Which is better for an always-on compressor? DBX160A or Demeter Compulator?

Visirale · #1 02-09-2009, 01:12 AM

Which one of these is better for a subtle compression that I can leave on all the time? I don't want flexibility or diversity, I just want one good compression setting that is as transparent as possible or adds just a little bit of warmth. I'm definitely not looking for a squished sound.

I'm out of rack space so that's why I was looking at the Demeter, but if the 160 is truly better for my application, I will find a way to make it work.

pickles · #2 02-09-2009, 07:27 AM

160A by a mile IMO. A Maxon CP9-Pro+ sounds very similar in a pedal format. Smokes the Demeter for bass.

uaudio · #3 02-09-2009, 07:57 AM

Its the Internet so we're free to disagree...I find the Demeter miles better than the 160A, which compared to the Demeter has some tone suck. Not a bad compressor, but the lowest lows are kind of not there. Demeter is great at everything, in my book.

uaudio · #4 02-09-2009, 08:01 AM

FWIW, I used to run a 160A in my SWR Super Redhead's single rack space as an always on comp.

**WoodyJ** · #5 02-09-2009, 01:44 PM

I use a Demeter Compulator on my guitar pedalboard, but I actually like my old MXR Dynacomp better for bass...doesn't make sense, but it works for me. The Demeter is quieter, though.

bongomania · #6 02-09-2009, 02:26 PM

Generally speaking I would pick the Demeter over the dbx, however there are times when I need more control over the input level/threshold or the attack.

If you're willing to go rack, look into Symetrix, Ashly, or Rane. If the output of your bass isn't very high and if you don't mind a slightly soft note attack, then the Dem is a lot of quality in a very small package.

afroman · #7 02-09-2009, 03:00 PM

I've owned both.
Only have the Demeter now.
I think the DBX is very good, but to me, the Compulator is smoother and sounds better both live and for recording too.

IMO it just sound "professional".
Mine is always ON and on my pedalboard. I took everything out of my rack, but the amp.

Swift713 · #8 02-09-2009, 05:29 PM

+1 to Bongo's comment about the Demeter with a hot Bass. I tried it, and it was very nice and transparent but my bass' somewhat high output limited it's flexibility. I had to turn the input gain all the way down and keep the compression below 12:00. Also, I had noise issues using the Compulator with a daisy chain.
I have the Maxon CP9, it took 3 seconds to dial it in. I'm fully satisfied.

Visirale · #9 02-10-2009, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the help guys. I ended up going out to Bass Central to try out a few (EBS Multicomp, Demeter Compulator, and a Keely 4 knob compressor). I ended up really liking the Demeter. It's fairly easy to set it and get a good sound. I played a gig with it last night and I am already in love with it. It lets me really dig in on my bass to get a grindy sound without overwhelming volume. It also lets me play the quieter parts differently but keep it at a substantial volume. I still have to fiddle around with it to get it perfect, but I'm loving it so far.

Has anyone tried putting the Compulator in the effects loop?

afroman · #10 02-10-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visirale

Thanks for the help guys. I ended up going out to Bass Central to try out a few (EBS Multicomp, Demeter Compulator, and a Keely 4 knob compressor). I ended up really liking the Demeter. It's fairly easy to set it and get a good sound. I played a gig with it last night and I am already in love with it. It lets me really dig in on my bass to get a grindy sound without overwhelming volume. It also lets me play the quieter parts differently but keep it at a substantial volume. I still have to fiddle around with it to get it perfect, but I'm loving it so far.

Has anyone tried putting the Compulator in the effects loop?

Another happy Compulator owner

I haven't tried it in the fx loop, but I think it's designed to work better before the amp.