How would you compair

Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:48 pm

The DBX 166 XL (I know its considered a pro compressor)

http://www.dbxpro.com/166XL.htm

to the PRO VLA by ART

http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=80&cat=2&id=8

I just bought the PRO VLA and hope that I made the right choice.
I was kind of hoping It would work as a preamp/compressor/limiter miracle worker for my vocals. ha, ha Laughing

well at least I hope its clean enough so that I don't have to pawn it. Rolling Eyes

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:30 pm

bump

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 12:22 am

I have both. Both impart a different.... errr.....'feeling' of compression....I guess thats what I'm trying to describe.

Neither are high-end slamittillithurts type of compressors. Neither will do to an instrument or a buss what an 1176 or a Distressor or a Fairchild will do. Both are very usable and will operate very very well within the parameters of their settings.

You will be the determining factor on whether or not you like your purchase well enough to hang on to it.

As for hanging on to a compressor, You cant have too many outboard devices! I still dont have enough. The VLA is good enough to be in a mix with units costing four times as much.....you just have to find its best use.

I use mine exclusively across the drum stereo buss. It adds a nice crunch to them. I dont put the overheads in it though as it has a tendency, at the settings I use, to harsh and pump the cymbals. However, if I had another one and could use a different setting on the cymbals, I would have no problem with it on them.

As for vocals, I tend to like very little compression and would rather ride the faders a bit.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:26 pm

Thanks Dave, your opinion is greatly valued and respected. I enjoy seeing my input on the meter and when adusting the compression it is usfull to see as well as hear the adjustment with the meter.
I struggled which one to buy first as the wife hasn't worked for a while. LOL
I am glad that you don,t feel it was a waist of coin
I hate buying junk.

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