Compressors! Need Help! Cant decide!

[fleafan7159]

So basically I wen through bongomania link and read about all of his favorite compressors at the top tier level. i have like 2 pages of notes about them that i hand wrote and i still am pretty much undecided.

here are some tonal examples i would like to achieve with my SBMM SB14 through a GK MB115. just as a side note i do realize this guy is playing with a modulus FB4 and yes acknowledge they sound amazing, but i think i can get close.

These are all <20 sec clips btw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlIg9...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBYnf...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Abc3...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q6Je...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzLA...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnE9B...eature=related

From what I have found through research this guy plays into a
compressor and then an m-audio, i have no idea what compressor but i want that tone

so yea compressors for this tone would be helpful, and yes bongomania i am awaiting your feedback, thanks

[brattbugg@sbcgl]

I just bought an EBS Multicomp, fabulous!

[bongomania]

I'll be able to listen to the clips and make suggestions a few hours from now. One thing to say in advance though is that the tone qualities of compressors are usually very, very subtle, so I generally don't recommend them for achieving a particular tone. The exception would be if a very dirty, fat, or tube-colored tone was the goal.

[jmarnett]

That is a nice compression sound, however I use a DBX rack mount compressor, it sounds a little smoother.

[ninepoundjammer]

Just bought an EBS Multicomp. It was the 3rd out of about 10 pedals I've bought recently that showed up defective. When engaged, sometimes it was fine, sometimes no sound, and sometimes a very distorted sound. Good thing it had that quality control sicker on it!

Other that that, it was a fine sounding pedal, but I'm used to rack comps and really want more ability to fine tune. I sent it back and ordered an Aguilar TLC (which should arrive today!), I'm pretty excited about the Aguilar...

[bongomania]

OK, I listened to the clips now. It sound to me like a hard limiter (AKA a compressor at a very high ratio). There is a segment about limiters that I recommend at the bottom of my "top picks" page. For his sound, I guess the Aguilar would be my first choice, followed very closely by the Maxon CP9Pro+. For cheaper, the Boss LMB-3 is a fine place to start.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by bongomania

OK, I listened to the clips now. It sound to me like a hard limiter (AKA a compressor at a very high ratio). There is a segment about limiters that I recommend at the bottom of my "top picks" page. For his sound, I guess the Aguilar would be my first choice, followed very closely by the Maxon CP9Pro+. For cheaper, the Boss LMB-3 is a fine place to start.

Ok il read up on those limiters probably tomorrow but for now u are recommending the Aguilar TLC? i can tell its a hard knee compression, or like a hard limiter like u said. price doesn't really matter for me, ive been working two jobs to save up for an FB$ this summer and i think a good limiter will do nicely to record stuff

thanks for the help btw =)

oh and also the FEA pedals wouldn't be any good? i was expecting you to recommend one of those. just let me know

[spiker]

EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS * I used to be hellbent on ensuring that i had a compressor that had a large ratio and the ability to adjust knobs to affect the sound in many different ways. In other words, something with all the bells and whistles.
The EBS is great because it's simple, and THE WAY it compresses is so cool sounding. If you're someone who doesn't want to be frigging around with your pedal settings all the time and just want something that sounds wicked all the time without ruining your main signal tone, then get an EBS, don't worry about the low ratio, as THE WAY it compresses is probably more noticeable in a positive way than a lot of compressors with larger ratio's and controls...

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by fleafan7159

for now u are recommending the Aguilar TLC?

Yep.

Originally Posted by fleafan7159

also the FEA pedals wouldn't be any good? i was expecting you to recommend one of those.

Oh, they're excellent. I just didn't bust them out right away on you because I (mistakenly) thought you'd want something more simple to use.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by spiker

EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS EBS * I used to be hellbent on ensuring that i had a compressor that had a large ratio and the ability to adjust knobs to affect the sound in many different ways. In other words, something with all the bells and whistles.
The EBS is great because it's simple, and THE WAY it compresses is so cool sounding. If you're someone who doesn't want to be frigging around with your pedal settings all the time and just want something that sounds wicked all the time without ruining your main signal tone, then get an EBS, don't worry about the low ratio, as THE WAY it compresses is probably more noticeable in a positive way than a lot of compressors with larger ratio's and controls...

hmmmm.... ok we'll see i'm waiting for a response from bongomania whenever, but i might end up getting the ebs if it sounds like those vids.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Yep.

