BBE OptoStomp versions?

bassbrad · #1 01-16-2011, 04:58 PM

Bongomania & anyone elsel,
With the recent change to the Opto Stomp graphics and internals should we consider some way of identifying the various revisions?
I don't want to get into the nit picking of gear snob/nerd/freaks but alas, it is a widely used pedal and often recommended.....

FWIW I got an OptoStomp last summer with the Yellow/ Red graphics blue LED and 15db pad switch, it does not as far as I can tell have the fizzy tail/ warble issue others had with earlier versions but it does have a pronounced decrease in output level.

Rob22315 · #2 01-16-2011, 07:26 PM

I have a blue LED version with the -15db switch. I get unity gain with the vol setting around 1 or 2 o'clock and not too much compression. No tail or warble as far as I can tell but mine will never see studio use.

Exploiter8 · #3 01-16-2011, 07:41 PM

I had the "Yellow/ Red graphics blue LED and 15db pad switch" version. I noticed "a little fizzy artifact" when I was running a delay pedal. I then tried it on my GenzBenz NeoPak 3.5 that had an Overload light in the preamp. I noticed when even running the Opto alone, the O/L light would not only illuminate with the note, but then again..."a little fizzy artifact."

X8

Chrisk-K · #4 01-16-2011, 08:39 PM

I have owned two with a 15db switch and now own a new one. On both versions, the unity gain is achieved when the gain knob is set to 1 or 2 o'clock. I heard artifacts with the old version. The new version is silent. I absolutely love the new version except the retina-burning blue LED. It perhaps has the brightest blue LED I've ever seen!

bongomania · #5 01-16-2011, 09:28 PM

I honestly don't know if there's a reliable way to tell the difference between the two (or more?) "pre-monacle" versions. If there is, I will be very glad to learn of it.

JBMysteron · #6 01-16-2011, 10:46 PM

Yeah I just bought myself a Yellow/Red graphic Optostomp with blue LED and -15db pad switch, unity gain for me is also around 1 o'clock with comp around 2 o'clock. Also super bright, no fizzy or warbling artifacts at all.

Finally have a transparent Comp, helping my octave track better. Great success!

onosson · #7 01-16-2011, 10:53 PM

I have the old version graphics, Red-orange LED, +15 switch (it's labelled as +15 at the bottom, not -15 at the top). I've never noticed it doing anything to my sound except compression - no "artifacts". I usually run the Compression at about 1:00-2:00 (any more and it gets too squashed - and quieter), and the Output at about 4:00-5:00 (i.e. all the way up).

I agree, it's not really studio-worthy, but I do usually run it before any D.I. box in a live setting, as well as into my amp. In fact, it solves the one significant problem I have with my Hartke LH500, which has only ONE volume control. The Opto Stomp becomes my effective preamp volume control.

Rob22315 · #8 01-17-2011, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

It perhaps has the brightest blue LED I've ever seen!

The blue LED on my Behringer Digital Delay is brighter. Both on the same pedal board could substitute for a visit to the tanning salon.

Jonyak · #9 01-17-2011, 07:10 AM

I used to use mine all the time when I was playing through solid state amps, but sinceI switched to tube amps, I never use it.

been thinking of taking mine off my board.

I beleive mine is an older one.

onosson · #10 01-17-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonyak

I used to use mine all the time when I was playing through solid state amps, but sinceI switched to tube amps, I never use it.

been thinking of taking mine off my board.

I beleive mine is an older one.

That makes sense - I tend to use mine as a substitute for lightly-driven tubes. It actually approximates that fairly well at the right settings, but you definitely wouldn't need it if you have real tubes!