Aphex 1404 Punch Factory (and compression pedals in general)

NickInMesa · #1 07-27-2010, 09:31 PM

My local GC has the Aphex 1404 Punch Factory for $99 (new is $149).

I am quite happy with my modded CS-3, which cost me $40 total (used pedal at the pawn plus components), and for the price it is hard to beat, but I was wondering if it was indeed possible to have a good decent compressor in a pedal format.

My CS-3 is actually on all the time, I should really record a demo one of these days.

I am trying to keep it all on a pedal board that I can carry around my shoulder in one bag, the amp on the other shoulder while I roll my cab, which is why I am not really into a rack mount unit.

If the Aphex is not the right choice, then which one would? Remember reading about a Dod pedal a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the help!

NickInMesa · #2 07-28-2010, 08:12 AM

Bump!

papasound · #3 07-28-2010, 09:03 AM

I own an Aphex Punch Factory and I'd suggest you steer away from it. I had the switch replaced (under warranty) and it still isn't reliable. The plastic jacks are dodgy too.

A few months ago I purchased an FEA Dual-Band Compressor Limiter and I couldn't be happier!

NickInMesa · #4 07-28-2010, 09:17 AM

Thanks, I will look into it. I read all of Bongo's reviews of course, he has a good one on this one.

I'll keep the CS-3 anyway because now it is unsaleable

NickInMesa · #5 07-28-2010, 09:29 AM

Which one is the one you use, papasound?

http://www.fealabs.com/products/

I guess you pay the price for quality, definitely more expensive than my CS-3 but I realized that compression is that important to modern sounding bass.

**flygirafda3** · #6 07-28-2010, 09:34 AM

I've never had my punch factory break and I never keep it on a board or baby it. Its pretty much always on and I think its wonderful. Although If you're happy with what you have now, there isn't much reason to change anything.

NickInMesa · #7 07-28-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flygirafda3

I've never had my punch factory break and I never keep it on a board or baby it. Its pretty much always on and I think its wonderful. Although If you're happy with what you have now, there isn't much reason to change anything.

The CS-3 is noisy as the sustain can't go over 10:00.

It does give a nice Mwah! and again, for the price, it sounds nice.

I am looking for an upgrade.

CapnSev · #8 07-28-2010, 09:38 AM

I really dig the PF, although I would like to venture into some heavier compression one of these days. The DI is a nicely added feature as well, it's not top of the line or amazing, but I've used it several times with great results. In fact, the DI is what makes me want to keep the pedal around, because I really like having it come straight off the compression like that.

$99 used is way too much though. They pop up used around here and on eBay regularly for $60-$70.

bongomania · #9 07-28-2010, 10:29 AM

On my reviews page there is a link to my "top picks" in different price ranges.