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moosers
Published on 12/03/09 at 10:17
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.
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.