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The compressor doesn't go on the entire system just the microphone channels.

Actually, in the case of the DRPA the compressor does go on the entire system. The saving grace of the compressor in the DRPA is that it is of the multi band variety which allows for the isolation of problem frequencies. Although not ideal, still very useful. I also incorporate external compression even with a DRPA.


I used to maintain an additional 31 band EQ also, mostly out of habit but as I learned my way around the DRPA I found that it was no longer needed. think you will find the EQ in the DRPA is all you will need, particularly in the "Plus" model.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

That is just one use of a compressor.
You can use compressors on the overall output for speaker protection & sometimes even allows for seemingly more volume if set properly - not so much with karaoke discs, but live music for sure. A good compressor with a peak stop limiter can go a long way. I have also seen pro setups where a separate compressor/limiter were being used on each output of an electronic crossover.
The DriveRack (not driveback) will replace several components in a PA including:
•Feedback Eliminator
•Dual 28-band Graphic EQ
•Compressor
•Sub-harmonic Synthesizer
•2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6 Crossover
•Stereo Multi-band Parametric EQ
•Stereo Output Limiters
•Alignment Delay
•Pink Noise Generator
•Auto-EQ with 28-band RTA

That's 12 or more rack spaces alone that it is replacing.

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This is certainly not a bad idea, but with amateur singers you will find significant value in compression on the vox channel inserts, or an insert on a group bus for vocals.

If someone screams into the mic and a compressor/limiter is activated on the whole mix (in your DRPA) the volume of the whole mix is reduced. That means the backing track will be substantially below the person's voice, which is even more aggravating than if they are just screaming through the music.

If you use a compressor/limiter as a vocal group insert, only the vocals will be affected when the compression is triggered. All vocals will be reduced in volume until the person stops screaming.

If you use compression as a channel insert, then only that person's mic will be affected by their screaming. The other singers will be unaffected. This is the best way to do it for karaoke, as you are no doubt familiar with the big group of drunk friends who all want to sing Don't Stop Believing at wildly different volume levels with some singers eating their mics and others holding them out into the audience.

If it's a money issue, get an inexpensive Behringer MDX4600. That's four channels of gate/compressor/limiter for around $120. Add a small insert snake, hook up, and dial it in. You will be happy with the results. This is potentially the best addition you could make to any entry-level karaoke system.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

great stuff again!

I didn't think of that, my requirement is probably more on the per channel usage of the compressor rather than the main stereo outputs as the DRPA's compressor are designed for. Is there anything in the market with similar featires as the DRPA but without the Compressor/Limiter functions? Maybe cheaper by a few to let me buy a separate comp/limiter to put in the inserts. otherwise, I'll have to stick to the one knob compressor in my MG166CX

The DRPA+ is a really good value at its price. The Behringer DCX2496 is also very inexpensive and has a feature set that is superior in some ways. You might look to it as a less expensive option.

If you look around for a while, you can probably find used MDX4600s for pretty cheap. A guy sold several for $50ea on the ProSoundWeb Marketplace a month or two ago.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

How is this any different than a Sonic Maximizer? Besides the EQ? Is it better or worse?

Because a Sonic Maximizer is designed to realign frequencys by slight time delay to make them project from the speakers more efficient and a basic tonal shaping for boosting/cutting lows & presence - nothing more. Great processor for what it is, but is very replaceable with much better sound management in the DRPA.
The DriveRack has a sort of this built in with the alignment delay, PLUS it also has the other 8 processing abilities AND a crossover allowing for up to a stereo/dual channel 3 way system. So it would be better than just having a Sonic Maximizer only.

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