DBX Compressors...Someone fill me in?
Tom Hartman
For years I've heard a lot of engineers swear by one or more of these
compressors for bass, and sometimes guitar...but I can't get the
"desired" model numbers straight...are the 165s or 160s? I'd be
interested in them for kick or bass. If the vintage ones are too hard
to find, anyone suggest something modern that isn't an arm and a leg
that is comparable? Thanks
John Wozniak
to be more favored. People use them to bring the snap out in a snare,
and/or kick drum. The 165's have a good reputation too, so don't get me
wrong. And the 165's are also a lot cheaper. I don't know about putting
your bass through these guys though. They're not the warmest sounding
things in the world.
John Wozniak
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
"Tom Hartman" <tomha...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:140920002011090839%tomha...@earthlink.net...
EggHd
to be more favored. People use them to bring the snap out in a snare,
and/or kick drum. >>
The funny thing is when the 160X came out, you could buy 160's for 100 bucks.
<< And the 165's are also a lot cheaper. >>
Where?
---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"
John Wozniak
> The funny thing is when the 160X came out, you could buy 160's for 100
bucks.
>
> << And the 165's are also a lot cheaper. >>
>
> Where?
Hmmm. Ebay... or, brokers... or, anywhere else you find old gear. 160VU's
average over a grand, and 165A's average between $800-$850. In this market,
if you pay more than $850 for a 165A, you're getting ripped off.
John Wozniak
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
larr
with studio work and has some comments about recording bass that might
interest you.
"Typically, I use either an old Neve Tube DI, an ART Tube MP1, or a
Sans Amp Bass Driver DI. I NEVER plug my bass direct into the
recording desk without some kind of DI in the way. About 90% of the
time, I run direct, but if I want a good "WHUMP" I'll mike my amp with
an AKGD112 kick drum mike, through a compressor. I should also say
that the best way to use a miked cab is to be done in concert with a
direct sound, and mix the 2 to a single channel.
Yummy."
cheers,
lar
In article <140920002011090839%tomha...@earthlink.net>,
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
John Wozniak
by way of AKG D-30 on an old Ampeg B-15N portaflex amp. Spank it with an
RCA BA-6A, and go home happy. Of course, the bass guitar itself needs to be
good (Fender Jazz, my fav), and the guy playing it needs to have a chop or
two...
John Wozniak
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
ROMCHA
>average over a grand
that would be for a pair
Tonebarge
last pair I sold (in primo shape) was for $1,200 and it was to someone I
didn't like. <g>
TB
--
4F6E65204F5320746F2072756C65207468656D20616C6C2C204F6E65204F5320746
F2066696E64207468656D2CDA4F6E65204F5320746F206272696E67207468656D20
616C6C20616E6420696E20746865206461726B6E6573732062696E64207468656D
Fulltone
by way of AKG D-30 on an old Ampeg B-15N portaflex amp. Spank it with an
RCA BA-6A, and go home happy. Of course, the bass guitar itself needs to be
good (Fender Jazz, my fav), and the guy playing it needs to have a chop or
two...>>
I recently tracked a very cool funky thing using:
Musicman Bass---->Fulltone FatBoost (FET Booster)-->split A/B
A) -->Manley Dual40 Tube MicPre--->EL-OP Tube Comp-->2" Tape
B)--->'60's Ampeg B-15 --->'60's D12 mic-->API 312 pre---1176 comp-->2"
tape
Faders determine the blend.
Michael Fuller / Fulltone Musical Products Inc. / http://www.fulltone.com
rd
some repair and a tune up and came back sounding like a stallion - I
actually love the way it sounds on bass.
r
In article <UJgw5.2352$4d.7...@news02.optonline.net>, "John Wozniak"
John Wozniak
> last pair I sold (in primo shape) was for $1,200 and it was to someone I
> didn't like. <g>
>
> TB
Well, then you're not a broker. Broker prices are not $500-$600 a piece for
160VU's. I'm not saying they're worth more than that, but the lowest listed
retail price I've found for them is at PAD, for $900ea.
