| Title: | * * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * * |
| Notice: | Conference has been write-locked. Use new version. |
| Moderator: | DYPSS1::SCHAFER |
| Created: | Thu Feb 20 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Mon Aug 29 1994 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 2852 |
| Total number of notes: | 33157 |
A search through previous notes revealed a lively discussion on the
pros and cons of various compressor/limiters. The dbx 166, and the
Symmetrix 501 and 525 were the clear recommendations of the COMMUSIC
crowd. I am, however, interested in a less sophisticated comp/lim for
my setup. Naturally, I have been drawn to the dbx 163x. It's <$120
price tag, and specs make it interesting, and very affordable.
My source of concern came from a remark that a noter made, in the
previous notes about compression, to the effect that dbx took half of
one of their NR systems, threw it in a box with a slider, and an LED
meter, and called it a compressor.
My question to the commusic crowd is, do any of you use the dbx 163x,
and if so, what do you think of it? My application would be compressing
vocals and synths going into my 4 track, not for mixdowns.
dp
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2346.1 | STROKR::DEHAHN | Tue May 22 1990 13:55 | 10 | ||
As with anything else in life, you get what you pay for. With the 163x,
you get compression. No control over rate, attack, release, nothing.
Just simple compression, no limiting, at the rate dbx has determined to
have the widest application. Sure it will compress. How well it
works, and how much it leaves you wanting more control, is up to you
and your needs.
CdH
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| 2346.2 | LEDS::ORSI | Iwillnotdrawpicturesofnakedladiesinclass | Wed May 23 1990 08:42 | 15 | |
Chris is right about the lack of controls on the 163x, BUT
alot can be said about giving the user to much to deal with.
The compression ratio, attack rate, release rate, and until
recently the gain, are all fixed internally. DBX calls it their
Over Easy Compressor. I've used the 163x for channel patching
and found it quite useful on a hot vocal or bass. It doesn't
have enough control to have it on the whole mix IMO, but for
just about everything else, it's the balls. Be careful with
one of these things though, crank up the compression and there
goes the bottom end.
Neal
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| 2346.3 | dbx 163X | RTL::DESK::TOTTON | Fri Jun 29 1990 16:28 | 9 | |
I just picked one of these up at daddy's "by invitation sale" for $80. For my application of compression of vocal and accoustic guitar tracks its been great. Actually, I found having basically one control (although there is a level adjust) a pleasure. - Jim | |||||