The COMP16 from Presonus is a single channel, preset compressor. Based on the award winning BlueMax compressor design, the unit provides sixteen presets that have been carefully tailored for a wide range of applications including vocals, percussion, fretted instruments, keyboards, stereo program material (two units required) and compression effects.
Operation of the unit is as simply as selecting the preset and adjusting the input and output to achieve the desired level of compression. XLR balanced and 1/4" unbalanced connectors provide a choice of connectivity. Metering and a bypass switch help in providing feedback about the level of gain reduction taking place.
| Function | Compressor |
| Number of Channels | Single |
| Inputs |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" TRS phone |
| Outputs |
1 x XLR 1 x 1/4" TRS phone |
| Maximum Input Level | +22dBu, unbalanced |
| Compression Threshold | Fixed |
| Compression Ratio | 1:1 to 20:1, preset dependent |
| Attack Time | 0.01mSec to 100mSec, preset dependent |
| Release Time | 10mSec to 500mSec, preset dependent |
| Gate Threshold | Not applicable |
| Gate Rate | Not applicable |
| Maximum Output Level | +22dBu, unbalanced |
| Make-up Gain | -20dB to +20dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz to 50kHz |
| Dynamic Range | >115dB |
| Noise | SNR: >95dB |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 1 3/4" |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Specialties | Output level and gain reduction metering |
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3 customers
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Comments about PreSonus COMP16 - Single Channel Compressor with Preset Compression Curves:
The unit sounds clean and is easy to use. I'm a singer and I bought it to compress vocals at band rehearsal. It just doesn't compress the vocals enough for me, even using the preset with the most compression isn't enough. It may be good for other purposes, just not how I need it. I had an old ART Levelar that worked great (after years of use it finally bit the dust) and 2 rack mount units that still work great. I thought I'd try this because it's inexpensive and portable, but it just doesn't do it for me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about PreSonus COMP16 - Single Channel Compressor with Preset Compression Curves:
I use the Presonus COMP 16 Compressor with a Music Man bass. It exceeds my expectation for a light and easy to use accessory. The compressor is exactly what I need, sustaining sound as the signal from the bass tapers off, and clamping unintentional "thumps." I have received favorable comments from fellow musicians. I would not want to be without it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about PreSonus COMP16 - Single Channel Compressor with Preset Compression Curves:
I record my own voiceovers for training products, using a combination of Neuman, Shure, and Sennheiser mics. I was having dynamic range problems and ended up doing a lot of work in Audition during post to fix the recording dynamics.
Since I was already using the Tube Pre as an amp, I decided to try the Comp 16 for in-line compression prior to the recording hitting the software. This little unit has saved me a lot of time in post. I doesn't complete compression all the way but it has brought the dynamics in my voice under control. After a few more tweaks to the input/output settings and trying different presets it will probably do all of the compression for me.
I haven't found the perfect settings yet but am close. I use this in conjunction with the Presonus Tube Pre in front and the FireBox behind, with the HP4 headphone splitter when I am training other engineers on my crew.
If you don't have the budget for huge audio racks, I highly recommend the COMP 16 and the other PreSonus products that go with it. The audio is great, the components are extremely quiet, and it saves me a lot of time in post production. Follow the instructions in the manual if you are new compression.
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