dbx MC6

I also have a Presonus Comp16 that I use for vocals with a headset mic, and an Alesis micro-limiter that I protect the speakers / overall mix with. I bought this compressor for my acoustic Bass. This unit offers the most flexibility so it also takes a little longer to setup. I also use this device as an insert when I run sound for other teams. It is really easy to get a good sound with the auto mode. It is possible to get great sound in manual if you have time.

I bought this because it was well regarded for bass guitar. I also use it when I am on the soundboard other teams. For my voice I prefer the sparkle of the Presonus. I use this unit to soften and fatten up the voices that the horn loaded speakers make harsh. The sound is clean and full, but it is an effect and not just a volume control. Based on the suggestion of others I have found that a slightly less than fully on attack rate can tame the difficult voices without completely squashing the dynamics.

I lead an acoustic contemporary worship team, and participate on others as instrumentalist and sound. Mostly vocal and acoustic guitar, but some accoustic bass and classical. This is a good match for me because I most often am adding to the house equipment. My reviews are based on use in sound reinforcement applications.

Very easy to use and I always like faders over knobs.

Very clean! I was out hitting pawn shops looking for its competitor the alesis nanocompressor and I saw this thing tucked away for 50 dollars! so I said what the heck and when I plugged it in a spoke through it I was like Oh my GOD! it sounds so good! I dont know what these things go for new but everyone should have one if they have a studio.

well I got a pawnshope model and it looks and sounds great. So I guess they are fairly durable.

Get this box if you need cheap compression that is clean and very versitle for a variety of compression.

At first you are overwhelmed with all the options. But then after messing with it you realize it does anything you want it to.

The sound is crystal clear. No hissing noise or background fuzz. It fills all the "holes" in the sound of your instrument or live music. I use my Taylor 414kce with it but I also have used it for recording and live mixing. Incredible device!

I would gig without a backup. Always. Hard plastic. I wish it were metal but it has lasted and made it through the hard times. Very duralble.

I haven't had to contact them cause the dbx works soooo well.

Overall I think this pedal/compressor rocks like non other. After trying many other compressors all I kept getting was a hissy sound in the background. This IS the best sounding compressor out there!

If you use the auto modes you can get some good sounds pretty quickly,if you not that hot on compression that is a big help. The manual is not much use for newbies, though it tries its best.

I use it mainly for dance track drums and in manual mode careful adjustment can create some killer kicks and snares, it handles the bass end well and can really give you a heavy house sound. For intruments the auto mode performs great. Although its a little plastic box, you really feel the electronics inside are top class. Watch out for classic DBX character though, its not so hot with heavy "effect" ratios and low thresholds on manual mode and I would not recomend it for an across final stereo mix jobs since it may not be sufficiently transparent.

Being plastic if feels a bit flimsy, not like its nearest rival the alesis nanocompressor. The electronics i'm sure are 100%, but any plastic casing obvioulsy needs to be looked after. Having said that I wont be gigging with it, and have not had it long enough to give an opinion on the electronics. In the States you guys get a two year warranty so they must be pretty confident.

Have not dealt with them yet.

For electronic drums and getting really tough 909 kicks and hats its fantastic, so if you are into US house or techno then its great, as i'm sure the other models are (if only I had more money!). For solo instruments like guitar or piano or vocals the auto mode is a breeze. I compared it with and bought the nanocompressor at roughly the same time and they make a good pair, though if you only had to have one it would be a tough choice. The DBX handles bass better, has a better auto mode but is not so well built. The nanocompresor is fantastic over the mix is better built and has a side chain, buts it RMS auto mode is a let down. I was not rolling in it so only looked at "mini-models" and got both instead of one bottom end rack of one make. The good thing is though for a cheap price you can buy into the DBX sound (it has the 160 series stuff in it), and certainly if you are a guitarist and want a compressor "pedal" there should be little competition.