compressor trouble

michaelprice83 · #1 05-31-2009, 12:26 PM

I have a Demeter Octocompulator and its really my first compressor. I purchased it a while back and never used it much, but now I'm playing more and using it but I'm having issues. I have been using my Spector Euro 5 with EMG's and Bart preamp and it seems no matter the setting on the compressor or amp, I'm getting a distorted "hard clip" sound. Whether mild compression or heavy. It seems like it clips more on the low strings. What could be the issue here? I know what a compressor should sound like, could it have something to do with the ouptut of the bass? I tried turing each pickup's volume halfway down and turning the bass down but the clip is still there.

bongomania · #2 06-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Normally I'd say it has everything to do with the output of the bass, but if you've turned down the volume and turned down the bass EQ knob then that does make the situation less clear. What power supply are you using for the pedal? Are there any other pedals in the chain? Do you have access to any other basses to test it with?

**TheMutt** · #3 06-01-2009, 11:47 PM

I noticed that when the battery in mine got low, it would clip really easily. After I started using a power supply, no more problems. Also, have you tried adjusting the internal gain trimpot?

Also, it's good to see you around here Bongo! Heard in the Markbass Synth thread that the B& hammer had come down on ya. Probably just a rumor.

michaelprice83 · #4 06-02-2009, 11:09 PM

thanks for the input. i use a 1 spot adaptor. internal gain trimpot? i didn't know i could adjust the pedal. i'm going to take a look now.

**TheMutt** · #5 06-02-2009, 11:13 PM

It should be on the left side of the pedal, a small opening with a trimpot that can be adjusted with a small screwdriver.

michaelprice83 · #6 06-02-2009, 11:44 PM

nope adjusted trimpot and its still useless. so.......guess i just don't use the Spector with this pedal? Didn't know I'd need to buy a special compressor. What to do, anything you guys know will work for sure and give great sound?

bongomania · #7 06-03-2009, 12:16 AM

Before anyone can usefully recommend anything, we need to isolate the problem. Can you try again with turning down the output on the bass itself, and set its low EQ knob to "flat" or even a bit of a cut? If you are able to make the clipping go away in this manner, then that suggests one set of solutions; if that does not make the clipping go away, then it raises some other questions.

michaelprice83 · #8 06-03-2009, 06:30 PM

this thing is just clipping away no matter what the setting. if i turn the boost almost all the way down it stops clipping but the tone is gone too..... its mostly on the B string, its pretty clean on the E. Now what? Do I have a faulty Octocomp?

bongomania · #9 06-03-2009, 06:52 PM

Either that, or the output of your bass is way way higher than normal. I'd email James Demeter and have him talk you through it. If it's faulty, he can fix it.