Compression, on an ultra-low budget.

jackduran · #1 01-08-2010, 05:27 PM

The search function seems to be disabled for the time being (for me at least- it's coming up with some error message...TB has been down for a while too so I presume its related) so mods please do what you will with this if there's an existing thread.

Basically, I'm looking for a cheap compressor, on a really low budget (i'm talking under £50). I've just splashed out on an MXR M80 and I've not really got the funds to stretch to anything above what I stated. I've just got rid of an unmodded Boss CS-3, and I need something that will sound better with my active bass/rig.

My signal chain is as follows:

MM Stingray 4
|
v
MXR M80 --> Ibanez LU-20 tuner in parallel
v
EHX Octave Multiplexer
v
Boss CEB-3
v
EHX #1 Echo
|
v
Trace Elliot AH300SMC + Peavey 210 TVX

In my head, I've got this idea of limiting the natural bass signal going into the MXR. I'm worried the active bass w/ active DI will be too hot. As well as smoothing out my sound, getting rid of peaks etc.

On the budget I've set myself, it's a huge challenge I know. I've come across a Line6 Constrictor (second hand) on eBay, and I'm also weighing up the Behringer DC9.

Bongo's compressor reviews have come in handy!

Jack

gnasher1993 · #2 01-08-2010, 05:42 PM

The Line6 Constrictor is really good value. Definitely worth a go. I really liked it

jackduran · #3 01-08-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnasher1993

The Line6 Constrictor is really good value. Definitely worth a go. I really liked it

Cheers Gnasher, I'm seriously weighing it up. There's one on eBay for 30 quid which is good value I feel, but Bongo says in his review that the low end can get quite "distorted". Did you have any experience of this?

gnasher1993 · #4 01-08-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackduran

Cheers Gnasher, I'm seriously weighing it up. There's one on eBay for 30 quid which is good value I feel, but Bongo says in his review that the low end can get quite "distorted". Did you have any experience of this?

I personally didn't have that problem but my electric is tuned A-C so my comments on 'low-end' are somewhat limited. I guess you could just roll back the volume on your bass if that was a problem and turn up the output level on the comp.

I think it's a really versatile pedal, not as subtle or transparent as others I've tried but I really liked it. Loads of sustain as well

. For £30, I'd say go for it. If you don't like it you can probably get your money back *cough*

By the way, I'm no expert on compressors

jackduran · #5 01-08-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnasher1993

I personally didn't have that problem but my electric is tuned A-C so my comments on 'low-end' are somewhat limited. I guess you could just roll back the volume on your bass if that was a problem and turn up the output level on the comp.

I think it's a really versatile pedal, not as subtle or transparent as others I've tried but I really liked it. Loads of sustain as well

. For £30, I'd say go for it. If you don't like it you can probably get your money back *cough*

By the way, I'm no expert on compressors

Good point about getting my money "back"...I'd just have to hope nobody from TB came across it and pointed out the real value of the pedal!

Thanks for your input. Just found a couple of Opto Stomps in the US that are just over budget...but from what I can gauge on here they're worth having.

bongomania · #6 01-08-2010, 06:14 PM

There are really only a small number of comp pedals (at any price) that have the ability to handle a really high input signal with no artifacts or over-compression.

The best "cheap" answer is to turn down the volume knob on your bass. In fact that's free, and it will make any compressor compatible with your bass. One of the nice things about active basses is their tone doesn't change at all when you turn the volume down.

I understand some people have a fatal allergy to turning down the volume knob on the bass; for those people the next best cheap option is to get another small pedal like an EQ or clean boost that has the ability to turn down the signal level, and put that between the bass and the compressor.

In your price range, the only comp pedal I can think of right now that can be set to handle very high input levels is a used Boss LMB-3.

walker rosewood · #7 01-08-2010, 07:42 PM

I'm in the same boat, and have been trolling ebay and cross referencing Bongo's reviews. After getting outbid several times on various used things, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a new BBE Opto Stomp. Usually $99 usd but I found an Ebay Store that had them NIB for $65 usd. Still waiting on it being shipped though.

Gopher Bob · #8 01-08-2010, 09:33 PM

I second BBE optostomp - I got one used for $45 used on ebay (like new). I've only had experience with my built in fender bassman compressor. Optostomp seems like a solid compressor in the lower price range.

