Anyone Have Older Version Ashdwn Dual Band Compressor?

[Punchy810s]

Does anyone have the older version and have found it to be a useful box to have?

The older version has silver "tele" control knobs (vs. black tele knobs on the newer version) and the VU meter does not light up, right?

I read everywhere that the older versions could not handle an active bass input load and tended to distort.

Fortunately I'm plugging a passive bass into it.

However, what if I connect to the effects loop? Will the "out" signal from the pre cause it to distort?

[CopperheadLXXIX]

I have the older version and use it with an active bass just fine. I don't imagine it would distort if the input level is set right putting it into an effects loop, but I found it to sound better before the amp. Just my 2 cents.

[bongomania]

The problem isn't really active vs. passive, but basses that have high output will cause it to distort. Some active basses are not any louder than the average passive bass, and some passive basses are surprisingly loud. So whether it will work in the loop of your amp depends on the output level of that loop.

In any case, why do you want the Ashdown?

[ga_edwards]

I have the older version in my bag of unused pedals (I really must sell some of it soon).

It was a known issue when they were released and Ashdown offered free modding to allow for higher output basses. I sent mine off to them and too be honest it didn't make a lot of difference. I think my Thumb (active) and Attitude (passive) are just too hot for the pedal to handle. Actually, the Attitude is hotter than any of my Actives.

I have a feeling they were design and tested with an average output passive bass, a standard Fender P or J for example. The input knob should really account for higher output basses but it doesn't. Turn it down so that it doesn't distort and it barely triggers the compression.

I think it's one of those instances where YMMV.

[Punchy810s]

Originally Posted by bongomania

. . . some passive basses are surprisingly loud. So whether it will work in the loop of your amp depends on the output level of that loop.

In any case, why do you want the Ashdown?

Thanks for responding, Bongo. The price was right to give an affordable dual-band a go. Your instructions on how to get good tone from this compressor fit exactly what I'm looking for -- full range, warm tone in subtle compression mode, rather than limiter, squash compression. I will follow your recipe and see what happens.

Thing is -- I have decent, duncan-designed pickups on my Squier Vintage that remind me of active pick-ups, but seem to favor the higher frequency in terms of presence.

Perhaps this is not such a good match?

I will simply re-sell the box on eBay if it doesn't work -- got a decent deal on the unit to begin with.

[ryansalmond]

I have owned two with silver knobs, though the VU meters lit up (white, not yellow) on both.

I've found they're unpredictable. Some days they'll distort, some days they won't. I have a fairly high output bass. They have, when working, a quirky, glassy sound that I really like, but it's not for most bass players.

[Punchy810s]

Great input, Y'all. Here's my verdict.

The unit runs through my efffects loop perfectly and performs to the level that I would expect out of a dual-band compressor.

It just happens to be the right ratio and manages to help me with tone, as well as "de-mush" the outcome for a more sharp, articulate bass punch.

Bongo reminds us again and again that there are different reasons why you would want to use a compressor -- and thanks to his signature settings for the Ashdown dual compresssion, I am able to get the exact sound I am looking for.

The tone, on the eq knob, for example, and the 8:1 ratio is perfect for me.



Thanks for the input, everyone and to Ashdown who makes a fine compressor.