Aphex Punch Factory worth buying ???

spiker · #1 08-11-2009, 09:51 PM

I know the jacks suck, but is the unit actually worth buying with this flaw taken out of the equation ?
Everyone bags this pedal on the net, but i kow a lot of pro's in the living flesh who reckon it's one of the best....your thought's ????

Harper · #2 08-11-2009, 09:53 PM

I have one and love it. I'm sure we're mere seconds from folks jumping in with negative opinions; check one out, use your ears. If you like it get it.

bongomania · #3 08-11-2009, 09:56 PM

FWIW my negative opinions are based partly on empirical testing of its functions, and partly on the fact that there are many pedals out there which offer more functionality, even at a similar price point.

It sounds nice, if all you want is a light dab of transparent smoothing. Ask it to do anything else, and you'll be disappointed.

spiker · #4 08-11-2009, 09:59 PM

So Bongo, it doesn't limit peaks (i know it's not a limited) or provide any noticeable compression (i.e spikes still get through) ?

JLoMenzo · #5 08-11-2009, 10:07 PM

It's been an integral part of my rig for over 5 years. I turned Jonas Helbourg onto it and he loved it. Makes my basses sound larger.

bongomania · #6 08-11-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiker

So Bongo, it doesn't limit peaks (i know it's not a limited) or provide any noticeable compression (i.e spikes still get through) ?

Exactly. It's fine as a "sweetener", giving a little bit fuller tone and maybe a tiny touch more sustain, but that's it. If you want peak limiting, or any sort of more noticeable compression, fuggettaboutit.

WildTrkey · #7 08-11-2009, 10:48 PM

I always wondered about these pedals. My old guitarist used a punch pedal and I thought it sounded decent. I tried it through my rig and it was killer. Actually forgot all about these 'till I saw this thread. BTW, is that THE JL?

spiker · #8 08-11-2009, 11:06 PM

Yeah, i'm pretty sure that's him

You Rock J ! Love your work dude !!!!

Stopper · #9 08-12-2009, 02:01 AM

I own a Punch factory, and its awsome, i've used it for about 5 years for many styles like blues, metal, even bossa, and it really gives you that nice clear punch to your sound, it's easy to use and does it's job, but if you are looking for something more like to reduce peaks you are better of using something with a threshold and attack nob, so you can set the exact amount of compression you like, maybe consider a rack unit

SteveC · #10 08-12-2009, 07:21 AM

I use a BBE Opto Stomp for my "non" compression needs. I think it's a better pedal.

cybersnyder · #11 08-12-2009, 10:28 AM

You can usually find one on TB for sale for around $60-65 bucks. Try it, if it's not your thing you can flip it for a minimal loss. Personally, I like it and only wish it had a smaller form factor. Oh, and it eats batteries so make sure you're going to use a power supply.

Eric Moesle · #12 08-12-2009, 11:04 AM

Its decent for the limited thing it does, but if that limited thing is what you're looking for, the BBE Opto-Stomp eats it for lunch . . . . and its the same price.

XephonXIII · #13 08-12-2009, 11:09 AM

A few of my friends that work full-time in studios swear by it for bass tone. Personally, I don't see what it can do that any mixing board or solid dbx compressor can't.

I guess it may be useful if you absolutely NEED a compressor for small, sans-PA gigs, and only if your amp doesn't already have a compressor.

To my ears, it just doesn't do enough to justify the price, but to each his own!

bongomania · #14 08-12-2009, 12:11 PM

Yeah, people that know me know I've ground this axe many times, but for those that don't know yet: the BBE Opto Stomp is the "Punch Factory Killer." I see a couple of guys (including JLM, who I certainly respect) saying they've used the Punch Factory for about five years--well, five years ago there was not a lot of competition for it. Every other comp pedal was either more noisy, more expensive, or less transparent in tone. Now, however, there are many great competitors, and the PF has been left in the dust IMO.

spiker · #15 08-12-2009, 02:19 PM

Thanks everybody for their honest opinions. I've been a 'squisher' when it comes to compression for a while now using other compressors with greater ratios, but i'm interested in trying something a bit more subtle for a change. I think i'll get one, as i want to also use the PF as a DI for my acoustic guitar solo gigs as well.
If it sucks anus, i'll put a post up, if it's beautiful regardless of compression ratio and adds 'Punch', i'll rate it and also put a post up.

CapnSev · #16 08-12-2009, 02:28 PM

^ It works quite well as a DI actually. I've done it on a few occasions, and it gives off a really clean, transparent tone.

Harper · #17 08-12-2009, 02:56 PM

Again, use your ears. I haven't compared to any renowned pedals or "Punch Factory Killers", but I like what it does to my sound.

CapnSev · #18 08-12-2009, 02:58 PM

Also, I've found there is a significant increase in "squish" if you open the thing up and crank those trim pots inside. It adds a lot more compression at lower settings, and can add more noise if you don't find that happy place between the two.