how many of you use compressers ?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

I use a dbx 166 on the system overall output, a dbx 266XL on two backup mics, 2 Symetrix 501 for 2 main mics - however these are no longer made, the closest equivalent would be the dbx 160A. These are single channel compressors, probably not feasable for most. I would recommend a dbx 166XL simply because it's a nice compressor for the price plus has a limiter built in - good for those screamers. The 266XL is also a nice unit without the limiter built in.
Now another really good unit is the dbx 1046 - it's is a 4 channel compressor with limiter in a one space rack.

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)?

[Lonman]

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)?

Well you'll only be able to use 2 mics with that one - unless your receiver picks up all 4 mics on 1 channel? If your mixer has 'insert' jacks then I would connect it up through those on the 2 main mic channels otherwise between the mic & mixer - not as effective but will work.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Well you'll only be able to use 2 mics with that one - unless your receiver picks up all 4 mics on 1 channel? If your mixer has 'insert' jacks then I would connect it up through those on the 2 main mic channels otherwise between the mic & mixer - not as effective but will work.

Receiver has 4 mics, I use one, singer uses another one, then there are two wired mics also hooked up, I would probably choose the wireless receiver and one of the wired mics to compress. So, compressor goes between mic output and mixer input.

Please comment on Billy-o's suggestion about mixer to compressor to amp, knowing that I feed two amps from my mixer?

thx, Lon.

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by bryant

Receiver has 4 mics, I use one, singer uses another one, then there are two wired mics also hooked up, I would probably choose the wireless receiver and one of the wired mics to compress. So, compressor goes between mic output and mixer input.

Please comment on Billy-o's suggestion about mixer to compressor to amp, knowing that I feed two amps from my mixer?

thx, Lon.

Look at reply #19 on page 1 for the response to Billy-O.

What kind of mixer are you using?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Look at reply #19 on page 1 for the response to Billy-O.

What kind of mixer are you using?

I'm still with the behringer 1040fx we've spoken about before, until I get the mackie, on order now.

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by bryant

I'm still with the behringer 1040fx we've spoken about before, until I get the mackie, on order now.

1040FX? I can't find any info on that one?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Lonman

1040FX? I can't find any info on that one?

try 1404FX, Thx.

[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.

[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.