Which Compressors Can Make This Sound?

[ryansalmond]

Last year I used an Ashdown Dual Band compressor, which I found on severe settings for high compression and moderate settings for low compression gave me a unique 'compression as an effect' tone when combined with an Aphex Bass Xciter at similar settings (cranked effect on the highs, moderate effect on the lows). Sound sample attached (mediocre sound quality, mediocre performance, admittedly).

Sadly, both the Ashdown and the Aphex were very poorly constructed. They worked differently on different days, the Ashdown sometimes distorting unpredictably, the Aphex with its cheap jacks being far quieter (signal-wise, not noise-wise) some days than others. I decided to get rid of them.

When I was looking into what other compressors I could replace the Ashdown with, I at first thought that this 'compression as an effect' tone came from having a really high compression ratio. Looking into the manual for the Ashdown, this was not the case- it's max ratio was 8:1.

I have since bought an FEA Labs Dual Band Optical Compressor/Limiter. For many reasons, this is my favourite pedal I have ever owned and I will be keeping it no matter what. However, one thing it can't really do, even at ratio/attack/release settings that mimic the Ashdown, is get me this one oddball sound I used to use.

As for the Aphex, many people have asked about alternatives already and it doesnt seem that there really are any, so I'm just asking about compressors here.

I can give other sound samples if needed.

[bongomania]

I'd steer you to the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone. After that, maybe the Jacques Fat Burner, TC Electronic Sustain+Para, or the Menatone J.A.C.

[ryansalmond]

Thank you.