SteveC · #9 01-09-2010, 06:51 AM

I would suggest a used BBE OptoStomp.

jackduran · #10 01-09-2010, 01:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback. It looks like its between the LMB-3 and the Opto Stomp. The Boss unit is more readily available here in the UK, as the BBE is much cheaper in the US- I think it works out as around £45 and then $20 shipping on that (which is about £12-13? I'm not too sure). You can get a used LMB-3 here for about £55.

jackduran · #11 01-09-2010, 01:44 PM

I forgot to add- the Opto Stomp retails at £90 on eBay UK. I'm simply not stretching that far whilst I have rent outstanding!

Jack

walker rosewood · #12 01-09-2010, 02:11 PM

Well, here is the link to the one I bought for $65usd. Currently quantity is at 3. It says they ship world wide. I don't know how exchange rates work with ebay/paypal, but maybe you could contact the store/seller and ask what it would take to get it to the UK at this price. Although, I paid for mine on Thursday, and it still hasn't shipped, nor have I heard from the retailer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BBE-OPTO-STOMP-P...item3ca905cecb

jackduran · #13 01-11-2010, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

Well, here is the link to the one I bought for $65usd. Currently quantity is at 3. It says they ship world wide. I don't know how exchange rates work with ebay/paypal, but maybe you could contact the store/seller and ask what it would take to get it to the UK at this price. Although, I paid for mine on Thursday, and it still hasn't shipped, nor have I heard from the retailer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BBE-OPTO-STOMP-P...item3ca905cecb

I've seen that one. Report back if/when you get the unit!

Has anyone come across these before:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-GUITAR...item41484ec24b

I've seen that brand before- Nux Cherub, if I'm not mistaken- but I've no idea how good they are. They're certainly cheap.

ga_edwards · #14 01-11-2010, 05:04 AM

Where does your Trace Elliot's built in compression sit in relation to the fx loop?

If it's before the loop, you could always try sticking your existing pedals in the loop and using the amp's compression. It will only cost you a lead.

jackduran · #15 01-11-2010, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

Where does your Trace Elliot's built in compression sit in relation to the fx loop?

If it's before the loop, you could always try sticking your existing pedals in the loop and using the amp's compression. It will only cost you a lead.

If my techy knowledge is anything to go by, it sits before the loop. At least on the panel, it sits to the left as you look at it.

The picture isn't great, but the compressor is in between the EQ and the loop jacks.

http://www.caulfieldmusic.com.au/gra...adah300smc.jpg

dave_bass5 · #16 01-11-2010, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackduran

I forgot to add- the Opto Stomp retails at £90 on eBay UK. I'm simply not stretching that far whilst I have rent outstanding!

Jack

You could have mine for £50 posted

Zooberwerx · #17 01-11-2010, 06:39 AM

The Opto-Stomp is the perfect cure-all for OCD-ridden individuals like myself....you know, chronic knob tweakers. Volume, compression, and one retina scorching LED.

Riis

walker rosewood · #18 01-11-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackduran

I've seen that one. Report back if/when you get the unit!

Finally got tracking info, should arrive within a day or two.

walker rosewood · #19 01-12-2010, 12:22 PM

Reporting Back...

UPS dropped off the Opto Stomp this morning. All in all not bad on the shipping at all. I paid for it on Jan. 7th. Arrived on Jan 12th. I just didn't get the email/tracking number until Jan 11th. Of course this was only from New Jersey to New York. It was nicely packaged in a sturdy box with those foam peanuts. Since this was a NIB unit, I'll add that BBE's presentation was good too. i.e. a nice box. I'm extremely satisfied for $65 usd and free shipping. The ebay store still says 3 left, and when those sell they'll start another listing with 5 again. (at least they did once already) Here's the link again.
http://cgi.ebay.com/BBE-OPTO-STOMP-P...item3ca905cecb

As far as the unit goes, clearly Bongo can describe things in a more informed manner, so I'll just say that I'm using it as "always on" and I personally think it sounds great as "can't tell it's there, but miss it when its gone." and absolutely zero noise.

Zooberwerx · #20 01-12-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

As far as the unit goes, clearly Bongo can describe things in a more informed manner, so I'll just say that I'm using it as "always on" and I personally think it sounds great as "can't tell it's there, but miss it when its gone." and absolutely zero noise.

What settings are you using? Mine invariably ends up with both ka-nobs @ 1-2:00.

Riis