It's oilless, and pretty darn quiet. The regulator works very well once the reservior is full, until then it's a little odd - it varies. It doesn't take long to fill the reservior, so I usually just turn the compressor on while I assemble my airbrush and such.
I did install a small ball valve on the outlet - so I can remove the airbrush without completely emptying the reservior, allowing me to clean it between colors etc.
The regulator has a guage of its own, and a dial-type knob for adjusting.
As far as the name-brand compressors go - like Iwata, Badger etc. I don't think they're worth the upcharge. They're made by a compressor company, and another name plate glued on. Some are "silent" types or in special cases. I don't think you need that, just a good reliable compressor with regulator.
I'm really happy with the Senco unit.
Raised by wolves, tamed by nuns, padded for your protection.
Terry Miesle
Never trust anyone who says they don't have a hobby.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moratati
I picked-up an air-tank at a garage sale recently and am looking at putting a regulator on one side and pressure switch on the other, then just getting a $20 'flat-tire compresser' from Walmart on it.
"A Good Magician never reveals how a trick is done.... and an EVIL magician never leaves any evidance that there was a trick in the first place!"
-Kaja Phoglio Girl Genius (advanced class)
I can't compare it with many personal examples, but everyone said it was quite quiet. It's easy enough to talk over, and since it has the 1-gal reservior, it doesn't run constantly anyway. It's much quieter than the ones sold at Harbor Freight, apparantly.
Raised by wolves, tamed by nuns, padded for your protection.
Terry Miesle
Never trust anyone who says they don't have a hobby.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moratati