The best compressor to fit my needs with hammering down on Filter spikes?

Cloverfield · #1 07-04-2010, 01:36 AM

As many of you may have posted on, I created a thread a couple of days back asking which envelope filter pedal would best suit my needs, seeing as I am looking to satisfy my funky desires. That being said, if you want to leave a recommendation regarding which filter pedal you think would work best for me, please do so here (and not in this thread): Looking for a Funky, Versatile Envelope Filter Pedal... (how original, I know)

I've done a fair amount of research and what I'm understanding is that pretty much regardless of which filter pedal one ends up using, spikes will occur in the signal at one point or another, whether frequently or not-so-frequently.

If it's helpful to know, I've pretty much narrowed down my filter search to the EHX Enigma Qballs, 3Leaf Groove Regulator, and MXR M82. I'm especially partial to the EHX Enigma Qballs at this point, and I've gathered that it can get pretty wild when the effect is run particularly wet (which it would be at times when I would be using it).

Obviously I'd rather invest in an efficient compressor pedal than risk blowing out speakers in my cabinets or worse due to volume spikes. I've read a fair amount about different compressors, but I thought it might be easier to receive direct feedback regarding my situation and my desires in a compressor:

1) Obviously, I want it to effectively cut out potential spikes in my signal when using a filter pedal (which will probably end up being the EHX Enigma Qballs, if it's helpful to know).

2) I'm really looking for a compressor pedal that will alter my otherwise "natural" signal/tone as little as possible. The bottom line is I don't want to do damage to my rig. I'd like my original tone to be as close to as it was without using a compressor otherwise, if that makes sense. I'm not specifically looking for a compressor that "can be used to get a cool slap sound" or be "useful as a clean boost." If it can be, that's fine. But that's not high on my priorities.

3) Money really isn't an issue, assuming the pedal doesn't get out of, say, the $300 range. Obviously I'd like to keep it somewhere around $150 tops if possible, but if I'm going to shell out cash for a compressor, I want to get a quality product that will be extremely efficient.

4) True bypass, please. And noiseless if that's not too much to ask.

Thanks guys! especially for your patience.

bigblondeafro87 · #2 07-04-2010, 09:58 AM

If you have room for a rack unit, the DBX 166XL goes for about 100-150, is basically noiseless, has two channels, doesn't really color your tone at all, and is very tweakable for subtle to extreme compression.

bongomania · #3 07-04-2010, 10:12 AM

Check out the list of decent limiters near the bottom of my "top picks" page.

Cloverfield · #4 07-04-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblondeafro87

If you have room for a rack unit, the DBX 166XL goes for about 100-150, is basically noiseless, has two channels, doesn't really color your tone at all, and is very tweakable for subtle to extreme compression.

I don't. I never anticipated using rackmount equipment when I bought my rack case, and as it is now I'm running a GK amp which takes up 2 spaces of my 3-space case, the third remaining vacant to accommodate the fan atop the amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Check out the list of decent limiters near the bottom of my "top picks" page.

So, are you saying that I should be considering a compressor that's specifically known as being a good limiter rather than being used more as an "effect"? And if so, that that list you're referring to would be such compressors I ought to consider?

bongomania · #5 07-04-2010, 05:16 PM

Yes. Read up in my FAQ to learn about compressor vs. limiter, and then think about what you're trying to achieve with the filter.

Cloverfield · #6 07-04-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Yes. Read up in my FAQ to learn about compressor vs. limiter, and then think about what you're trying to achieve with the filter.

Ah. Very informative. Thanks.

Having read that, the three compressors you listed as "really great" at limiting were the Aguilar TLC, Aphex 651/661, and the Ashly DPX/CLX. As I stated above, I really don't have room for a rack unit and to be honest would like to stay away from starting to amass rack gear.

So I suppose I should be highly considering the Aguilar TLC?
You also listed a number of other compressors as being good limiters but not "really great" like the above three aforementioned products. I was already considering the Demeter Compulator and had read a good amount about the Maxon CP9.