Here's the run down:
www.usedproaudio.com : $1,100ea (160), $1,600 (165A ... and that has to be
for a pair)
www.odysseyprosound.com : Don't have either.
www.mercenary.com : N/A (160), $850/ea (165A)
www.proaudiodesign.com : $900/ea (160), $800ea (165A)
www.vintageking.com : Don't have either.
www.harborsound.com : 1,650.pr (160), N/A (165)
www.intoitaudio.com : Don't have either.
www.oceanaudioinc.com : $1,100/ea (160), $1,600 (165A listed as "stereo",
which just ain't so.)
www.audiovillage.org : Don't have either.
And on EBAY: This person got a good deal on a beat up pair for $1,026
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=429364285&ed=96855981
1 : and a 165A went for $810 here
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=429922607&ed=96880338
4
Now, I know you fellers have your own way of getting your averages, but I'd
say I was pretty much in the "fair market" ball park.
John Wozniak
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
larr
My studio bassist aquaintance comments further:
"I'm a pretty big fan of the Behringer Composer Pro MDX2200 myself,
although I also like DBX 163X's too,for bass.
I don't know what a 165 or 160 is- are you talking about Telefunken
stuff???
If he wants something modern that sounds REALLY good, have him look
at the DBX Digital Compressor. Those sound FABULOUS and they run about
$499 or so. The Behringer is also a good one- they run about $200 or
so. -Marc"
Hope that helps,
lar
In article <140920002011090839%tomha...@earthlink.net>,
Tom Hartman <tomha...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>
Kevin F Rose
on a budget and want that DBX thing the 160a is a great, simple unit
that you can pick up for 350 and can be strapped together for stereo.
I'm not a fan of the 160x or the other versions but whatever butters
your toast...
The 902 is a stripped down version of a 160 (kinda) that fits in a 3
rack space frame/powersupply. You can also throw in a couple of
deesers, gates, mixers and a parametric EQ in the 9 unit rack.
--
Kevin F. Rose
"No the metronome is not slowing down"
Mixerman
speaking of here. The 160 is the original, and probably technically sounds
the best. Although it's hard to say that because I find that I grab 160's
for different things than I grab a 165a. It's a half space unit, that fills
a full rack width when you have a pair. They are not sold anymore.
The 165 is a full rack width compressor, with similar characteristics as the
160. The 165a is the same as the 165, except that the 165a has a stop peak
limit function. These compressors are all in the $800 price range.
They don't sound FABULOUS. They are the perfect compressor for some things,
they are a horrible compressor for other things. To quote: "Your mileage
may vary" -Fletcher
Mixerman
larr wrote in message <8q4vr4$5l0$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...
>Tom,
>
>My studio bassist aquaintance comments further:
>
>"I'm a pretty big fan of the Behringer Composer Pro MDX2200 myself,
>although I also like DBX 163X's too,for bass.
>
>I don't know what a 165 or 160 is- are you talking about Telefunken
>stuff???
>
>If he wants something modern that sounds REALLY good, have him look
>at the DBX Digital Compressor. Those sound FABULOUS and they run about
>$499 or so. The Behringer is also a good one- they run about $200 or
>so. -Marc"
>
>Hope that helps,
>
>lar
>
>
>In article <140920002011090839%tomha...@earthlink.net>,
> Tom Hartman <tomha...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>>
>>
Jay Kahrs
>The 165 is a full rack width compressor, with similar characteristics as the
>160. The 165a is the same as the 165, except that the 165a has a stop peak
>limit function. These compressors are all in the $800 price range.
I love my 160VU's. If you hunt around enough you can find them cheap. I bought
mine from a guy who didn't know how to hook them up. I got my pair a few months
ago for $800. They're not prefect for everything, but usually work well on kick
and snare. Sometimes I like them on bass and vocals. YMMV.
Aphex Expressors can be found dirt cheap and they're pretty good compressors. I
got mine for $150. They make two versions. The "tube" version is the 661 and is
really noisy. The other version that I prefer is called the 651.
---
-Jay Kahrs
BrownSound Studios
Morris Plains, NJ
http://members.tripod.com/~BrownSoundStudios
David Chertock
Kevin F Rose wrote:
> The 902 is a stripped down version of a 160 (kinda) that fits in a 3
> rack space frame/powersupply. You can also throw in a couple of
> deesers, gates, mixers and a parametric EQ in the 9 unit rack.
