DBX 166XL OR FMR RNC ?

Hi!

I'm thinking to buy dbx166xl compressor/gate/limiter. I like it, because it has the sidechain input.
Also FRM RNC 1773 compressor has sidechain feature but there is no gate...

Anyone who use any of these compressors for beats with akai samplers?

Both machines price is about 200$.

So, what about the sound of those two? is there a comparison ? which one you suggest? is there any noise on the output?

I'm using MPC5000 for my beats.. so i have 44,1Khz/16bit.

Sorry for my english..

Never used that particular DBX, but I have used the RNC. Its an amazing compressor at any price. Be warned, however, that its clean as a whistle. that's the reason so many people love it, because you can't hear it working (when you set it up right).

If you're okay with that, then the RNC is the model to choose between those two.

There's also the Art Pro VLA. That compressor gets a lot of good feedback. Its a LA2a'ish opto compressor (which probably means nothing to you...) which means its slower (Attack and release) but more musical. Its also a tube amp, which means it has some color. I haven't used it myself, just going off of others' impressions.

If you can step up to the $500 range, the Overstayer Stereo Compressor is getting a LOT of love. Its said to be 1176ish but more versatile. That's next on my shopping list.

thanks for your answer..

but i have one more question ..

So, i like the dbx compressor cause it has the sidechain/gate feature.. so i can be creative with it.
but , a lot of people suggest FMR or ART PRO for studio applications.. and the DBX for a PA system..

do you know any other gear to compress AND gate with sidechain input???

Not aware of anything that's high quality and affordable.

I copped an ART pro vla 2 a while back and tbh, it sounds very similar or the same as a la2a. The knobs are low quality plastic and "pseudo-detented" and the tubes are cheap (you could swap them out for some NOS tubes cheap and easy), but imo, its the same sound for $3000=4000 less. Only when really pushed into the highest gain settings did it start to let me down, but I never drive a compressor too hard anyway. However, theres no sidechain, which would have been nice for ducking or whatever, but I just record automation into pro tools during mixdown.

The DBX 166xl is mainly a pa/live compressor, however it has a good "gritty-ness" to it, nowhere near as clean as the RNC. For hip hop production, Id choose between the ART or the DBX. The RNC is really well built, it sounds great, true stereo, etc. But I prefer the characteristcs the other 2 add to certain source material.

Remember, each piece will change the sound in a different way, so if you can, try them first. One will definitely be more suited to your style and taste and you want to spend your money on an "all-arounder" than can be used on many things.

if you're talking about sidechain and getting 'creative' with it I think you are talking about the alesis 3630 which is going to get a lot of hate as a studio compressor, but is actually pretty awesome for 'that compressed sound', and is pretty much the staple of all super-compressed french house.
it does gating as well.
$100 new.

nogginj wrote:if you're talking about sidechain and getting 'creative' with it I think you are talking about the alesis 3630 which is going to get a lot of hate as a studio compressor, but is actually pretty awesome for 'that compressed sound', and is pretty much the staple of all super-compressed french house.
it does gating as well.
$100 new.

i'd have to agree with noggin. better bang for your buck. i have the 166xl and it's a very harsh compressor. it is hardly capable of being subtle. it's great for snares and drum sounds.. but on vocals, ehhhhh. just some food for thought.