BBE OptoStomp vs. Carl Martin Opto Compressor

DanHibiki · #1 07-13-2011, 11:51 AM

I'm considering buying a compressor for my G&L Tribute L2500 and my Jazz clone and am looking for those two options. The reviews on Ovnilabs seem to indicate that both are a really good value.

So, do you think the Carl Martin is worth 40-50 dollars more than the BBE? Is it much more versatile since it has the Gain/Attack knob or will I get similar results with the BBE?

Thanks!

TC424 · #2 07-13-2011, 11:55 AM

bongomania does a detailed review of many compressors on this forum. You will probably find an answer there.

Justyn · #3 07-13-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC424

bongomania does a detailed review of many compressors on this forum. You will probably find an answer there.

Bongo actually has a whole site dedicated to compressors here.

Enjoy.

HairPig · #4 07-13-2011, 12:03 PM

I can't comment on the Carl Martin, but I've had the BBE OptoStomp for about a year. It sounds very natural and is an always on effect for me, but it is a fairly subtle compression--not something I'd recommend for serious limiting or if you're looking for an obviously compressed sound.

DanHibiki · #5 07-13-2011, 12:05 PM

I already looked for it in his review website, as I said.

I'm looking for more information on the difference in value of those. The Carl Martin is around 50% more expensive, what I would like to know is if that really translates into something noticeable (less noise, more transparency, for example)...

DanHibiki · #6 07-13-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HairPig

I can't comment on the Carl Martin, but I've had the BBE OptoStomp for about a year. It sounds very natural and is an always on effect for me, but it is a fairly subtle compression--not something I'd recommend for serious limiting or if you're looking for an obviously compressed sound.

Thanks, that's the kind of opinion I'm looking for. Hopefully someone who owns a Carl Martin can give some input if he can achieve those kinds of sound that the BBE cannot

GuzBaas · #7 07-13-2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HairPig

I can't comment on the Carl Martin, but I've had the BBE OptoStomp for about a year. It sounds very natural and is an always on effect for me, but it is a fairly subtle compression--not something I'd recommend for serious limiting or if you're looking for an obviously compressed sound.

Everything HairPig said is right, I had one for about two years... it was always on... now I use an Akai Hexacomp.

bongomania · #8 07-13-2011, 01:54 PM

A lot of people don't realize that bongomania = ovnilabs.

Personally I think the BBE is a little clearer in the highs, but the CM is much more versatile.

AlvarHanso · #9 07-13-2011, 02:14 PM

I love my BBE Opto Stomp. It's always on. One thing I love about it is the active/passive toggle. For active it knocks off 15dbs, for passive, it's flat. I usually play with it flat, and if I want a nice clean boost, I flip the toggle and instantly have 15 extra dbs. Limiting the compression also gives a noticeable boost, and the volume knob is quite handy if you have an effect that's louder or quieter than others. The CM may be more versatile, but I don't need that much versatility in my compressor beyond what I already said.

Radek · #10 07-13-2011, 03:06 PM

I was trying to get BBE Opto Stomp but I've been able to buy Carl Martin for not much more (where I live BBE isn't that cheap). The gain is very useful. To my surprise CM also worked well when plugged into Shuttle's effect loop. Still I'm intrigued by BBE's simplicity...

AlvarHanso · #11 07-13-2011, 03:18 PM

I got my BBE off amazon, it was like $99, I think...

DanHibiki · #12 07-13-2011, 04:13 PM

Thanks for all the input, guys!

I'm currently leaning towards the BBE because I am kind of liking the idea of something simple for my first compressor and it seems to be popular and not much expensive...

Rocksolid · #13 07-13-2011, 04:31 PM

After reading all of Bongo's reviews myself recently for the middle of the road comps (not cheap, not high end) I actually liked the sound of the Seymour Duncan Double back the most. I too was looking at the CM and BBE primarily, but after reading about the SDDB decided that this would be the one to go for.

It is priced in between the BBE and CM also.

DanHibiki · #14 07-13-2011, 05:12 PM

Oh no, the last thing I need is more options

But in a quick search, it seems that the Seymour Duncan is more expensive than the Carl Martin...

Rocksolid · #15 07-13-2011, 06:01 PM

This was via a quick browse on ebay. Is this the carl martin classic you are referring to?

bongomania · #16 07-13-2011, 08:08 PM

There are two CM comps: the "comp limiter" which is black and has an attached AC cord, and the "classic opto" which is blue and has a Boss-type DC jack.

Rocksolid · #17 07-14-2011, 12:16 AM

Just looking on ebay I found the Classic Opto for $135, B stock of the Seymour Duncan Double back for $119, and the BBE Opto for $99

Either of these 3 would be cool I think.

Waterpilot · #18 07-14-2011, 12:38 AM

I love my BBE OptoStomp but I've never tried the Carl Martin Opto Compressor.

DanHibiki · #19 07-14-2011, 01:18 AM

I have settled for the BBE.

I wouldn't buy a B stock pedal and a new Seymour Duncan is around 150... The Carl Martin costs 135 but since I need a power supply I have to add around 10 bucks more. The BBE already comes with the power supply, is the cheapest and simplest and it seems that lots of bassists are really satisfied by it.

So, in the end there is a 45% difference in price at least. If you look in that perspective the other pedals start getting on the expensive side of things... Maybe in the future I'll look for something that could squash the sound a little bit more, but for now I think the OptoStomp will satisfy my needs.

I'll try to post my impressions whenever I get my hands on it

Thanks again for all the input, I really appreciate!