BBE Opto Stomp Compression question....

[Lark]

Hey guys,

I am looking at purchasing a compression pedal, and because i am on a budget, i am looking at buying a BBE Optostomp.

My question is which model (version) is the best to buy?
I have read BongoManias reviews but i am slightly confused. Is the newest model (the one with the monacle and moustache) the best way to go? or the model before hand (switch between the knobs)?

Or should i be looking at something else?

Ideally i would like an MXR or TLC, but as i said, i am on a budget.

Any advice or suggestions would be great.

[AlvarHanso]

I have the older one, and before your post, didn't know the monocled version lacked the passive/active switch... I like the older one, it's an always on for me.

[Jayhawk]

I don't know if there are many people who have owned both and had a chance to compare the two. Even Bongo's review specifically states that it was for the non-monacle version. As with everything on TB, you'll find people on here that have, and like, either of the versions. You will also find people that have, and don't care for, either of the versions.

If you're on budget, as you say, and want a decent compressor, the OptoStomp is a great choice. My suggestion on what version would be to buy whichever one you can find used for under $60. That's what I did and I couldn't be happier with it.

[CPplaysBASS]

I own both. I only use passive basses so the fact the new version does not have a switch was not an issue - maybe it's still OK with active basses though. I have no clue in that regard.

I love the BBE Optostomp - period. I had more expensive EBS and Keeley 4-knob compressors, but came back to the Optostomp. Hard to describe a tone that is pretty transparent, but I find it helps me cuts through a tough mix (often sharing a stage with two guitars, keys, pedal steel and loud drums) while keeping the "bassiness" intact. I have it on all the time.

The reason I have two is the "older" yellow/red version is on my large pedal board. When I needed one for my small board, I could only find the newer monocle version.

Tone-wise ... no difference at all. None.

Quality control, however, may be an issue. I've had three older versions (I had a habit of selling then re-buying the same pedal), and they were all perfect. With the newer version, I had to return two before getting one that was fine. The first two notably distorted the beginning of every note. The third is great ... no distortion whatsoever at any level.

With that said, with all three of the newer monocle ones, the controls feel gritty to me. Almost like the pedal was dropped in sand and some got stuck in the controls. I don't change my settings, so not a huge biggie since I have really come to rely on what the pedal does for my overall sound ... but the newer version is definitely not an improved version by any stretch. I'm going to guess the changes were made to reduce manufacturing costs or something.

The only other thing I can mention is that the input and output jacks are held in place with plastic brackets which can crack if you're aggressively yanking cords in and out of them constantly. Not an issue for me since my pedals live on my boards.

I'd recommend looking for the older version used if you're still interested ... $30-$40.

Ultimately, it does its job extremely well and l personally don't consider it a "budget" pedal (some construction issue notwithstanding). If one of mine broke, I'd DEFINITELY buy another to replace it.

[Lark]

Thanks guys.

Hey cpbass, after what you have said, would you suggest going with the new opto stomp or with the boss lmb3?

I'm having second thoughts after you mentioned the sturdiness. I still believe the compression I need will come from the bbe.

I have found a cheap new (monacle moustache) opto stomp and thought I would go for it.

Out of all the pedals I have bought/buying, compression has been the hardest to decide!

[Waterpilot]

I haven't tried the new one and have the older one. From what I remember having read on here they're the exact same minus the pad switch. I use both active and passive basses so I use the switch all of the time. That said... I can do the same on my Amps if I wanted to but I do like it on the pedal better for whatever reason.

[Lark]

Thanks for the advice guys.

CPBass, so you would say the the new version (Moustache) is less sturdy then the previous model, and that is the only real differenece? In terms of sound it is the same?

I live in Australia, so it is a little harder to find and more expensive for the previous models. I have found a cheap new model in the US. Do you think i would be better off purchasing the new Optostomp for cheap from the US, spend an extra $80 or so to be the previous model in AUS or just buy a BOSS LMB3?

Waterpilot, i play a active basses, would the new model have any issues with these?

[Lark]

How does the BBE Benchpress go on Bass?

I have also found a cool compressor called a JOYO Dyna Comp. I was wondering how this would be on bass aswell.

Bongo hasnt written anything on either.

In regards to the OptoStomp, would i be better off buying a new version (Moustache) for cheap from the USA (I live in Australia), buying a more expensive older version (about $80 more) from AUS, or buying one of the above mentioned or a Boss LMB3?

Thoughts?

Im really confused!!!

[CPplaysBASS]

I haven't used the Benchpress but remember researching it and hearing nothing but bad things about it from a bass perspective.

I can only speak for myself, but I believe the older Optostomps had better quality control. Again, I used three older versions that never had any issues of any kind. Of three of the newer versions I tried, two were defective. If you find one with no issues, like I eventually did, it's great ... but from my experience, the odds of finding one with no issues one are not good.

For me, having used the BBE OptoStomp and being hooked on it, I can live with the risk of having to send back a dud pedal to be replaced with one that works as it should. I know what I like about it, and haven't come across anything like it (another TBer described it as adding "zing" to his tone, which is the best description I have come across).

But I wouldn't necessarily endorse it or recommend to others ... especially since I'm unsure how the new version performs with an active bass. I could be wrong, but even if you have a passive/active setting on your amp, the signal is hitting the pedal first, so the amp control would be redundant I think.

You didn't mention exactly what you're hoping a compression pedal will do for you, but if you're just experimenting and want your money's worth, the LMB3 is a safer bet for you.

[CPplaysBASS]

Originally Posted by Lark

Im really confused!!!

Haha ... I lost clumps of hair in my compressor search. It's part of the fun and what works for one guy is going to be hated by the next guy ... just the way it is.