Alesis 3630 Compressor

[cjj]

I've heard all sorts of people talking about how the Alesis 3630 compressor isn't very good. It seems like a pretty low priced unit for a 2 channel compressor, of course, being cheap may be why people say it isn't too good.

Anyone here have any experience with these? Can anyone tell me what, exactly makes them bad (or if they really are all that bad)? What are some better 2 channel compressors out there and why are they better?

[jps]

What are some better 2 channel compressors out there.....?

Here are some:

http://manleylabs.com/containerpages/mu99.html

http://manleylabs.com/containerpages/elop99.html

http://www.uaudio.com/products/hardware ... index.html

http://www.uaudio.com/products/hardware/2la2/index.html

http://dwfearn.com/vt-7_compressor.html

http://www.avalondesign.com/comp2044.html

http://www.chandlerlimited.com/products/tg1.php


Why are they better? These are the cream of the crop in design, build, components, sound (subjective, of course), etc. You do get what you pay for with these gems. I just read a superb review on the Chandler unit. I plan on buying one (once I win the lottery!)

BTW, you didn't mention a price range.

[FretlessOnly]

I've had an Alesis 3630 in my rack since 1991. I think I paid $200 for it back then. I've been relatively pleased with it, and it's been ready for every rehearsal and gig for 18 years. It has an effects loop that allows for compression, ducking and sibilance reduction (with a split ring/tip cord). The noise gate is not good, as it tends to need too much signal to engage, creating a choppy sound, so I don't use it much.

I'm sure there are better compressors out there, but this is the only "serious" compressor (if I can call the 3630 serious) I've ever had, so I can't comment on others. But, I'd be interested to know what makes other compressors better, as my 3630 won't last forever. Or will it?

[stevebasshead]

Hope this helps - lots of compressor reviews here... http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml ...including the 3630. I've not heard one myself so I can't vouch for the review but the guy seems highly regarded for his compressor opinions and experience on Talkbass (Bongomania is his ID there). I think he does his reviews more from a studio use perspective so his reviews should be taken in that context.

[cjj]

That did help, pretty much says why it's not considered any good, at least in his opinion. Thanks for the link!

[FretlessOnly]

For the record, I've never noticed any distortion from my 3630. Not sure what he's basing that on.

[stevebasshead]

Yes, I can't imagine Alesis would sell many if they distorted noticibly, but I think the guy's reviews are done with a hyper critical ear, he's a self confessed compressor "geek" (meant in the nicest way!)

I remember reading somewhere that his tests are done on headphones in a studio setting so that he can pick out every nuance. Noise is also a big thing for him as he makes it clear in his reviews of valve-based compressors, but for live use all but the worst/hissiest compressors will be pretty much fine for most of us, at least in a rock band context. So I take his reviews with that in mind. I bought the new Diamond compressor (bass version) based on his reviews and found he was dead on about it, lovely unit (and this from someone with a love/hate relationship with compressors!)

He was also dead right about the Arion SCO-1 being utterly dreadful as a compressor for bass but great as an effect much like a torn speaker when blended in with your direct signal

[qwezirider]

I had a 3630 briefly in the '90s. The thing was atrocious. Very noisy (hissy). It was replaced by an FMR Audio RNC1773. I have not looked back since.

http://www.fmraudio.com/RNC1773.HTM

[jps]

Sometimes I wish I kept the two of these that I had.

[FretlessOnly]

I had a 3630 briefly in the '90s. The thing was atrocious. Very noisy (hissy). It was replaced by an FMR Audio RNC1773. I have not looked back since.

http://www.fmraudio.com/RNC1773.HTM

Well, I've knocked mine in and out of the loop; cranked it up, backed it down and pretty much thrown it off a couple of bridges, and I've noticed no discernible distortion or hiss in the 18 years I've been using it.

[qwezirider]

Maybe I just had the one sucky unit in the pile. It did hiss like a mad cat, though.

[whojamfan]

I found mine to work just fine for the few applications in which I've used it. Sure there are better units, but it pretty much does what it says, and gives you all the options. It's really a good "bang for your buck", and like the ad says, it's a great first compressor, and a great way to learn how to use compression.