I just picked up an RNC 1773 for $110 shipped and it should be here next week.  I realize I don't technically need it in the chain, but I'd like to have the option to toss compression on while I'm tracking just because I love how it sounds.  Any of you all do that?
 
Donny

I usually stay out of the compression threads.
But, think about it, all most everything we've ever heard contained tracks that were compressed going in.
Just sayin'...
Be careful, don't squish the life out of it.
Lots of bang for the buck with the RNC.
 
Tom

Tracking what?  I almost always use analog compression going in - but moderate amounts.  only 2-3 dB of gentle compression.  It gives one a bit of a more even level going in w/o changing too much tone/feel of the track.  You don't want it to thicken up (unless you do, but that is a different matter).  And it means you need less compression when you mix since the tracks are pre-compressed.  A serial of compressers sounds more natural than one slamming.  And a couple of hardware comps I have make a sound better just by going through them.
 
Finally, ask the artist if it isn't you. One guitarist doesn't care.  Anohter picker hates the "feel" if I compress.  So have fun, but don't go crazy with it.  It should be a good tool.  However, you may want more.  Esp. if you start mixing through it.
 
@

I've had one of the 1773's for 10 maybe 15 years... I use it for field work where portability is a bonus.

And if you are not sure what to do with it on the way in you can always set it up for limiting with a fast attack and a high threshold, high ratio. It won't do anything to your sound other than stop any silly peaks from overloading your system and it will do it with low distortion at the same time. (Great for dynamic vocalists!)
 
I use compression on the way in over say synth sounds for example. Like a double bass patch. You don't have to squish the life out of it either, you can use a low ratio, slow attack and get it working reasonably hard (-3 to -4 dB GR) but sound totally transparent at the same time. It just ends up evening out your sound on the way in paving the way for less work later in the mix. (great for some nice level smoothing)

almost every track i create, runs thru an outboard compressor.
 

Picked up at the Post Office this morning and now plugged in.  Wow....like it, like it, like it.  I'm in the ballpark of 2-4 dB GR...nice sound in the headphones.

i really like the rnc for CLEAN compression...
 
but i'm a big fan of COLOR with compressors.....
 
and it's hard to do a lot of color with the RNC.... which is not to say you shouldn't try, it's just that the RNC is known for it's transparent, clean sound...
 
 
i use a DBX MC-6, which is based on the dbx 160, which is color central.
 
i think everyone should have at least TWO outboard compressors for going into the daw,
one clean
one for color
 
you are halfway there!
 
njjoy

LOL!  Thanks for the info man.  I'll have to check into one of those one day.
 
My chain on this is AKG C414, Grace M101, RNC, so it should all be really transparent.