FMR PBC-6A Mono Compressor

I got this after using FMR's RNP (really nice pre-amp) for three years and being very happy with it. I was using software compressors, but after seeing the huge difference between Logic Studio's built in compressor and a 3rd party plug-in (the Rocket Compressor), I wanted to try a hardware compressor.I was trying to decide between this unit and FMR's two-channel compressor, which is considerably cheaper -- actually less than half the price of this unit, and it's two channels, while this one is just one. However, I wanted a really good compressor to record vocals with, so I decided to go for this one, and pick up a cheap, second-hand compressor on ebay (a dbx 163x).I've used it on vocals, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar so far, and I'm happy with the results. With the drive knob, you control the amount of compression, and there is a huge amount. Even at 12 o'clock (only half way up) you are seriously squashing the signal, but with no artifacts. I've gone up to 3 o'clock -- almost no dynamics -- and while extreme, it's doing its job. I paired it with the FMR RNP and an Apex 205 ribbon mic, as well as a Shure SM7b, and it did well with both.It uses XLR's on the back, in and out. The knobs are smooth and have a nice rubbery feel to them, which is great, unlike the FMR RNP, where the knobs click and feel a bit cheaper. This one is doing great.

What I really like about this compressor is that it really brings your vocals to the front without any harsh frequencies spiking in any way.it keeps my voice on an even keel and even that being said, you can really play around with this to get a lot of good recordings out of this for just about any style, money well spent and made in USA which is a plus!

As expected!

Phenomenal compressor. I ordered a pair for stereo linking from Front End Audio. Great service from Front End; Ryan was great to deal with. I'm just starting to dig in to these compressors. There is a little bit of a learning curve with them but overall initial impressions are great. These sound very, very rich and expensive. I love all of FMR's products as well as FMR as a company. I have this pair of PBC-6As, a pair of RNCs and an RNP. All designed and manufactured here in the US. Set up and stereo linking was easy. These will probably live for a while on my mix buss. They seem to do wonderful things there...especially when you bypass them; you'll want them back in. Here is a picture of them getting ready to go in to our rack. These three 1/3 rack FMR products (((PBC-6A---RNP---PBC-6A))) are all mounted on an FMR rack tray. The rack tray has three holes in the bottom of it (with dimpled recesses) to screw down each of three FMR units to the tray. The system works great and all units are very secure for 19" rack mounting.

As a professional Voice Actor... I recommend the FMR PBC-6A. I own a Teletronix La2A and a Empirical labs EL8-X Distressor... and this magic little box from FMR can deliver sounds that rival the other 2 compressors... It is absolutely the best sounding and most versatile compressor in its price range... I use the FMR PBC-6A with my Vintech X73i and I also use this with my Avalon 737... The compressor in the Avalon doesn't cut it... but when i use the FMR PBC-6A ...the magic happens:) Get this... you will NOT be disappointed...Don CaponeVoice Actor