compressor

[Randy]

What's the scoop on Compressor's Do you use them, should we use them are they worth the effort. Do they really keep the sound level the same between loud and soft prerecored music? What are your thoughts on using a compressor in your system?

[SirWolfy]

I used to only use a compressor / limiter on our karaoke rig for tighter control of the mix and to help prevent speakers getting blown out by morons tapping the mic. Since then, I have changed philosophy slightly and use them in all of our systems. By playing with the compression settings, you not only keep relative volumes in the same ballpark, but you can also set it up to really fatten your bass as well as other tricks.

I recommend using one in every system. Get one and experiment with it, I'm willing to bet that you will be pleasantly surprised.

[shizkoph]

What Brand do you recommend?

[SirWolfy]

I'm kinda partial to the Alessis 3630 Compressor / Limiters. Been using them for a few years with great results. I also believe that the Drive Rack PA, although more expensive, sound like it is an excellent investment as well. Don't own one, but I've seen one in action and I was quite the bit impressed with it's ease of use and the tight control over the audio!

[KJDJ]

I've got one of these on my small system. It works great. the bass is processed by itself therefore dosen't make the highs "pump" on rap tunes.

http://www.behringer.com/DSP1424P/index.cfm?lang=ENG

[HeadlineDJ]

I use a Behringer MDX-2200 in my rig.

Compressor/Limiter with expander and gate.

I tend to only use it for setting the max input to my amp.. though it's very handy for other things too when the need arises.

[shizkoph]

Wow,You guys recommended behringer. I just finished doing some reserch and i had decided i was going to get a behinger and i look here and notice you guys like behringer. I do have a behringer eq however it has been plagued with issues since i bought it.(DSP 8024) so i was leery to buy another behringer product.
Thanks for the advise.

DJ Silver :banger

[Steve Miller]

Behringer will hold up generally about a year before it starts bugging out (at least everyone I have owned has).

Many other units are just as cheap (or almost anyway) and seem to hold up longer.

I use the behringers because of the 4400 unit which gives me four compressors in one rack space. Every one has had some issue at about one year of use.

[HeadlineDJ]

Behringer were to say the least a bit poor in the early days, they are however really catching up with many Large names.... their kit is consistantly improving and getting better and very rarely here in the UK do you here of any issues.

The MDX-2200 I have has never failed or shown signs of failing, it must be 5 years old or there abouts.

lot's of their newer stuff is pretty good, though the ONE thing I do know and have learned about Behringer is not to buy from the first few batches of a new product.

more often than not they let a few problems slip through which are rectified on later releases, so if you see an item you really like, check it's release date and add at least 6 months on to the date prior purchasing.

The good thing with Behringer is, they sell like hot cakes, especially around Europe and it's pretty quick to have manufacturing faults fixed and find good stock on the shelves.