Conference napalm::guitar

    -1
    
    The DBX 160 model is nice...or is that Model 163?  I forget, but
    DBX is a good place to start looking IMHO.

    Anyone have any experience with the SR&D compressor (the half-rack slot
    one, not the Rockman one).  The description sounds ideal, but I wonder
    how it really sounds.
    
    Greg

    I imagine the compressor is just the sustainor without distortion
    settings. Great for home/studio, but I couldn't get a tone out of an
    amplifier that I liked. It's not really a compressor either, on the
    sustainor at least, it's a limiter. Sounds really flat all the time,
    except when your notes decay.
    
    With a good compressor, you should still be able to get some decent
    dynamics out of it. *Maybe* the SRD compressor is different - dunno.
    
    	|*
    	| *                                      * Unprocessed Guitar
    	|  *                                     @ Limiter
      V	|    *                                   # Compressor
      O	|#     *
      L	|   #    *
      U	|        # *
      M	|@@@@@@@@@@@@@*
      E	|                *   #
    	|                     *       #
    	|                            *                #
    	|                                     *
    	|                                                  *
    	+-----------------------------------------------------------------
    				DURATION
    
    My complaint on the rockman wasn't the tone, which is really nice, it's
    that it lacks punch, ie, no dynamics.
    
    							John.

    The DBX 160 is a 2 rack space, full function beast which has been
    the industry standard for years. The 163X is the little 1/2 rack
    unit, which has one slider to control everything. The 166 is a dual
    channel compressor which has all the features of the 160, plus it
    allows you to strap for stereo. 
    
    I have tried the SR&D compressor which is a 1/2 rack rockmodule. 
    I am not aware of a "Rockman" compressor. The rockmodule compressor
    does not live up to the ad hype at all. I was hoping it would compress
    and sustain as well as a Boss CS3 without the noise. Other than being
    quiet, the unit was a big disappointment. I'll agree that it doesn't
    squash cords, but it also does not compress or sustain to any audible
    degree.
    
    I have a Boss CS3 stomp box, which works great, but is a little noisy
    when used with my Telecaster. It seems to amplify the noise that the
    single coil pickups produce. Boss also makes a Bass compressor, which
    could do the job that .0 has in mind. If you are using a Fender Bass
    with single coils, the Boss bass compressor may be a bit noisy.
    
    I also own an AudioLogic MT66 (dual channel, rack-mount) compressor,
    which I bought for recording and PA use. I really would have liked a
    DBX 166, but I could not justify (or afford) the $500+ price. The
    AudioLogic MT66 sells for ~ $250, and really seems to be comparable to
    the DBX 166. If anything, the only differance would be in the quality
    of the noise gate. The DBX 166 seems to have about the best noise
    gate on the market. According to the manual I recieved with the MT66,
    Audiologic is using a VCA chip they buy from DBX.
    
    It would be easier to make a recommendation if the author of .0 could
    indicate his price range, and whether or not he wants a stomp box,
    or rack unit.
    
    Eddy Fitz (formally of EU Wurlitzer) mentioned a high-end tube
    compressor which is suppossedly an industry standard unit. Has anyone
    ever heard of or seen a tube compressor ? If so, what price range are
    we talking ? What kind of tubes does it use ? 
    
    Mark Jacques
    

    I've been playing with a compressor almost since day one.  It's a
    DBX-160X, full/single space rack mount.  It's a fine piece of
    equipment.  I think they run about $325.00 new.
    
    The best advantage of a compressor, (IMHO), is that it serves as an
    insurance policy for your speakers.  If you do any thumb-slappin' or
    finger poppin' bass playing - believe me - you want a compressor to
    smooth out the variances in your attack and to more importantly protect
    your speaker cones from exploding with the force of a heavy thumb
    attack or finger pop.
    
    The lights on this unit are really pretty too!! 
    
    Dan

    My favorite Compressor is a TC Electronics models that features:
    
    Adjustable compression ratio
    Adjustable gain
    Single band parametric EQ
    Noise gate
    $125
    
    I usually set the compression ratio pretty high. I adjust the noise
    gate for my single coils. I then adjust the parametric EQ to cancel out
    feedback. I have yet to come across something better.
    
    							John.

Is this TC Rack mount or foot pedal type ??

    It's a pedal. I put on top of my rack next to the tuner and patch it
    into the lead channel. I'm convinced if you're going to compress, you
    need to EQ. It was alot cheaper than two ( count'em: 2 ) additional
    rack mounts. Did THE trick.
    
    							John.
    

	BASS COMPRESSOR
	---------------

I built a compressor for my bass guitarist because he was blowing out speakers
due to pops and slaps.

