Alternative to FMR RNC compressor

asmara · Post by **asmara** » Fri May 19, 2006 7:05 am

Hello- I am interested in getting an additional compressor to compliment my fmr rnc for drums and bass. I would like any recommendations on NEW currently available units that are in a similar price range (sub 1000 anyway) that would do the trick. I record mainly DI with bass chain is GR ME-1nv or Chandler Germ >Fireface 800>Logic 7 and mix ITB.
Music style is Beately Rock circa 1967. by the way I really like the RNC for most applications but I really cannot get a good bass compression out of it. Thanks in advance.

Justin Foley · Post by **Justin Foley** » Fri May 19, 2006 7:43 am

Have you looked at the RNLA? It's a bit more colorful than the RNC.

= Justin

asmara · Post by **asmara** » Fri May 19, 2006 8:01 am

I certainly would be open to trying that product. It may be impossible with the budget but anything to help get that "in yer face magical mystery tour era bass tone" which is what I am referencing.

mjau · Post by **mjau** » Fri May 19, 2006 8:20 am

Sometimes those Meek compressors work beautifully for bass, but in other circumstances they don't work in the right context.
I've head great things about that half-rack Summit levelling amp, so maybe that's the ticket?

Red Rockets Glare · Post by **Red Rockets Glare** » Fri May 19, 2006 8:31 am

I kinda love the Summit TLA-50
Very cool sounding tube limiter, easy to get a good sound, hard to overuse.
I use it to track almost every overdub with when going straight into the computer. It sounds a bit like tape compression at low settings.

Also in your price range is the ART VLA. It is even easier to use than the TLA, and is also a tube limiting comp. I use that a lot on drums and D.I. bass when tracking to tape.

Eric Rottmayer · Post by **Eric Rottmayer** » Fri May 19, 2006 8:52 am

RNLA is cool but still not great for bass...FMR needs to make a DI box
for bass similar to the Avalon U5...at about 1/2 the price with a FET comp?
seriously, it would sell a million units...so many home recording folks looking
for this.

the Meek VCQ3 is OK for bass...and pretty cheap.

e

JASIII · Post by **JASIII** » Fri May 19, 2006 9:48 am

eric Metronome wrote:
the Meek VCQ3 is OK for bass...and pretty cheap.

I use one all the time and get good results

cominginsecond · Post by **cominginsecond** » Fri May 19, 2006 10:43 am

I really like the DBX 163 on bass. It's so simple to use and it can go from subtle comrpession to extreme squashing. They usually go for under $70 or so on Ebay.

spin · Post by **spin** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:40 am

I really like the Demeter opto 'Compulator' on bass specifically. It's a pedal but I'd say not to let that bias you. Great for modern to old school and can nail the '60s vibe you mention IMO and not too expensive. (I'm a bass player first and foremost for what that's worth.)

mjau · Post by **mjau** » Fri May 19, 2006 12:41 pm

Yeah, good mention on the pedal - I'll also add the Maxon cp101 comp pedal, which does wonderful things for a bass.

I'm Painting Again · Post by **I'm Painting Again** » Fri May 19, 2006 1:41 pm

dbx had some great comps that are still affordable..I'm thinking the 160 stuff..

surf's up · Post by **surf's up** » Fri May 19, 2006 3:15 pm

Avoid*Catsup wrote:dbx had some great comps that are still affordable..I'm thinking the 160 stuff..

The 160VU is wonderful on bass. Its not new or that cheap though. Im guessing the newer one 160s are probably solid for bass, albeit in a different way.

lancebug · Post by **lancebug** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:12 pm

cominginsecond wrote:I really like the DBX 163 on bass. It's so simple to use and it can go from subtle comrpession to extreme squashing. They usually go for under $70 or so on Ebay.

x2 on the 163. I didnt originally care for the di on it but since I changed pickups in my bass it seems fine. Just set it so it knocks down 6db or so. Works good for live use too.

Dave-H · Post by **Dave-H** » Sat May 20, 2006 5:33 am

I vote for the ART Pro VLA or the Pro Channel strip. With the channel strip you get a tube Pre, Comp. & EQ all in one box. They each have a 12AX7 in them. I have run my bass through it & am amazed with what it will do for the sound. I wish I had several more of these!

Dave H.

kayagum · Post by **kayagum** » Sun May 21, 2006 2:41 pm

mjau wrote:Yeah, good mention on the pedal - I'll also add the Maxon cp101 comp pedal, which does wonderful things for a bass.

+1 on the Maxon. Super quiet, keeps the attack, makes everything sit just right. No more, no less.

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Alternative to FMR RNC compressor

Alternative to FMR RNC compressor

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