Boss CS-2... am I just using it wrong?

cchorney · #1 07-15-2011, 06:36 AM

I've got a Boss CS-2 Compression/Sustain, picked it up used and hoped to use the compression to fatten up my sound without distorting it, but I'm not really seeing the effect I want. I can get it to give lots of sustain and I can get it to even out my volume (which is the primary point of a compressor I realize), but since I want to be able to control my dynamics manually, maybe I am not just using the wrong specific pedal but the wrong type of pedal.

So, question 1 - am I just using this pedal wrong, or is it the wrong pedal for my stated purposes (I want to fatten up my sound)?

Question 2 - Can a compression pedal give me the fatness I want without taking away my ability to dynamically control my volume by the intensity of my finger strikes?

Question 3 - What is recommended for fattening up a sound un not a compressor - a preamp pedal? I would like to keep the footprint to generally standard Boss sized and to use my existing power supply.

Yes, I've read thru Bongo's reviews and glossary and faq, and first thank you Bongo because they are a great resource and second

casio · #2 07-15-2011, 06:50 AM

if you want a Boss type casing to fatten up your sound, you can always use the boss GEB-7 bass equalizer or something like that!
I think that while the CS-2 is a great pedal for getting sustain and evening out the signal, I don't see it working well as a dedicated compressor for what you might need.
I think if you want to just fatten up, then a preamp or EQ pedal would work fine enough.
Also, you may want to look at the Barber Tone Press, since it is a comp that has a blend function which may leave some of your dynamics more intact!

cchorney · #3 07-22-2011, 04:33 PM

Went back to GC, tried a pre-amp pedal (that didn't do it), tried a SansAmp BDDI (that didn't do it but I really liked some of the sounds - may need to add that to my GAS list). So I was talking to one of the guys there and he says "try this", hooks up a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 to the same cab I was just playing on and VOILA - the sound I've been looking for. Of course I am past my 90 exchange for my CMD102P, so I guess I've got some thinking to do. I love the CMD102P, but the Tube 800 does give me THAT sound. Gah. Stupid GAS.

Doelle · #4 07-22-2011, 05:48 PM

Well, I have the Xotic Bass BB Preamp I use for fatness out of SS heads, and a little nastyness out of tubeheads when they can't be pushed.

I like that... A LOT! My tone in a box.

bongomania · #5 07-23-2011, 12:11 AM

A decent way to use a compressor for fatness without flattening your dynamics is to use a low ratio and a low threshold. It's easy to find a comp pedal with a low ratio, but most don't have threshold controls, or any indicator to show when your signal is over the threshold.

Best bet is a comp that does have that control and indicator--or luck into a pedal that just happens to have the right fixed threshold for your purposes.

chuck norriss · #6 07-23-2011, 12:30 AM

bongomania is kinda like jesus just do waht he says
also if you like the mark sound but dont feel like buying a new head you can get their super booster--nice filter pedal that includes those two vlf vpm something or other eq functions that can make you fat/skinny
that GC guy was just trying to sell you a mark 800

vincenzomauer88 · #7 07-23-2011, 08:42 AM

I have the cs 2 and love it. It's more of a tool to tighten and focus the sound. To fatten it try maxing the volume. If not I find something like the xotic ep booster on bass boost or the ehx mole to get the job done.

Lowbrow · #8 07-24-2011, 03:35 AM

Clips I've heard of the Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk seem to have the pre-amping, beefing effect you're describing. Also fits the standard Boss dimensions.

Have a look - note that the presenter talks A LOT. Have patience. Never demoed one myself, but I'd imagine you can also go a little cleaner than the settings demonstrated.

‪Wren and Cuff Phat Phuk B Bass Boost-Overdrive Effect Pedal‬&rlm; - YouTube

GizmoTheOne · #9 07-24-2011, 05:58 AM

The CS-2 is not complete enough. As Bongo said, you have to find a complete compressor for it to be versatile and do that kind of stuff. You need a compressor with a ratio and threshold control, which the CS-2 don't have.

Low ratio and threshold will give you fatness and keep more of your dynamics. You might look into an EBS Multi-Comp or an Aguilar TLC, they did the job when I tried them both.

warwick.hoy · #10 07-24-2011, 09:41 AM

IMO there just is no chintzing on comps. First compy I owned was a budget Boss LMB-3 and I pretty much just had it on and hoped that it was working. I really never heard or felt any difference in my tone or dynamics with the thing on. Then I seriously upgraded to an FEALabs OptiFET (pretty much as a result of bongo's review of it).

It's not cheap but it is such a sick compressor. Extremely versatile features including Ratio and Threshold,...plus a side chain EQ. Won't live up to you footprint expectation but that's a compromise I was willing to live with.

cchorney · #11 07-25-2011, 09:27 AM

Thank you folks. This has been one of the more useful threads I've started. First, you gave me useful info, then talked me down from a panic GAS purchase, then gave me MORE useful info. I love this site. Time to go play with my settings some more on my existing pedals, then go try out some of the pedals mentioned in this thread.

Also, while I have your attention, thank you Bongo for putting out the compressor FAQ and reviews. I've read them all, and while I still can't confidently explain this stuff in detail to someone else (the true mark of understanding) I'm appreciative that its there as a reference for me.