The 903 is the compressor. It looks to me more like a small version of
the 160x, not a 160. I was given both a 902 and 903. I'm sure I'll find
something someday that the 903 excells at. The 902 de-esser sounds
incredible to me, but I haven't a/b'd it with other de-essers.
David
Venice, CA
John Wozniak
> rack space frame/powersupply.
Eeeeeyeah. The 902 is actually a de-esser. The 903 is the compressor, but
whose splitting hairs? My favorite mod out of the 900 rack you're talking
about is the 929 'single ended noise reduction.' It's wicked.
John Wozniak
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
ScotFraser
deesers, gates, mixers and a parametric EQ in the 9 unit rack.>>
The concert hall I work at has a 900 rack with a full complement of the comps,
de-essers, gates, EQ's, etc, that we're looking to unload if anyone's really
interested in dbx processors.
Scott Fraser
Fletcher
larr wrote:
> Tom,
>
> My studio bassist aquaintance comments further:
>
> "I'm a pretty big fan of the Behringer Composer Pro MDX2200 myself,
> although I also like DBX 163X's too,for bass.
Gee, if I were you, I'd be a pretty "big fan" of keeping my mouth shut if I
were 3 steps behind 'clueless'...so...how long have you been doing all your
audio equipment upgrades at 'Guitar-Mart'?
>
>
> I don't know what a 165 or 160 is- are you talking about Telefunken
> stuff???
Oh, the 160-165 stuff...it's from a company far more obscure than
'Telefunken stuff'...we're talkin' "Massachusetts vintage DBX stuff"...
>
>
> If he wants something modern that sounds REALLY good, have him look
> at the DBX Digital Compressor. Those sound FABULOUS and they run about
> $499 or so. The Behringer is also a good one- they run about $200 or
> so. -Marc"
>
> Hope that helps,
>
> lar
>
Yes Lar, that was very helpful, next time you see "Marc", you might mention
to him that he's a moron.
If I ever end up as a 'homeless' person, and still have a Jones to record
things, I'll take it under advisment...until then, I'll give ya a
hint...there are a couple of slightly "better" things out there.
Something tells me that you'd get hit in the nose with a rolled up
newspaper [that's a 'puppy house training' reference] if you ever tried an
1176 or a 1969.
--
Fletcher
Mercenary Audio
TEL: 508-543-0069
FAX: 508-543-9670
http://www.mercenary.com
"this is not a problem"
Fletcher
larr wrote:
> FWIW, a bassist aquaintance of mine has had considerable experience
> with studio work and has some comments about recording bass that might
> interest you.
>
> "Typically, I use either an old Neve Tube DI,
Of course "Neve" never made a "Tube DI"...but why lets dumb shit like facts
get in the way when you have stuff like 'ART' units within your grasp...
> an ART Tube MP1, or a
> Sans Amp Bass Driver DI.
Gee...they're in the same leauge with 'Toob Neve stuff'!!! Are you talkin'
Neve Campell? I know she's got 'tube socks'...I've even seen them
auctioned on e-bay.
> I NEVER plug my bass direct into the
> recording desk without some kind of DI in the way.
Wow!!! You are a groundbreaking radical!!!!!!!!
> About 90% of the
> time, I run direct, but if I want a good "WHUMP" I'll mike my amp with
> an AKGD112 kick drum mike, through a compressor.
Really Lar, thanks for sharing. seeing as this thread is about
*compressors*, DBX compressors in particular...how about specifying what
"compressor" you put after that AKG D-112 kick drum mic? Funny, I've
used D-112's for a whole lot of purposes other than kik drum...I reckon I
musta been abusing the equipement if it's a kik drum mic. Thanks for
setting the record straight!!!
> I should also say
> that the best way to use a miked cab is to be done in concert with a
> direct sound, and mix the 2 to a single channel.
>
Wow...you have no idea how much I wish I were you. This whole thing was so
much easier when I was at your level of knowledge!
Mark Plancke
>Yes Lar, that was very helpful, next time you see "Marc", you might mention
>to him that he's a moron.
>
>If I ever end up as a 'homeless' person, and still have a Jones to record
>things, I'll take it under advisment...until then, I'll give ya a
>hint...there are a couple of slightly "better" things out there.
>
>Something tells me that you'd get hit in the nose with a rolled up
>newspaper [that's a 'puppy house training' reference] if you ever tried an
>1176 or a 1969.
