BBE OptoStomp "Moustache / Monacle" Platform

[Zooberwerx]

Just thought I'd share this if anyone is interested:

"Friends,



I recently purchased a newer OptoStomp compressor. Other than the omission of the -15 dB pad switch, are there any other significant performance / engineering differences when compared to earlier models (yellow / white / red lettering)?



Thank you for the consideration!



Riis Unterzuber

Virginia Beach"

Here's the response:

"Hello,

Other than the pad switch, (which most people never used), the circuit is exactly the same and compresses exactly the same as the first generation Opto’s



Memo Romero

BBE/G&L Guitars

5381 Production Dr.

Huntington Beach Ca. 92649

714-897-6766 ex.116"

Same day response, too. Can't beat that!

Riis

[sutarappa]

I have also found BBE customer service to be exemplary.

[yellofury]

just got one of the older ones
LOVE IT! transparent with a good boost in volume when needed
its pretty sweet AND cheap

[Waterpilot]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

"Other than the pad switch, (which most people never used), the circuit is exactly the same and compresses exactly the same as the first generation Opto’s"

I use the pad switch all the time. Guess I'm in the minority. But that is great info! Thanks!

[Gopher Bob]

I have an older one with the pad switch and I agree that I never use it. Whether I'm using active EMG DC Bass or an inexpensive rondo fretless. Very good compressor in it's price range.


And yes... my opto stomp came to be in 'great working order' from ebay completely dead as a door nail and BBE quickly repaired it under the warranty. They didn't even require it being from an authorized dealer... I was very pleased. It is almost always on and has worked great ever since.

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, I gave it a whirl Sat. evening with what is essentially a new bass rig: OptoStomp > Eden Navigator (so I could A/B the two comps) > QSC amp > LDS 8X8 enclosure. I was a little disappointed with the BBE as it produced a mild high-end "kkzzzt", almost a distortion or break-up, audible only through the cab's HF driver. Bummer! I was dealing with a slew of unknowns (see my rig description above) so I thought I'd give it another trial in a controlled environment. I schlepped the entire rig upstairs to my inner sanctum and duplicated the original set-up. Yep, got the same results with emphasis on the HF driver. I simply attenuated by ~4 dB on the cab itself and that took care of the problem completely without sacrificing any significant portion of the sonic character. IIRC, bongomania addresses a similar experience with artifact in his review.

Riis