EBS Milticomp Problems

[pshep68]

I am having some trouble with my new EBS Milticomp compressor. I am using it with an active bass guitar. I either use a Ampeg 3Pro or Ampeg CL head with a 410 cab. The unit has 3settings Normal, Multiband & Tubism. I can switch back & forth to these settings and the sound doesn't change. The sound doesn't change when I move the Comp/Limit & Gain buttons either. Also, when I press the foot switch (bypass) and the red light is on ... is the unit on or off. There also adjustments that can be made inside the unit to adjust the high & low threshold. (as instructed in the manual) What will this do for the sound. The compression ratio is a max of 5:1 How will adjusting these things affect the compression. I have head so many good things about this unit, buy so far it has been a major disappointment. Are there any tips that someone might pass on to me based on their experience with this unit. Thank you.

[rjs6700]

I've had a MultiComp for a while and it has worked great.

When the light is on, its on, and the light should get brighter with a strong signal.

I leave mine on all the time and forget about it. Every so ofter I turn it off and think, "oh yeah, thats why thats on!"

[kalzu87]

I've also had multicomp for a while now and I really can tell which mode is on, there is probably something wrong with the unit (or ears??) if you don't hear the difference.

Tubesim mode has worked best at least for me. The adjustments made inside the pedal affect only the multiband mode if I recall correctly. The multiband mode has two different compressors, one for the low and one for the high frequencies, and those can be slightly changed inside the pedal.

I've found this pedal very useful, and it works wonders before the EBS multidrive in my pedal board. After all it is a compression pedal, the meaning of which isn't change the sound but compress / limit the signal.

[dannybuoy]

The left trimpot affects all modes, try twiddling it. If your LED is constantly dim then no compression is going on so turn it clockwise. If the LED is constantly bright then the threshold is probably too low so to it anti-clockwise.

[bongomania]

Pshep, is this your first compressor? It sounds like it from your post. Compressors are generally subtle, most of the time you are not supposed to hear any big changes to your sound. The indicators and trimpots are explained pretty well in the instructions, did you read them?

Tell you what- read the FAQ linked in my sig to learn more about what to expect from a compressor, and how they work. Then read both sides of the instruction sheet for the pedal (available for free download from many websites, just Google "multicomp manual"), to learn how that specific pedal works. Then click on the reviews page linked in my sig, and check out the review for the EBS as it goes into some detail about using the EBS with active basses, and adjusting the trimpots.

Please do those three things in the order stated: FAQ, manual, review; you'll get the best understanding of what you and the pedal are doing that way.

[dannybuoy]

Maybe you should add a link to the Multicomp manual and re-order your sig!

[pshep68]

Thanks guys. Bongomania, I've read your reviews. Actually, it was your review for the EBS Multicomp that convinced me to buy the unit. I've also read the instructions & no this is not my first compressor ... my second. I've been using a DBX 1066 that I borrowed from a friend, but had to return it. I like to use lots of compression because I play heavy. Any suggestions regarding the trim pots if I am a heavy player (with uneven strikes at times)? Thanks again.

[bongomania]

Try turning the trims clockwise to lower the threshold.

[pshep68]

One last question Bongomania ... the LED light on my unit is always red (unless I disengage the switch) and stay red. Is this the way it should be?

[bongomania]

Nope. It should be dull or dim red until you hit a note that triggers the compression, at which point it should light up bright, and then dim back down as your note fades out.