Out of the Demeter, the Maxon, and the Aguilar which one do you think (being the expert

) would best suit my needs?
Obviously I don't want any low end loss specifically but preferably I'd like no effect on the overall tone whatsoever (or not a drastic effect I guess I should say). Keeping the noise level down is important to me, too, and true bypass is always a plus but negotiable as long as there's no tone-suckage. Finally, cutting out spikes to protect my gear is what's most important to me, but I suppose that's sort of understood since we're specifically talking about limiters here.

ninepoundjammer · #7 07-04-2010, 11:00 PM

Haven't tried many of the other recommendations, but the Aguilar TLC is a great pedal. I've used mine as a limiter after my filters and it does well. Also does well at lower levels of compression, haven't used a single band comp that I like better.

bongomania · #8 07-05-2010, 01:25 AM

I'd say go for the Aggie.

rratajski · #9 07-05-2010, 05:30 AM

I'd do the Demeter Opto Compulator. EBennetts has one up for quick sale in the Classifieds. Kills spikes perfectly without making that "swallowing up" sound when the comp/limiter kicks in.

Cloverfield · #10 07-05-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rratajski

I'd do the Demeter Opto Compulator. EBennetts has one up for quick sale in the Classifieds. Kills spikes perfectly without making that "swallowing up" sound when the comp/limiter kicks in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I'd say go for the Aggie.

The Aguilar TLC is my number one choice right now. Any idea how often they turn up used on eBay or here on TalkBass though?

Seeing as there is a Demeter Compulator for sale in the Classifieds right now from a reputable member and a great price, you think I should just pull the trigger on that, seeing as it is a solid compressor/limiter, just maybe not as perfectly suited to my situation as the Aguilar TLC?

bongomania · #11 07-05-2010, 09:25 PM

The Aggie is a new product, few people have bought one, therefore few show up used. The Demeter has been out for many years, there's a ton of them out there. I am not willing to make a claim about one being better than the other.

Cloverfield · #12 07-05-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

The Aggie is a new product, few people have bought one, therefore few show up used. The Demeter has been out for many years, there's a ton of them out there. I am not willing to make a claim about one being better than the other.

Alright. Fair enough.

I'll probably hold out for an Aggie then, seeing as I don't even have my filter yet so there's really no hurry.

By the way, all your info and reviews on all the many different compressors have been incredibly helpful to me, so thanks for that.

I'm definitely set on picking up either a Demeter Compulator or Aguilar TLC seeing as you think either would be a relatively good fit for me, but hopefully an Aggie will show up...

OhulahanBass · #13 07-18-2010, 10:35 PM

I use my Aguilar TLC to limit some of my filters (some don't need it). Though lately I've been using as a comp for slap. The TLC nails both and is my favorite comp thus far. Silent and besides acting like a comp or limiter it ads no color IME.

Cloverfield · #14 07-19-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhulahanBass

I use my Aguilar TLC to limit some of my filters (some don't need it). Though lately I've been using as a comp for slap. The TLC nails both and is my favorite comp thus far. Silent and besides acting like a comp or limiter it ads no color IME.

Ooh, nice!

That sounds exactly like what I need and only further solidifies my decision. Thanks for the input!

WaldoNova · #15 07-19-2010, 09:44 AM

[quote=Cloverfield;9359667] I was already considering the Demeter Compulator and had read a good amount about the Maxon CP9.QUOTE]

I have both(actually my Maxon is the cp9pro+). I initially got the Demeter which I really like for what it does for my sound but for taming my Enigma I think the Maxon works best. I wouldn't argue with bongomania though. He does know his s#$t and if he says the TLC would be the best for you then I would say check it out. His compilation is what made me check out both of these to begin with. Good luck finding the compressor/limiter that works for you.

Cloverfield · #16 07-19-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaldoNova

I have both(actually my Maxon is the cp9pro+). I initially got the Demeter which I really like for what it does for my sound but for taming my Enigma I think the Maxon works best. I wouldn't argue with bongomania though. He does know his s#$t and if he says the TLC would be the best for you then I would say check it out. His compilation is what made me check out both of these to begin with. Good luck finding the compressor/limiter that works for you.

Thanks!