Oh, they're excellent. I just didn't bust them out right away on you because I (mistakenly) thought you'd want something more simple to use.

oh ok well i mean ease of use would be nice, but il be willing to tweak to get the sound in my head lol. the only thing about FEA is that they're really hard to find used, and new the prices are really pushing it. but yea so it seems like the Aguilar, EBS, or FEA will be my top nominees. i do need something that i can power easily with a daisy chain that includes, a Boss LS-2, Dunlop 105q, DODFX25B, and MXR BOD. idk if this will make a diff but i though i would let u know.

[bongomania]

The EBS is a great pedal too; not my first choice for limiting, but lots of bassists love it, so you wouldn't be making a bad choice with the EBS. Also you can easily buy one used, try it for a while, and if you don't like it you can easily re-sell it without losing much money.

All of the contenders you're looking at will be fine with your power supply.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by bongomania

The EBS is a great pedal too; not my first choice for limiting, but lots of bassists love it, so you wouldn't be making a bad choice with the EBS. Also you can easily buy one used, try it for a while, and if you don't like it you can easily re-sell it without losing much money.

All of the contenders you're looking at will be fine with your power supply.

ok awesome! im gonna check the classifieds, eBay and craglist to scope out prices. man im exited =).

thanks a bunch for the help, TB needs people like you for every type of effect lol.

[Fangry]

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I don't think there's need for yet another thread on the issue.

Having just sold some gear I'm about to get my first compressor, and based on Bongo's reviews and local availability have narrowed it down to either the BBE Opto Stomp (EUR 99) or the Carl Martin Classic Opto Compressor (EUR 100).

I don't slap, play mostly fingerstryle but occasionally with a pick and am not looking for a dramatic effect, just something to smooth out my playing a bit. I mostly play a very hot G&L Trib L-2500, fwiw.

The looks and the lack of knobs on the BBE are attractive, but would the CM just be plain better?

EBS stuff unfortunately is just beyond my budget.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by Fangry

Sorry for hijacking the thread, but I don't think there's need for yet another thread on the issue.

Having just sold some gear I'm about to get my first compressor, and based on Bongo's reviews and local availability have narrowed it down to either the BBE Opto Stomp (EUR 99) or the Carl Martin Classic Opto Compressor (EUR 100).

I don't slap, play mostly fingerstryle but occasionally with a pick and am not looking for a dramatic effect, just something to smooth out my playing a bit. I mostly play a very hot G&L Trib L-2500, fwiw.

The looks and the lack of knobs on the BBE are attractive, but would the CM just be plain better?

EBS stuff unfortunately is just beyond my budget.

well i didn't know crap about compressors but after using bongomania's link and asking him personally, i can now make a better decision on which pedal. so fo me it is necessary, and i think it would help people later on.

for anyone else who see's the thread it would be greatly appreciated if you could post links of used aguilar TLC's or EBS's i had no luck last night. thanks

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Fangry

The looks and the lack of knobs on the BBE are attractive, but would the CM just be plain better?

While I do have it described that way on my top picks page, really I put the CM in the "bit better, bit more expensive" paragraph just because it's more expensive... not necessarily better though. The only thing notably better about the CM is that it offers a higher range of ratios (stronger compression possible).

[FuzzBoxVoodoo]

I have had the EBS and now have the Aguilar and I prefer the aggie more as it seems to work like a limiter where the EBS almost seemed to transparent to the point of not as effective as I would like.
just my .02

[Fangry]

Originally Posted by bongomania

While I do have it described that way on my top picks page, really I put the CM in the "bit better, bit more expensive" paragraph just because it's more expensive... not necessarily better though. The only thing notably better about the CM is that it offers a higher range of ratios (stronger compression possible).

Yeah, I would've gone for the cheaper one but they're the same price here with few used units available. I'll probably go for the BBE if only for the more compact case and simplicity.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by FuzzBoxVoodoo

the aggie more as it seems to work like a limiter where the EBS almost seemed to transparent to the point of not as effective as I would like.
just my .02

yea thats why i'm leaning more towards the Aguilar, but i cant find any used.

[fleafan7159]

Originally Posted by fleafan7159

yea thats why i'm leaning more towards the Aguilar, but i cant find any used.

need help cause i would love to not have to spend $200 for a new one, im pretty set on the tlc but i would love to hear about or see someone A/B these.