Hey guys. I am looking for a suggestion for an affordable rack compressor for my analog synths, a sub 37, and future retro XS.
During songs I’m often ramping up the overdrive, and filter setting, the amplitude changes are a bit too much for the sound guy to handle, so I’m thinking a comp/limiter might make things a lot more manageable. I just want one that won’t mess up that sweet analog sound too much. I also don’t want to break the bank. Any suggestions?
I’m using a Dyna Comp for this very purpose, and it is working well. Sub37 → DynaComp → MF Delay → Hardwire Reverb → DI/Amp
Also have an inexpensive Behringer rack compressor that has Noise Gate, Comp, and Limiter sections. I don’t think this unit sounds all that great, but for live work is a very useful rack.
Focusrite Compounder is a good sounding cheap rack compressor.
Focusrite stuff is great at a moderate price. You might also want to look down the pedal route if you plan to use any other pedal. Aforementioned Dyna Comp is a classic but something a bit more high end might suit you better (Diamond Compressor, Effectrode PC2A, Walrus Deep Six…).
This seems like a good cheap fix, I think I’ll grab a dyna comp and see how it works, Thank you!
^Cheap fix for me, since I already had one in the pedal box. But, if you are thinking about purchasing one, the MXR Bass Comp is pretty cool because you get LEDs to show your input signal, and can also choose the ratio. Of course it costs more than the DC, but I thought I would mention it in case it was not on your shopping radar.
I picked up a Dyna Comp and tried it out. The compression seems to work, but when I turn it on i get a MASSIVE volume drop. Even with the output all the way up the signal drops like 24db. Is this because it’s changing the output to instrument level by running it thought he pedal?
I think I need to find a comp that still has a line level output. If this pedal cuts out with the 24db boost on, it would be speaker blowingly loud. It’s a disaster I’d prefer to avoid.
I picked up a dyna comp today to give it a shot. The compression is def what I’m looking for, but unfortunately there’s like at least a 24db drop in volume when I switch it on. I can compensate for this on my mixer, but if the box ever cut out, or got switch accidentally, durring a speakers as well as ear drums would get blown, so this stomp isn’t going to work for me.
I think maybe it’s dropping things from line level down to instrument level since it’s a guitar pedal. I need a line level mixer, so I’m just going to order a FMR RNLA and see how that works.
this forum won’t let me respond 90% of the time.
Another manufacturer you might try is ART - very reasonable price for a tube compressor, desktop or rack.
Dynacomp is a guitar compressor. Get something better suited for keyboards.
^Vinny, what would you recommend for the OP’s situation? Really would be interested in your opinion here. We know the goal is to limit the crazy peaks that might result from knob turning in a live situation. We don’t know much about the music or venues, so maybe Hexism can tell us more about the particulars.
Hexism, sorry my rec didn’t work as planned for you. I’m not experiencing the db drop you describe, but my rig is pretty guitar-like (described above), and that is my main instrument so “everything looks like a nail” to me.
Depends what you call cheap.. but in my humble opinion the Drawmer DL241 “Auto Compressor” can’t be beat in it’s price bracket.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work on synthesizers and at a nice price point.
I recommended a couple guitar / bass pedal compressors a couple messages ago that I’ve had the chance to test out on synthesizer and the results are far from ridiculous.
I just bought a ridiculously cheap Dbx 166xl dual compressor, 1 unit. Ive set it up as a brick limiter to keep my speakers from blowing(two DXR15s). For a “crappy” compressor this thing works great. Cant hear anything wrong with the sound. The noise gate and the actual peak limiter sounds like crap, but the compressor set up as a brick limiter works just fine.
^Agreed. But the range of situations a Sub37 might find itself inside is rather wide, so I’m really curious to hear more details about anyone’s rig. (Also, Vinny is a known quantity and if we can get his rec we should all pay attention.)
Band Leader talked to me about the Little Phatty (they used to use) and its tendency to get crazy loud through certain PAs when using certain patches. (LOL Sounds like a Moog, right?) So, I threw a DynaComp on the board since I’m already running through ‘stomp boxes’ and not a rack system. I think it sounds vintage and thick at practice and I still have volume control on the swells.
I’m not treating the Sub37 like a Hi-Fi sound source. Personally, I’m extremely hesitant to revisit The Rack Era of the '80s/'90s and am about ready to kick the Hardwire Supernatural off the board because of its overly clean digital sound. Dislike playing ROMplers, and avoid computers when I’m off the clock. So, my choices have a strong personal bias to them.
As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I think something like the Focusrite Compounder would be fine. You can pick them up cheap these days. As others have mentioned, Drawmer or DBX will be great too.
Dynacomp are a great compressor. I have a few in my studio. Terrible on bass but nice on guitar. The Keeley Compressor is nicer. They both have very limited headroom though and are noisy.
To show that I do like effects pedals and I am not just a rack snob 
Here is what was in my studio a year or so ago before I started to sell some off to make more room.
Studio Pedals by Vinny Burns, on Flickr
I do like pedals
Pedals are super addictive, like trading cards or something.
Have you used the Big Muff on synths before? I have the Deluxe Bass Big Muff, makes me curious about the full range one.. Wouldn’t mind hearing your thoughts on the talk box also.
I have a lot of decent amps in my studio so if I ever put keys into anything, it is them. My favourite is a rare old Marshall combo called a Rock n Roll Baby (model 2150). It is basically a 100w Super Lead chassis in a tiny 1x12 combo Perfect for the Wurlitzer into Marshall sound Van Halen used on the intro and verses of ‘And The Cradle Will Rock’. Sounds so like a guitar until you listen closely.
I now also have the AxeFx XL here. One of the reason I started to get rid of most of the pedals. This wil cover a lot of ground and is much easier to setup and recall.