Thinking about inserting a compressor into my rig.

[adub]

Here is my current rig...
Matrix[SBD(3&4in) + Rode NT5's(1&2in)] > Omnistudio USB > Gateway5300> CubaseSX3

The M-Audio OmnistudioUSB has inserts 1 and 2. So I was thinking about getting a dbx166xl to insert. The goal is to gain more control over the levels of my aud mics.  Plus I think it would be cool to get some experience using a compressor.

Any thoughts on that?

[Chuck]

Here is my current rig...
Matrix[SBD(3&4in) + Rode NT5's(1&2in)] > Omnistudio USB > Gateway5300> CubaseSX3

The M-Audio OmnistudioUSB has inserts 1 and 2. So I was thinking about getting a dbx166xl to insert. The goal is to gain more control over the levels of my aud mics.  Plus I think it would be cool to get some experience using a compressor.

Any thoughts on that?

If you use a compressor at record with, you can't un-do the effect it if you don't like the sound. Why not use the compresser in post processing? That way can you experiment without making it final until you like what you hear.

[adub]

I see your point there and thats how I do it now.  I tend to record in small rooms and sometimes the levels spike into cliping on say a snare hit. I just want to have more control over the signal. I dont plan on compressing the hell out of it or anything.  perhpas I just need to keep my levels lower.

Thanks,

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I did some research on afforable compressors back when I was moving DAT to cassette regularly.  I never bought one because i quickly moved to CD, but this is the one that pretty much everyone recommended for my intended use and price range:  http://www.fmraudio.com/RNC1773.HTM

They can be had for less than the MSRP if you shop around.

Only potential downside is that it draws AC power.  If you contact the company, they might have a DC mod.  When I was shopping, I traded emails with the designer and he was a super nice guy so he might mod a unit for you for field use.

[heath]

the rnc is a great compressor.   

i agree with the others, though that you can compress later in post.

[Chuck]

I see your point there and thats how I do it now.  I tend to record in small rooms and sometimes the levels spike into cliping on say a snare hit. I just want to have more control over the signal. I dont plan on compressing the hell out of it or anything.  perhpas I just need to keep my levels lower.

Thanks,

It sounds to me like what you really need is a limiter (soft limiter).
The Apogee Mini-Me has a compressor and limiter function that can be switched in or out. I've use the limiter for soft (acoustic) music when the audience clapping is sometimes louder than the music being played. I'm not sure if any other pre-amp/AD's have that function built in.

Personally, I don't care for the idea of printing with signal enhancement live to two track.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[adub]

I think i'm going to put my money into an actual upgrade. I'm pretty sick of these NT5's. 

[Tim]

the rnc is a great compressor.

I personally think it's a really nice compressor

[Brian]

I think i'm going to put my money into an actual upgrade. I'm pretty sick of these NT5's.

there ya go!

[heath]

the rnc is a great compressor.

I personally think it's a really nice compressor

[plucks]

yes, upgrade from the NT5s!