for this application - only light compression - i really like my old symetrix 525. it's smooth, glues everything together nicely and, depending on the threshold, can tame some light peaks quite well... you should get it used for round 80$. also a nice 2-bus comp for no money. the rnc is something completely different, i'd never use it like this.

As far as I know the only difference between the 160x and 160xt is that the xt has XLR jacks. Otherwise they are identical. The 160a is similar but uses a different VCA, so it sounds slightly different, and it seems most people prefer the x and xt over the 160a...I've never compared them though.

I think in your situation, you might want to consider the rnc. The dbx's are nice, especially for drums, but not quite as transparent as the rnc compressor is. I use mine extensively for tracking just for taming the peaks, and it's barely noticeable. It doesn't perform well on bass, but for vocals, acoustic, etc, it's great.

I have an X, an A, and 1773. The biggest difference for me is that the 160's have no attack or release controls, the RNC does. I usually mix with Sonar, but occasionally do a quick mix through the board. I use the RNC as a mainmix compressor at 2:1 or less, medium attack and fast release.......it makes for a very punchy mix :) The insert jacks on it are wired in reverse, so you can just run a pair of TRS cables to the L/R inserts on your board and voila!
I also use the 1773 occasionally when tracking a really dynamic vocalist, it's very easy to dial in and get transparent results.

Thanks for the replies.

Right now I'm leaning twords the RNC. You can get two RNC's in a rack mountable chassis for $385, damn good deal.

I'll also check out the symetrix 525.

I was going to say that whatever you get, if it's another channel you need, get the same thing! Replace the DBX with two whatever's or just get an additional DBX, but I think that's what you just said you were going to do..?

TG.