Alesis Micro Limiter

It's a simple limiter (well, actually, it's a soft-knee compressor with variable input gain, fixed threshold, ratio set to unlimited, and variable output gain).

Usage seems pretty easy: Set the level, release, output level, and you're done. Actually, it's not that easy: You'll have to set the input level so that the meter shows something (somewhere between the first orange LED and the first red LED lighting on peaks). This adjusts the compression by adding to input gain (ration is unlimited, remember). Best sounds are achieved when the meter is somewhere from "sometimes yellow" to "sometimes red".

As compression (and thus sound) is dependent on your program material (and not in the over-easy style of dbx compressors), you may (or may not) find the right settings for your material at once . That's no problem if you can just repeat what you played (like from a sampler), but not-so-nice for live playing, unless you just use the unit for protection.

Fortunately, the manual (still downloadable from alesis' web site) tells you about this "design choice" and even gives hints on settings for different material (the manual is quite good, actually).

Sound quality is medium, the unit tends to be noisy, especially when using higher levels (like +4db).

Higher output gain settings increase noisyness.

The "soft knee" compression usually produces somewhat less audible results than hard knee compression - depending on the type of usage this may be good or bad.

I normally use the unit as stereo compressor for sample playbacks (mostly drum loops and the like) in a +4db studio setup. It does it's job, but I think I will eventually replace it by something like a Alesis 3060 or a Fostex 3070 (which colors the sound, but I like it) - the noise level is sometimes annoying.

The unit is quite sturdy as all the micro series gear. The only weak point is the power jack (1/8" mono jack) , which I would attach with gaffa or the like before gigging.

Never dealt with alesis support, but their webiste has every manual for every old alesis product I ever wanted. That's cool.

I use it in a mostly electronic setup playing HipHop and House style music. I have used it as a sum limiter (for the drummer's headphones), for bass drums (not the best choice - now replaced by a Boss RCL-10) and for stereo loops. Stereo sum processing (or processing stereo loop material) is definitely the unit's stronger point - for single sounds / instruments I prefer a compressor with more / more precise control.

Very easys to use.

This is great for guitar or bass. I usually leave it on all the time.

Depending on the output level of the guitar, (I usually set the input level to 3 o'clock) it adds a bit of clean tube-like compression without being obvious. Fattens the sound.
Carvin DC 135 (F'n great guitar!) -> Micro Limiter -> Yamaha DG Stomp -> Tech21 Trademark 60. The Micro Limiter is much much better in this application than the Micro Compressor, the compressor in the DG Stomp, DBX 186, or any other comressor/limiter I own.

I have had the unit for many years. Only problem is the non-standard jack/plug on the power input, which can short out if not all the way in. This can burn out the wall wart. This is cheap to replace (Radio Shack) but you might need to splice the old plug.

I have also used this as a master mix limiter in my old analog recording setup. It also worked well for this but I am all digital now (Sonar) so I only us it when tracking.

You can get used ones ebay etc. for $15 - $30. At that price how can you lose?

it is what it is it's a versatile limiter. Very simple to operate.
It is no a trick pony. But it is small I put one in my bag and just put velcro on your amp or rack case and you want to limit your gear for one night.The only thing I don't like is it uses a wall wart.Sometime I just turn everything up so it won't limit and use it for a gain I have three.

Mostly I use stat's or my Fat tele's through it into a jcm800 combo.
Somethimes i use it for vocals through the insert on my board.
The unit sounds great.but I only use it on my guitar when I play with no effects other than gain.

I might be tempted to use it without a back-up(other than a extra wall wart). But I like to always have 2 of everything this is no exeption to the rule.
they are pretty dependable but if treat any unit rough it will fail.
I personally have not failed one! If I do I have another in my gear bag.Remember a spike can fail a unit no matter how goo it is.

Never needed a repair.
I have replaced a ton of tranformers. My music store always messed up the order.
But I have Dealt with Alesis on other products and I think they are immpecable in customer service. How ever I have deal with sony and Roland and find them not interested in me after my purchase although I have enjoyed their products.

I play Blues Rock sometimes gospel.Music is Music I've playe 15 plus years. When you just need protection it's the way to go if you need no compression just limiting it's fab especially on analog.in my life I've owned about 15 high end guitars and 6 amps 3 recorders analog and digital 4 limiter compressers 7 multi effects units,3 limiters and the list goes on! While I'm keeping gear to a minimum these days and find this is just a good piece to have around.
Because it's simple.

This unit is very simple, just three knobs for input and output volume and overall effect level. There is a switch to bypass the effect and an LED display for your sound level.There are stereo inputs and outputs (1/4 inch jack)It is small; a half rack space unit. Of course there are no patches or edits;it's just twisting the knobs to get the desired sound. I don't have a manual, but it's pretty self explanatory.

I have used this device for two applications;recording my bass guitar and vocals on my Tascam Porta 5 4 Track Cassette. It is actually best for bass,giving me just the right compression and sustain that I need. It's okay for vocals. The only problem I've ever had there was with a shrieking female vocalist from my old band; it just wasn't enough compression. Generally the setting I use is both input and output volume about 3/4 the way up with the mix control a little above center. I've used it with a number of basses and had good results, but I mainly record with either a Rickenbacker 2030 or 4001.

It hasn't broken yet and I bought it used 10 years ago. I actually did use it at a gig a few times with a Galien Krueger 400 RB amp and a Peavey 1-15 cabinet.It was a good sound!!

I can't comment on support,after all it was used.

If you are on a budget and doing home recording, this little rack unit is a good addition to your arsenal. They can be had for fairly cheap. It's the only way I can properly record bass at home. I would rather have a tube compressor,or even the Line 6 POD would be a better solution for me, but this will do for now. I record various styles of rock.