All user reviews for the Alesis 3630 Compressor

See data sheet.
One regret: not only XLR jack symmetrical.

USE

No pb.
The doc is not really useful.
Ability to view clearly on levels of LEDs and output and thus use the optimal appreil Manire.

SOUND QUALITY

Used on an overall mix and a 5-string bass directly entering it: very transparent and no pb with as low a review on this hardware, the opposite.

NOTICE GLOBAL

A very good investment better than the behringer which however is not to throw out the window, yet he must know how to use a compressor properly.
The very extremists notice should learn how to settle such a device based on the signal to compress.

This is the most popular brand compressor.

Reminder features:

- Mode link stereo or dual mono channel with bypass.
- RMS or peak mode.
- Setting Threshold, Ratio and output level.
- Adjust the attack, release time and hard or soft slope knob compression threshold.
- Display type LED.
- Sidechain mode.
- Switch the output level -10 / +4 db on Rear panel.
- No system of preset parameters.
- No parameter editing with external tools is possible.

The Alesis 3630 Compressor is classified in the family dynamics processors.

Audio Inputs / Outputs:

Jack * 1 1/4 "Channel A
Jack * 1 1/4 "Channel B
Jack * 1 1/4 "TRS Channel A
Jack * 1 1/4 "TRS Channel B

Food:
AC 9V, 830mA AC adapter

No connector noon.

UTILIZATION

The settings are easy to do, all settings are accessible from the front of the case.
There is no battery since no embedded memory system parameters are available.

The settings are open and can in some cases exceed the limits of the beasts, also monitor the input level.

Knobs / buttons are of good quality and robust.
The sound output is clean, cut off on trips too.

Both VU meter LEDs are robust and visible.

The manual paper version includes monochrome illustrations.
It contains clear and examples of settings information and explanations.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is satisfactory treatment for my use.

I use either link stereo sidechain insert on general or stereo sidechain insert on group link. Output level of-10dB and +4 dB studio on sound system.

OVERALL OPINION

I use since 2007.

Other models compared / tried dbx / behringher.

Simple, light, robust and popular.

The Alesis 3630 sports a stereo/dual mono compressor with gates on a budget. I might have an earlier version of the unit, as mine does not have XLR connections, but only 1/4" jacks. As mentioned, you also get a gate, with fixed attack, hold and release but adjustable threshold.
The compressor is switchable between RMS and Peak mode, as well as switchable between hard-knee and soft-knee compression.

UTILIZATION

You get a basic and pretty much standard set of controls on the 3630 Compressor. So in case you have any previous experience with compressors, you should not have any problems figuring out how to operate this one.
The compressor section on each side, has controls for threshold, ratio, attack, release and output. Remember to set the sensitivity according to either your DAW or mixer. There are small slides on the back of the unit for this, which switches each channel between +4dBu or -10dBv (the later being called instrument level).

I've not had the need to look in the manual, but should you find the need for that, it can be found on the web.

SOUND QUALITY

This is were I've had some issues with the compressor. For some reason, the output is extremely low, even after finding a unity between input and output. This however has been on drums, so the unit might not be so useful for that particular instrument. I've not had any issues on the vocals.
I find it pretty amazing, that the sound of the unit on vocals is as transparent as it is (relatively). It's not the most transparent, but it doesn't color the sound that much either.

The gates are decent. You don't have any chance of changing attack, hold and release. It's find, if you just need to clean up a signal - i.e a distortion guitar with a lot of hiss, when not played.

OVERALL OPINION

This is not a high-end compressor, so if you own a home studio and are on a budget, this cheap compressor might be something for you. The quality is way better then Behringer, but below DBX.
The 3630 runs on a 9V power supply, and this might be the fall for this, in other ways, fine compressor.

The Alesis 3630 is an analog compressor/limiter. It has XLR connections in the back and is rackable - it will take up a single rack space. The metering is smartly made and the bright LEDs help you to see exactly where you level is at.


UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Alesis 3630 is pretty easy to follow. It has a knob to set the threshold, a knob to set the output gain, and a knob for compressor ratio. It then has a buttons for bypass and to change the display of the metering. I don't have a manual for this so I don't know if it helpful or not, but the unit is easy enough to use that most shouldn't need it except maybe during set up or troubleshooting.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Alesis 3630 is pretty good overall. It is good for drums and guitars, but lacks the full quality I would look for in a vocal compressor. The ease of use makes it quick and easy to get a good sound and the bypass button is handy when A/Bing your signal. It is nice to have a few of these at once while you are tracking if you like to track drums with compression.


OVERALL OPINION


I've been using the Alesis 3630 compressor for about two years or so. While this isn't the best sounding compressor out there, it is very solid and works great for drums. The price is what will draw most to these, as they are quite cheap, but not cheap enough that they can be considered an entry level compressor. These definitely sound better than the Alesis 3630 and 266, but is a bit more expensive than both. If you are looking for some compressor that are a reasonable price and sound good, the Alesis 3630 is worth a look. Look around online, there are some good prices on this compressor.

Compressor / limiter (RMS / PEAK) with a noise gate all in Stereo or spars channels (dual mono).
1 I / O jacks + 1 side chains (send / return) per channel, all in one rack unit.

UTILIZATION

Using intuitive trs, trs we get a fast rsultat without spending hours (all APRS is a compressor), the noise gate is a little too "sharp" for my taste but I use a good for nothing.

SOUND QUALITY

I use it to boost output table, soften or upgrade guitars, vocals, bass etc etc and then exit pramp scne guitar, has allowed me to better control the various levels various attacks on his right hand.
did his job without pany without ill will either, I have for several years (I had bought used was the era for 800f) so it's tough.

OVERALL OPINION

So I prs since 4 years, I do not like too much noise gate that cuts to the heart too easily, it is not a dsagrable ear, cheap and I find more musical than the dial.
In fact I have coupled with a denoiser (Behring) therefore more prob of unwanted cuts.

Dual mono compressor + noise gate, utilsiable in Stereo.
analog
1U Rackmount
connection jack

UTILIZATION

Config trs simple for those who can use a compressor.
threshold, attack, release, ratio, gain switch + hard / soft knee switch + ARC (self release)
manual clear.

SOUND QUALITY

Compression fairly tranparent my taste.
Noise gate a little rough, I'm ok with the Previous post.
Used on voice, acoustic guitar, bass (you must attack the rgler consquence), sax.
Used also in the mix, but the he prfrera a multiband compressor.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 8 years.
For my part I recommend this stuff cheap and good quality.

2-channel compressor gate.

UTILIZATION

Adjustments classic.
No need for doc, "is a compressor ....".

SOUND QUALITY

Good entry-level product that is quite his job.
I placed in therm of quality of sound, well before a behringer, the problem is that it is absolutely prohibited "live" because hate is the big compressor level, as long as it is wired or simply send signal in and it immediately into the red.
It is impossible to send a kick to work with EX!!

OVERALL OPINION

I think it's a very good entry-level product that sounds not so bad, but used in his home studio, or at least the levels are less than levs live.

Compressor limiter with gate
jack on 6.35

UTILIZATION

Config very simple at the same time there is not much to block
English manual without Intrets
faade clear

SOUND QUALITY

He does his job no noise
clear transparent sound
flush for 3630 except that a brick does not break for 100 euros but bo

OVERALL OPINION

The best in this price range compared to mdx 2600 or dbx 266xl (I tried

Classic compressor or limiter (in the ratio) 2 mono channels linkable (linkable) in STREO. Fully analog. SMD components. Rackable U/19 1. "Connector Jack asymtrique 6.35. Alim externally.
THAT VCA compression (I think).
A gate is also attached.

UTILIZATION

Simple, VU prcis nitre and Retailer. Slecteur the level of (-10 dBV or +4 dBu) is the rear. Must choose their camps before rack!

