sound system rather than just using what´s
already there?

Just a thought...


Phil

Last I heard, these hosts like multi-tracks. Guess that's a new fad in DJ land.

Jack

[Gareth Magennis]

"Phil W" wrote in message ...

Gareth Magennis:
"bitrex":

On 8/30/2015 9:06 PM, JackA wrote:
On Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 8:16:47 PM UTC-4, bitrex wrote:
I'm looking for a decent fairly inexpensive ( $200) rackmount
compressor for a live sound application I have in mind. I've noticed
that the DBX 266xs is going pretty cheap these days - does anyone have
any experience with it? For my application, I'm actually _not_ looking
for a smooth and transparent compressor; I'd like one that is more
obvious and "effect-y" that one can use to crush the hell out of drum
loops and really make "pump".

I also need a rackmount expander/gate. I know that many compressors
include this function as well, but for my application I'd like a high
quality one where the thresholds can be set very precisely. Any
recommendations?

Why do you prefer adding electronics to recordings, adding
distortion/noise, when software is very capable and a lot less expensive.

Just curious :-D
Jack

Because it's for a DJ live sound application, and like it or not, the
heavily-compressed squashed rip your face off pumping subharmonic
synthesized thing is what the club tweakers go for these days.

It's not exactly my cup of tea either, but if people want to give me
money to provide it then I do what I'm told. And I don't really trust a
computer for the job...
-----

Just curious, I deal with the live DJ thing a lot, and have not thought
that my job is to do that sort of thing to their sound.
The live act should be pretty much producing what they want the audience
to hear.

Unless I am misunderstanding your situation here?

Maybe a DJ/live act wants a comp and a gate for his "side rack", providing a
stereo feed to the FOH/Club sound system rather than just using what´s
already there?

Just a thought...


Phil





I have just worked FOH/monitors a small festival with many DJ/Live Acts,
whatever you want to call them.


One in particular, who I know is an extremely accomplished producer and live
performer, came up to me and the first thing he asked was "you're not going
to put a compressor on my mix?"

I told him, as I have told him at least 4 times in the past, (he didn't
remember me again) that "No, I don't do that sort of thing because it sounds
****".
He was very pleased. For the 4th time.

His set was immaculate.

My job was to make that performance reasonably loud. Not to **** it up with
compressors and ting.

If he'd wanted compressors he would have used them, no doubt far better than
I.





Gareth.