Somehow, this feels like --- home.
Glad to see that the flame-o-matic is out of retirement.
Mark Plancke
SOUNDTECH RECORDING STUDIOS
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
http://SoundTechRecording.com
"I put on my dancin' shoes, we headed straight for the
rhythm and blues" -- Lowell George
Kevin F Rose
> The 903 is the compressor. It looks to me more like a small version of
> the 160x, not a 160
I meant a 160a not a 160. I'm more fond of the a than the x and the 903
sounds a lot like the 160a to my ears on certain things. We don't have
a 160 or 165 in the control room to a/b them with and most studios I've
seen that have 160's and 165's don't have 160a's or 160x's.
> David
> Venice, CA
Whoops on the 902 903 number swap! I like the 903 compressor for some
acoustic, sometimes electric guitar stuff and snare if I don't have
other stuff available. They are great workhorses if your budget and
rack space are limited.
I love the desser and want another one! There are a lot of high dollar
engineers and studios that utilize them frequently. They just work.
>
--
Kevin F. Rose
"No the metronome is not slowing down"
Kevin F Rose
> >Something tells me that you'd get hit in the nose with a rolled up
> >newspaper [that's a 'puppy house training' reference] if you ever
tried an
> >1176 or a 1969.
>
> Somehow, this feels like --- home.
>
> Glad to see that the flame-o-matic is out of retirement.
Mark, confused say it was just a vacation. Which reminds me about this
new ford I rented out west last week that had a compressor for the cd
player that sounded just like a a 670 dipped in lake Erie. How do they
do such fine analog emulation and throw in a radio, cd changer, and
tape deck for less than a discounted RNC.
musit...@my-deja.com
Mixerman
Kevin F Rose wrote in message <8q85vg$un9$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...
> I love the desser and want another one! There are a lot of high dollar
>engineers and studios that utilize them frequently. They just work.
Did you read that in Mix? Or do you just hang around high dollar engineers?
And how much is a high dollar engineer getting these days? Just, so I have
something to shoot for.
Mixerman
Predrag Trpkov
Mixerman <Mixe...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:XUrx5.34176$M37.9...@bgtnsc07-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> The DBX 160, 165 and 165a are compressors that pre-date anything you are
> speaking of here. The 160 is the original, and probably technically
sounds
> the best. Although it's hard to say that because I find that I grab 160's
> for different things than I grab a 165a. It's a half space unit, that
fills
> a full rack width when you have a pair. They are not sold anymore.
>
the
> 160. The 165a is the same as the 165, except that the 165a has a stop
peak
> limit function. These compressors are all in the $800 price range.
>
things,
> they are a horrible compressor for other things. To quote: "Your mileage
> may vary" -Fletcher
>
> Mixerman
What do you find them (165, 165A) perfect for?
What about later incarnations of DBX 160 - 160X, 160A, 903?
I ask this because:
- unlike many fine compressors being regularly discussed on this ng, I
might
be able to find (and afford - this exchange rate is killing hope) a
second-hand
165 here in Europe
- I have one 903 module and, although it's supposed to be similar to a
160X, it
doesn't sound as good to me as I remember 160X used to sound. Still
trying
to find its use (or buy 160X/A instead).
TIA.
Predrag
Mark Plancke
Mixerman
useful. I don't really use anything built after the 160x. I find them to
be..not so great.
I'd say you can't go wrong buying a 165. They are very useful for picking
style guitars, and sometimes snare drums.
My favorite use for them is to squash drastically a mult of an instrument
which I add into the uncomressed signal. I do this when I want to get some
punch from an instrument, without losing its biggness. Loops sometimes
benefit from this treatment.
Mixerman
Predrag Trpkov wrote in message <8q8be5$ak2u$1...@as121.tel.hr>...
Jules
I found the 160's good for a certain 'wet fish' slap to kick & snare.
One day, they will be mine, oh yes, one day....
Jules
Kevin F Rose
> Did you read that in Mix?
No I just look at the pictures.
Or do you just hang around high dollar engineers?
Sometimes, but I prefer strippers.<g>
> And how much is a high dollar engineer getting these days?
Just, so I have
something to shoot for.<
Your head.
