Rack style compressor?

I would like to add a compressor someplace in my
'chain' but not sure if a rack mount compressor
is appropriate for a guitar/amp, if you're not dealing
with a PA set up. From what I know a pedal style
compressor should be placed fairly early in the
chain following an instrument. And I want to be
able to use the same one for either guitars or bass.
The main issue I'm trying to figure out is whether
the input levels of a single coil pickup would work
using a rack compressor someplace after the
guitar, or if it needs a line level input, and whether
the sound would be right in an effects loop of
an amplifier between the pre and power sections.
In a typical PA it is placed before the amp from
what I know, but I'm not sure what else I should
be aware of. The main reason I am considering
a rack mount rather than just a pedal is so that
it could do double duty in a recording or PA
application in the future.

Buy this.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alesis-Nano-Compressor-w-power-supply_W0QQitemZ110194453953QQihZ001QQcategoryZ237 93QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have an Alesis Nano Compressor at home in my recording rack and I can tweak fantastic sounds with a guitar, bass, drum machine, vocals and anything else. It's note tweakable than any stomp box. I have a Marshall ED-1 compressor on my pedal board and a DOD Milkbox pedal as a spare but the rack unit is amazing. You can tweak the input and output level so the levels are easy.

I also have a Nano Verb (Reverb). The Alesis Nano rack boxes are fantastic. I paid $99 for each when they came out. Love em.

Compressors should always be first/early in the chain imho, whether pedal or rackmount. They're about playing-time dynamics. I don't like the sound of compressors AFTER dirt-generating devices. Worse, the compressor will amplify all the noise of previous pedals.

For the recording use, you can get great results using software plugins, if you are planning going the digital way. If you want a hardware only studio you should be looking at a channel strip (mic/instrument pre, compression and eq all in one rack unit). If you want one rack per effect you are better off getting a good mic/instrument pre before you buy a compressor. In recording they can serve a purpose, placed anywhere in the chain.

Honestly think it's not a necessary purchase for you.

I've been having a similar discussion with Arlo West, he recommended the Dbx 163 series..thats what he uses, and gets great results.

I've NEVER used compressors...tried a few,maybe I just don't know how to use them because they always screwed up my picking dynamics. I'm going to pick up a unit just to try one...If I don't like it...back to ebay it will go!

Appreciate the feedback, and I've spent a couple
of days looking at both pedals and rack gear.
And actually I've kind of reached the conclusion
that it's not a necessary item right now.
Trying to make one unit do it all wouldn't
be the best solution. I have a digital modeling
preamp for my bass anyway with compression.
And I use tube amps for guitar, so more of
a luxury at this point. Thanks for the input.

I've been having a similar discussion with Arlo West, he recommended the Dbx 163 series..thats what he uses, and gets great results.

I've NEVER used compressors...tried a few,maybe I just don't know how to use them because they always screwed up my picking dynamics. I'm going to pick up a unit just to try one...If I don't like it...back to ebay it will go!


Your exact feelings about compression are why I bought a DBX 163a I use the 163a and not the 163x series.

I don't have time onstage to play technical engineer. So the 163a is as easy as a this. Compression slide bar and a volume. Thats it and it is very effective on a Strat or a Tele. I even use mine for bass.

I loop it into my efx loop and it is on 100% of the time even recording.

It is simplistic and sounds excellent. Whats not to like about it? :cool:

OH and the best part!! They only cost around $50 on Ebay when you can find one.