The design is similar to that on the Lab Series amps, and includes an output
compress level and an LED to indicate the compress action.

I have built mine into my SESSION AMP, and the sound is similar to that of an 
overdriven Fender Twin.

The device is designed to fit betwen the pre amp output and main amp input, so
it can be used as an external device. It runs off + and - 15 volts and takes a
few milliamps only. 

The advantage is that it is after the pre amp and so is very quiet in use.

It can be set up ( as for my bass guitarist ) as a pre set to limit maximum
transient watts delivered to the speaker, and left to do it's job, or, as in
my case, used with the compress control to get the above "swamp" sound.

The components only cost about five pounds, and I built it on standard 
veroboard.

If you are capable of some simple component soldering, then this probably 
worth trying.

I am at Solent Business Park in the UK, my ALL in 1 account is:

SHIPS::LITTEN_D,  DTN 782-2314.  I am happy to supply any fellow guitarists
with a schematic.

Regards,

Dave 

    
    Right now I'm running a Rexx pre-amp into a CS800 w/ a crossover
    circuit into a 1820.
    
    The CS800 has the built in DDT compression.  Will this compress all
    I need or does anyone think that I should get another compressor?
    
    Also, I know that they have a couple DBX 163X compressors at Daddy's 
    for about 100.00....any comments on these ??   Are they good? quiet?
    versitile?   
    
    Thanks,
    
    Ron.

    RE: DBX 163X Compressors
    
    I've got a pair of 'em that I use in my studio.  I think they 
    rule.  Also, Will Alexander uses one on his SVT rig.
    I also think $100 each is a little expensive...Especially if
    they are used, but even new is a little high...
    
    jc

    Re: .10, .11
    
    $100 is real good for a new dbx 163, at least looking at recent M.O.
    prices and what local dealers are asking.
    
    The Peavey DDT is not intended to provide compression but to limit the
    input level when clipping of the power amp is detected.  It will only
    kick in when you are playing loud enough to clip the CS-800, and that
    is LOUD.
    
    If you want compression, buy a compressor, the DDT will not do what you
    want.
    
    							Brian

    RE: Brian
    
    It is ?  I think I got mine for $50/each...Used though.
    jc

    I seem to remember Billy Knox using one in his bass rig too.  Sounded
    good to me.  I don't know if he's keepin up with this notesfile these
    days or not, so I thought I'd mention it.
    
    Last time I checked, the current mailorder price for a new 163X is
    $130-$140.  Typical used asking price seems to be around $100.  I don't
    recall having ever seen a used one listed for less then $90.  It's a
    popular unit right now, so the used ones are holding their value.
    
    re: Coop
    
    I thought you paid $80 for that first one you got?  I didn't know you'd
    gotten another one.
    
    Greg

    I don't remember...'Cept that I thought it was pretty bargain worthy.
    :-)
    
    Ever try to remember all the wheeling and dealing that go you this and
    that?  Jiminy!  Where'd my Alvarez come from anyway??
    
    :-)

>    Ever try to remember all the wheeling and dealing that go you this and
>    that?  Jiminy!  Where'd my Alvarez come from anyway??
    
    Actually, I tend to remember a lot of it.  Your Alvarez came from a guy
    that had a little dinky music store that I took lessons at in Durham,
    NC.  I think I paid him $85 for it.  Ummm...now, I don't remember what
    it was that I traded it to you for though.  I do remember it was some
    sort of trade...
    
    Greg

    Exactly my point.  I mean between just you and I, we've jumped into
    four-figures with our trades and dealings.
    
    GK's 
    Marshalls
    Guitars
    Speakers
    
    Sheesh!

   ... then I come to Colorado and buy from ALL of you!  :-)

   Thanks to Sakman and Tom_G (when I was back east), Coop, Greg, Boom, and 
   (most recently) Billy_K out here, I think most of my current gear has come 
   from GUITARnoters.

   -- Sam

    The 163X is a over easy compresser/limiter.  I payed $80 for a 
    previously owned but NIB unit.  It was the brother-in-law deal
    (he is the manager of Guitar Center).  I saw one at a local music store
    with a price of $125.  Buy it as your PA/Sound person will love you for
    it.  It will give you a consistent output levet and increase sustain 
    for a more solid bottom end.
    
    
    						Will

    
    Thanks for all the replies...
    
    I checked out the 163 the other day at Daddy's.   The only thing
    that worried me was the lack of controls for the compression, but 
    there wasn't a bit of hiss or noise...and it really rounded out the 
    sound (especially the way I punch my strings)...
    
    Ron.

    Ron,
    
    The one thing I *really* like about my 163X is the simplicity!
    One slider and a arrow that sez "More---------->"
    
    We be likin' that, Vern!
    jc