SOUND QUALITY

In terms of compression, the bandwidth is good trs. Trs prcis transparent and treatment.
Noise at the Gate: The rglage plutt is abrupt and a t expander would more appropriate.
At the pleasure of sound, it's pretty diffrent: RMS mode may be not good enough and we end up tudi quickly with his "mang if you have the fast attack times .
In fact, it should be used with a low rate and a long attack time, back even longer.
A relative Behring, I found it less "fun" in the perception of balance bass / treble, but also cleaner on the sound and with a proper respect for the trs width of the str o (low crosstalk)

OVERALL OPINION

I took these products as fairly good value qualitprix the era of the domination of proprietary dbx (80).
Example for which this product is IDAL: a limiter for protecting a couple amp / speaker for a concert. Its transparent rglages prcis, no breath and good protection of your sound system if it is a little weak or if you do not want gnrer of odd harmonics with a clipping evil master of your amps.
Treatment for voice / bass and another may be taking a compressor less neutral, with a brand and color for the type of sound source.

Dual compressor rack.

UTILIZATION

Operation is simple (at the same time I did not fire in my beginners), several rglages can fawn simple paramtrer its action, as attack and release by example, it's like on a keyboard, sometimes the audio to work but also fun than working on a synth. Its operation follows several ways that the fawn dterminent which the compressor will act according to the trigger buttons (Peak / Rms) and (Hard / soft knee). It is possible also to by-pass very easy for a suitable key and another key to make its action, or Stereo or dual mono.
In terms of other controls, five rotary controls allow rgler threshold, compression ratio, attack, relchement and output level. A conventional compressor altogether. Prcis simple and clear indications are given.
The VU meters allow you to view the selection signal in and out, look the other way it's terribly convenient, and the intensity of rduction gain introduced by the compressor.

SOUND QUALITY

It is difficult to give an opinion gnral because I used to change only a few transient sounds coming out of my numriques keyboards, and he did relatively well. I noticed that it happened just like a veil, as if the treble taient Galissa dynamically by the ngatif. thundering.

OVERALL OPINION

He does my first compressor, and with it I made many mistakes, but it allowed me to make my Premire weapons in the world fascinate change the dynamics of sound.
In any honntet since I was with my husband, and that made me immediately find and use so many other models better, I have a hard return and the rear rutiliser Alesis.
Now I use our BSS DPR 402 that I love and who are more respectful of my work, they also allow me to work much more pushed and cratif. But I do not forget that thanks the Alesis, and (especially) thanks all the advice of my husband, I am normment progress, and this allowed me to use d other more sophisticated compressors on the one hand, and secondly, to use the same compressors Manir more calmly and intelligently.
Of course this compressor is not perfect, but I think it is a good tool to get your feet while providing a satisfactory quality at an affordable price.


Sarah.

The Alesis 3630 Compressor is a stereo compressor that is quite popular among home studio owners.  This piece of outboard gear is analog based and has both XLR and 1/4 inch connections.  In addition to the compressor, this unit also features a gate.  It is indeed a rack mountable piece of gear and it will take up two rack spaces.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the Alesis 3630 Compressor is pretty standard all around, so those with previous experience with compressors like this one will be able to figure this out rather quickly.  Each channel has parameters for threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output as well as a section for the gate that has additional parameters for threshold and rate.  Both channels also have a variety of buttons including a choice between either soft or hard knee.  I haven't seen the manual for the 3630, so I can't say too much about it but I don't believe one is necessary unless you are a beginner or are having technical difficulties. 


SOUND QUALITY

The overall sound quality of the Alesis 3630 Compressor is pretty impressive for such an inexpensive unit.  It is suitable for a variety of instruments and applications and I've seen a lot home studio owners use it on just about anything.  I've only used it on two different applications in particular including electric guitar and drums.  I find that the type of sound that the 3630 works best for these types of applications, where you wouldn't necessarily be looking to keep the cleanest signal possible, as this isn't the cleanest compressor out there.  The gate sounds pretty good as well and is a great thing to have within a single unit like this one...


OVERALL OPINION

If you are a home studio owner looking for a cheap compressor, the Alesis 3630 Compressor should definitely be looked at.  The unit is built well and should last for a while as long as you don't move it too often and treat it properly.  In this price range, this is about as good of a compressor that you are going to get.  While it isn't the cleanest or fullest sounding compressor out there by a long shot, if you're looking for a reliable stereo pair that has a gate on it as well for a home studio setting, I would definitely recommend checking out he Alesis 3630 Compressor.