Rack style compressor?

[vgbob]

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.

[studio1087]

Buy this.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alesis-Nano-Comp...QQcmdZViewItem

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.

[kludge]

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.

[StuH]

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.

[bluesbishop]

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!

[vgbob]

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.

[Arlo]

Originally Posted by bluesbishop

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?

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