Product: Alesis Smashup
Price Paid: US $39.95
Submitted
04/05/2005
at
06:21am
by
Jason Hoffman
Ease of Use
:
9
I've been considering a compressor for about five years but as a hobbyist I couldn't justify the cost. Besides, I've got one on my PC for when I record so why would I need one? But at $40, how could I resist the Smashup? It is EXTREMELY easy to use even if you don't quite understand the concept of compression works. It is also very musical so it's difficult to destroy your sound.
My only beef is that there is no ratio knob. Yes, each "type" has a different ratio (2:1, 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, and, I think, 100:1) and this helps keep the cost down and the unit easy to use but still...
Sound Quality
:
9
Like all units you have to use it a bit to determine line in volume and setting levels. For $40 it gets a 12. Compared to rackmount compressors in the $200-$300 range, it gets about a 9.
Reliability
:
10
I've had no problems so far with this or my Ineko, another astounding bargain.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
n/a
Overall Rating
:
10
If it had the ability to set soft or hard knee (pre-set for each type) or compression ratio this would be the steal of the centure. As it is, however, it's the steal of the decade. I wish the ModFX line made money for Alesis because these are some very inventive and affordable effects units.
