compressor pedal that sounds close to...

nickwills · #1 12-11-2009, 09:49 AM

I haven't really experimented much with different comp pedals, so since there appears to be a few compression pedal experts around here *knods at bongo*, I thought I would add a post?

Recently doing a session, we used a UA 1176ln compressor on my DI (it was a mic'd rig/DI setup). The tone we got was absolutely amazing IMO.

I would love to find a compressor pedal that has a similar effect on my tone.

I know it's a $2k rack and it's silly for me to ask for a $2-300 effect pedal to sound as good, but I want something close.

Robs1887 · #2 12-11-2009, 09:51 AM

The 1176 is a compressor that's been of the highest end in the business for over 30 years. I know of some cheaper (not by much) rack mounted units that sound very similar, but it would be rather difficult if not impossible to find a pedal that sounds like that.

bongomania · #3 12-11-2009, 09:55 AM

Can you describe a bit more of what tone qualities you liked about the 1176? I have to admit, for all my experimentation, I have not yet bought an 1176. And the emulations of an 1176 that I've used were kind of exaggerated for effect, and were modeled on older, dirtier-tone Urei units. So if you can put something about the sound you heard into words, I may be able to help.

scotch · #4 12-11-2009, 10:03 AM

In my experience, the 1176's are very soft-knee & "bloom" nicely on sustained notes. But, there's also the popular - "push every button in" setting where it really squashes the input signal! Smooth, but squashed & usually requires a good strong signal in front (via an additional pre).

nickwills · #5 12-11-2009, 10:09 AM

My set up a stock geddy lee > aguilar db924 > BBE DI > UA 1176ln.

I think that's the order, I'd have to ask the engineer to verify where he stuck the UA in the chain.

It's kinda hard to explain the tone except, that it before we hooked it up, I felt my tone was a bit too gnarly. It smoothed it out, made it sound rich, but the bass still sounded aggressive.

I'm trying to get the engineer to send me a soundclip to upload.

nickwills · #6 12-11-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs1887

The 1176 is a compressor that's been of the highest end in the business for over 30 years. I know of some cheaper (not by much) rack mounted units that sound very similar, but it would be rather difficult if not impossible to find a pedal that sounds like that.

In my original post I stated that I understood that it was a high end piece and that asking a pedal to sound as good is silly so I could avoid replies like that.

I'm new to compressors and this session really opened my eyes to how it help my tone. I would like to find a similar pedal solution that I can use live and possibly in lower end studio situations.

scotch · #7 12-11-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickwills

In my original post I stated that I understood that it was a high end piece and that asking a pedal to sound as good is silly so I could avoid replies like that.

I'm new to compressors and this session really opened my eyes to how it help my tone. I would like to find a similar pedal solution that I can use live and possibly in lower end studio situations.

The way compression is almost a necessity in the studio doesn't always translate to the stage! They're really two different art-forms, imo. Plus, I'm always 'harping' on not using compression live as a crutch too much (more for people with right-hand technique issues...).

There's probably not a "pedal" format compressor that is going to deliver exactly what you're hearing in the studio. Of course, the monitoring environment and high-end gear in the studio aren't really replicatable at the local bar gig! Not that there aren't a whole slew of great pedal-comps, just don't expect the same kind of 'experience' live.

For project/lower-end studios, plug-in compressors are pretty standard. Bomb Factory ships free w/ Pro-Tools & is essentially an 1176 clone. Chances are pretty great that any home or project studio is going to have a decent plug-in compressor. Will it be as "magic" as the real deal? Nope. But, it'll get you close!

bongomania · #8 12-11-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickwills

...before we hooked it up, I felt my tone was a bit too gnarly. It smoothed it out, made it sound rich, but the bass still sounded aggressive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

In my experience, the 1176's are very soft-knee & "bloom" nicely on sustained notes.

For smoothness and richness I would suggest trying the Markbass, Demeter, Frantone Sandwich, and believe it or not, the DOD Milkbox. The latter two also "bloom" nicely.

Tonally the T.C. Electronic Sustain+Para EQ (original version) would also do you right, however 3 out of 3 that I've bought had some malfunction, and they cannot be repaired without great expense or dedication.

VTHacker · #9 12-11-2009, 11:42 AM

I'm sure there are folks who'll call me out as a chump for suggesting this, but I've had good luck with the Digitech Bass Squeeze... just don't overdo it. It's a two-band compressor, so you can set your low end and upper freqs separately. Plus, it's got a built-in DI, which can come in handy at times.

Sure, it ain't all super-sexy/handmade by Rupert Neve, etc., but bang-for-buckwise, it's pretty solid.

nickwills · #10 12-11-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

For smoothness and richness I would suggest trying the Markbass, Demeter, Frantone Sandwich, and believe it or not, the DOD Milkbox. The latter two also "bloom" nicely.

Tonally the T.C. Electronic Sustain+Para EQ (original version) would also do you right, however 3 out of 3 that I've bought had some malfunction, and they cannot be repaired without great expense or dedication.

Thanks man, the markbass is definitely on my list to try. I will add the milkbox and the the TCE as well.

Between those, EBS and the new aguilar, surely I can find one I love.

nickwills · #11 12-11-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTHacker

I'm sure there are folks who'll call me out as a chump for suggesting this, but I've had good luck with the Digitech Bass Squeeze... just don't overdo it. It's a two-band compressor, so you can set your low end and upper freqs separately. Plus, it's got a built-in DI, which can come in handy at times.

Sure, it ain't all super-sexy/handmade by Rupert Neve, etc., but bang-for-buckwise, it's pretty solid.

Thanks man. I will try it out at GC next time I am there. Bongo did thrash it in his reviews, but I will keep an open mind.

Couvy · #12 12-11-2009, 04:26 PM

I don't think it has as much squash, but the diamond bass compressor has me drooling at the moment

JohnDavisNYC · #13 12-11-2009, 09:24 PM

it would be awesome to have an 1176 in a pedal... someone should make a pedal with full controls of an 1176... input output attack release and 5 ratios (including the all button setting)

the 1176 can do everything from grindy fast release tone enhancement to really slow AGC type leveling... the attack time can totally cut off any annoying attack, or it can make the leading edge punchier... great comp... one of my desert island items, for sure.

john

john