Compressor ideas wanted (yes I've read the reviews on Ovnilab)

Inconnu · #1 12-20-2011, 08:02 PM

I've read reviews and still can't really figure what to look at. I love my sound, I could just use a very transparent compressor that does it's job while not adding weird noises and pops in my sound, that I could leave on and forget about it. That, without spending a fortune. I don't mind if it's a pedal or a rack, as long as it takes an instrument level input (no effect loop on my amp). Any quick ideas, on the cheap side?

Mad Tango · #2 12-20-2011, 08:19 PM

The Maxon CP9+ is very good. I found mine for $135.00 used. It is tranparent and the attack is not set too fast as to soften your notes. (**thats what bugs me about other compressors w/fast attack- that makes it Not transparent in that regard) It has wonderful sound quality and has an adjustable threshold with an LED indicator/monitor. Also, the compression ratio is adjustable. If you are a heavy slapper the attack may be set a bit too slow for that purpose. However; for most music this a good one.

Mingus Addict · #3 12-20-2011, 08:27 PM

CP9s are awesome, but that low used price you got is a rare find I think. If the OP wants something relatively transparent, cheap, and easy to use for a compressor noob, the BBE opto stomp is the first thing that comes to mind.

u84six · #4 12-20-2011, 10:08 PM

Empress, FEA, or Markbass. I went with the Empress and couldn't be happier. No noise, no coloration, while balancing your lows, highs and the differences between your strings. It's also great for attack adjustment and adding nice warm sustain if you need it. It's generally a studio quality compressor in a lightweight pedal.

http://www.empresseffects.com/compressor.html

**jmattbassplaya** · #5 12-20-2011, 10:19 PM

Aguilar TLC is super transparent. That Maxon find was a diamond in the rough, so don't count on that to happen for you.

duke2004 · #6 12-20-2011, 10:37 PM

Compressor is an effect, right? Personally i dont use an effect in my live rig unless it has some...effect. Demeter Compulator for example is "very transparent" so much that i cant tell im using any effect. Too subtle to hear means, it gets deleted from my effects chain.
The EBS Multicomp can dial in an effect that will change your dymanics and its super easy to use. Get the type of effect you want and then back it off. Also its a tiny pedal which is cool

Markbass is bigger and more complicated to use but also sounds real nice.