how many of you use compressers ?

[billyo]

Originally Posted by bryant

If I get this dbx166xl you recommend, do I hook it up between the wireless mic receiver (4 mics controlled here) and mixer, the mixer and amp(which you may remember I have bass and highs), or between amps and speakers(wouldn't think it would be there, though)?

the way i had mine set up was..board to compressor, compressor to amp..( whatever amp that is plugged into your board )

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by billyo

the way i had mine set up was..board to compressor, compressor to amp..( whatever amp that is plugged into your board )

Only drawback to that is if you really just want to compress like a loud vocal, it will do that but it will also bring the music down at the same time keeping the vocal still much louder than the music. When you compress just the vocals, it will leave the music in tact and just control the mics - keeping the loud vocals in check with the music at the same time.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Only drawback to that is if you really just want to compress like a loud vocal, it will do that but it will also bring the music down at the same time keeping the vocal still much louder than the music. When you compress just the vocals, it will leave the music in tact and just control the mics - keeping the loud vocals in check with the music at the same time.

thats true, i havent used my dbx266 &/Lexicon mpx 110 in years, ( 6-7 years )since i stopped doing big venues, maybe i'll start using them..

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by billyo

thats true, i havent used my dbx266 &/Lexicon mpx 110 in years, ( 6-7 years )since i stopped doing big venues, maybe i'll start using them..

The MPX110 is an effect processor only, not a compressor of any sort. The MPX should be placed in the Aux send/return loop of the mixer.

[Rockrz]

Can't you use the compressor built in to your mixing board?

I think I'm going to snag the Behringer XENYX X2222USB

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036ECH0S/...=IIS5AXON6HX8M

It has "8 studio-grade compressors with super-easy "one-knob" functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound"

This ought to work out pretty good... I hope...

[Lonman]

The built in's are the most basic of compression, the Yamaha mixers are a little better than the Behringers in that respect, but neither are great. They are however better than none at all.

[cccolvin]

I agree with Lonman. It is basic compression. However, DBX invented the technology. It is far superior to any other. They also invented the over-easy knee. It is much better for vocals. Behringer mixers are not very high quality. Their speakers and amps are above average. Look at a Allen&Heath ZED series mixer. Worth every penny. If you are a professional, you should invest in yourself to get quality equipment. It will last years and years. An extra hundred or two now will make your life easier down the road.

[Rockrz]

OK, so if you had say $300 to $500 to spend on a mixing board... which one would you get?

I have a KJ friend of mine that is using a very old, outdated board so I may give him the Behringer when it gets here since he said he really likes them. He's done things to help me in the past and he's a friend, so I'd have no problem giving this to him.

So, let me know what the best mixing board would be in the $300 to $500 range.

[smoky]

I only use compression on "problem" singers. Compression will kill a lot of the skill of accomplished singers.

Smoky

[Rockrz]

By "problem singers" you mean...???

Those that sing too loud in to the mic or something?

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by smoky

I only use compression on "problem" singers. Compression will kill a lot of the skill of accomplished singers.

Smoky

Actually it will help ANY singer. Pro or amature alike. Every singer in the history of recorded and even most live music has compression on their vocals, it's not just for the 'problem' singer (as in i'm assuming you mean screamers).

[Chad Slater]

Do any of you use the DBX 286s? I bought it not too long ago and it seemed a good buy with it being a compressor, de-esser and expander/gate

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by Chad Slater

Do any of you use the DBX 286s? I bought it not too long ago and it seemed a good buy with it being a compressor, de-esser and expander/gate

It's nice if you are using it in the studio for recording, but it's a single channel unit. Would you use it on your host mic (really no point) or main singer mic?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Only drawback to that is if you really just want to compress like a loud vocal, it will do that but it will also bring the music down at the same time keeping the vocal still much louder than the music. When you compress just the vocals, it will leave the music in tact and just control the mics - keeping the loud vocals in check with the music at the same time.

See it now, daaah (on my part) ....This would work for those guys at the end of the song that yell out perhaps, but i see where it would cut down the music too, during the song, but at least get the screaming out, and if he's gonna scream, then he doesn't get to hear the music very well during his screaming either (teach him not to scream).

I think i'd go with the compress mic only idea.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by bryant

See it now, daaah (on my part) ....This would work for those guys at the end of the song that yell out perhaps, but i see where it would cut down the music too, during the song, but at least get the screaming out, and if he's gonna scream, then he doesn't get to hear the music very well during his screaming either (teach him not to scream).

I think i'd go with the compress mic only idea.

it's true what Lonman said, but when i had it hooked up the way i had, i never had a problem with any music cut down, or i just probably didnt noticed it, (who would, i had 6 amps , and 8 speakers and 4 subs hooked-up all the time when i used to do big venues ), but anyway i dont do that anymore..you wont go wrong with mackie boards , i have 3 of them ( 2 dfx 6 and 1 cfx 12 )

[bryant]

Originally Posted by billyo

the way i had mine set up was..board to compressor, compressor to amp..( whatever amp that is plugged into your board )

Board goes to two amps, as one feeds bass bins and one feeds highs, maybe Lonnie could tell us if serving the highs with the compressor and leaving the bass bin amp alone would be advisable?

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by bryant

Board goes to two amps, as one feeds bass bins and one feeds highs, maybe Lonnie could tell us if serving the highs with the compressor and leaving the bass bin amp alone would be advisable?

Run it on your mics, not the main outputs. You want to compress vocals not the overall mix.
As far as two amps, if you ran an external crossover, then you could put it between the mixer & the crossover, but it really won't do no good only on one and not the other.