I can take it mr. Mixerman when it's deserved. I haven't finished my
dinner so I won't ask for dessert. Can I make coffee for you? I'm no
G.M., B.O., or E.C. but the deeser still works. Now what about DBX
compressors? Your narcicisstic ass faced twin wants to know!
Fun!
--
Kevin F. Rose
"No the metronome is not slowing down"
Mixerman
I find it interesting.
As to the compressors in the 900 racks, I never use them, so I couldn't
comment.
Mixerman
Kevin F Rose wrote in message <8qaokk$v8f$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>...
EggHd
>>
My perception is that it is someone that I will try to get their price down a
bit. <g>
---------------------------------------
"I know enough to know I don't know enough"
Kevin F Rose
> I'm just curious what the perception out there is of a high dollar
engineer.
Me too. New thread??? Bud O'brian, and worth every dollar. I just hope
M. Sweet isn't gonna get him hooked on Twinkies.
>
> As to the compressors in the 900 racks, I never use them, so I
couldn't comment.
I've never used an RNC but they're made by Telefunken right? <RBG>
They are good workhorses that most studios would never outgrow. Not
flexable like a Distressor<bg> but for a newbie not as easy to fuck
stuff up with like a dbx 1066 which is in it's price range. I think the
1066 is the most widely abused po'sumer unit by house sound guys next
to that alesis pumper. I do sound for traveling bands occasionaly and
come in hear the house rig chattering because the stoner house soundman
has the 1066 gate turned all the way open on the mains and/or the
threshold settings on the compression side sucking in the sound of
people pissing in the back alley.
Peas.
ScotFraser
The place I mix is Royce Hall, a historic building on the campus of UCLA, &
the main roadhouse in L.A. for non-rock touring acts.
Scott Fraser
Mike L.
Mike
John Wozniak
news:39C8178D...@btinternet.com...
>
> I found the 160's good for a certain 'wet fish' slap to kick & snare.
>
Exactly. That's what I like it for too. It's a unique box in that
regard...
--
John Wozniak
Mushroom Studios: (Vancouver)
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
oh, and... http://www.marcyplayground.com
Rob Reedijk
: > The 902 is a stripped down version of a 160 (kinda) that fits in a 3
: > rack space frame/powersupply.
: Eeeeeyeah. The 902 is actually a de-esser. The 903 is the compressor, but
: whose splitting hairs? My favorite mod out of the 900 rack you're talking
: about is the 929 'single ended noise reduction.' It's wicked.
Care to elaborate? I have a couple of 929s and I could see them being used
to mess with frequency response, triggered by dynamics. What are you
doing with them. I also have 905 EQs (underrated, I think) and the
904 gate, which is a bit stinky because it distorts the signal somewhat,
even when sound is above the threshold.
Rob R.
Ici Radio Canada.
John Wozniak
situation, when somebody sends you noisy tracks, the 929's are kissable.
There is NOTHING like them. All that crap that you never wanna get into as
a mix engineer becomes tolerable. Noise from old tape delays, Mellotrons,
samplers, and a million other sources can be removed without affecting your
eq, at all. They're simple and effective (only 1 knob). Bing bang boom...
you're done, and moving on. Here's a link for those who want to check 'em
out. I put them in my top 40 list of all time most useful mix items.
http://www.dbxpro.com/929.htm
--
John Wozniak
Mushroom Studios: (Vancouver)
http://www.mushroomstudios.com
oh, and... http://www.marcyplayground.com
"Rob Reedijk" <ree...@hera.med.utoronto.ca> wrote in message
news:8qo957$m1s$1...@news1.chem.utoronto.ca...
> John Wozniak (marc...@nospam.com) wrote:
> : > The 902 is a stripped down version of a 160 (kinda) that fits in a 3
> : > rack space frame/powersupply.
>
> : Eeeeeyeah. The 902 is actually a de-esser. The 903 is the compressor,
but
> : whose splitting hairs? My favorite mod out of the 900 rack you're
talking
> : about is the 929 'single ended noise reduction.' It's wicked.
>
hank alrich
> << I'm just curious what the perception out there is of a high dollar
> engineer. >>
> My perception is that it is someone that I will try to get their price down a
> bit. <g>
Aren't high dollars the ones you can't get the curl out of?
--
hank alrich * secret__mountain
audio recording * music production * sound reinforcement
"If laughter is the best medicine let's take a double dose"