I need more than Bongo's reviews! (Compressor content)

FromTheBassMent · #1 03-16-2010, 09:42 AM

Okay, I think I've actually now read every one of Bongo's reviews of compressors. I am truly impressed at the zeal with which he has pursued (and continues to pursue) his mission! That web site is just an unbelievable source of great information.

However, I am still undecided. My problem is there's no way logistically or financially for me to audition the compressors that are now currently in contention for my application (no one locally carries them, and I can't afford to order one of each to do a real side-by-side comparo). I play a Stingray 5 fretless, in an "Americana" setting, with a focus on thickly layered vocal harmoies. We do lots of mid-tempo stuff and ballads, so I am looking for singing tone and sustain more than super-punch. I do not need limiting capability, as I play strictly finger style and have a very legato (non-aggressive) right hand technique.

I run into a Tech21 VT Bass set super-clean, a Markbass 121 combo and occasionally use an EBS Unichorus (but very sparingly). I use no other effects.

So, I'd love to hear from those who have used any or all of these what their experiences are in real gigging situations. If there's one you strongly prefer, which one and why... what makes it sound special to you?

The contenders:

Aguilar TLC
OKKO Coca Comp
Maxon CP-9 Pro+
Rothwell Love Squeeze

These all share certain traits (low noise, transparency, adjustable or fairly slow attack, not too "effecty," standard Boss-type 9v AC adapter, online sources actually have them ready to ship) and come in at a similar price point. But I fugure there's gotta be one that's really going to have the magic for my application. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

kesslari · #2 03-16-2010, 05:30 PM

Funny, I play fretless, and have played in a couple of Americana bands.
For singing fretless sustain, I prefer no compressor at all.

FromTheBassMent · #3 03-16-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

Funny, I play fretless, and have played in a couple of Americana bands.
For singing fretless sustain, I prefer no compressor at all.

This reminds me of when somebody posts, "I'm trying to decide between a Lakland 55-02 and a Stingray 5," and some "helpful" TBer responds, "Get a Squire 4-string P bass and string it with flats, so you can sound really old-school like me."

That's cool that you're happy with YOUR experience and YOUR sound. But I am very experienced with using compressors with my guitar rig, and I'd still like some advice on the four bass compressors I'm considering. I want to add a compressor to my signal chain, not to be "schooled" about how I don't need a compressor by someone who's infinitely more "wise" than I am. I'm not some n00b on a reckless gear-quest... I've been playing for 33 years, so I don't really need "advice" on what I want to be as a bass player. I just need advice on current gear, because I don't own any of it and some people on this site probably do. So I welcome any and all responses that actually address what it is I am asking.

Perhaps I've narrowed my search to the four compressors that no one on TB has played!

Gotta say that based on the online sound clips (which, granted, are low-fi for the most part), the Aguilar is sounding mighty good....

the blast · #4 03-16-2010, 07:53 PM

I've played a few compressors & I purchased the Maxon CP-9 Pro+. I love it & it's always on. I use a pick & fingers, hard & soft & I never really touch it. It is capable of a lot if I ever need it to be. It's on all the time. I'd say it's hard to beat & you can find them used for around $200. Hope that helps. I don't have any experience with any of the others you listed but I played both the two & four knob Keeley's & the Diamond BCP-1 before I decided on the Maxon.

Best, -John

Stumpy · #5 03-16-2010, 08:04 PM

I use the DB160A. I am a finger style player. But the compressor is great with a pick or slap. You just need to try em all ... that you can get your hands on.

Let your ears do the decision making.

JMT

James Hart · #6 03-16-2010, 08:11 PM

my fretless 6 string P bass LOVES my Maxon CP-9 Pro+

FromTheBassMent · #7 03-16-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumpy

I use the DB160A. I am a finger style player. But the compressor is great with a pick or slap. You just need to try em all ... that you can get your hands on.

Let your ears do the decision making.

JMT

Yeah, this is how I prefer to select gear. But when the four items I'm considering are in NY, Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle respectively and I'm in Providence RI, trying them all is impossible (unless someone is going to loan me $1k to buy one of each and then send back three of the four).

So this is where a site like TalkBass becomes truly meaningful... I can tap into the collective wisdom of other experienced players like myself who, I hope, can give me some descriptive accounts of their experiences with this gear. Because if this was all about "Show me your boutique basses that cost over $5000," I doubt I'd have become a supporting member! I'm here to share in the experience of being a gigging bass player and to get some input from people who are like me and love this instrument and love working as a musician.

So thanks for your post!

FromTheBassMent · #8 03-16-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the blast

I've played a few compressors & I purchased the Maxon CP-9 Pro+. I love it & it's always on. I use a pick & fingers, hard & soft & I never really touch it. It is capable of a lot if I ever need it to be. It's on all the time. I'd say it's hard to beat & you can find them used for around $200. Hope that helps. I don't have any experience with any of the others you listed but I played both the two & four knob Keeley's & the Diamond BCP-1 before I decided on the Maxon.

Best, -John

Thanks John. Yeah, I have one of the "holy grail" Ross-style compressors for my guitar rig... the Retro-Sonic Vintage Vibes. It is absolutely SICK with my Gretsch hollow-body guitar, and is always on... but when I plugged my SR5 into it, it sounded awful. It's clearly not meant to handle the output of an active bass. So I never even thought of looking at the Keeley (or any of the other Ross clones, of which there are many that are supposed to be great).

The Maxon is looking good!

kesslari · #9 03-16-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

This reminds me of when somebody posts, "I'm trying to decide between a Lakland 55-02 and a Stingray 5," and some "helpful" TBer responds, "Get a Squire 4-string P bass and string it with flats, so you can sound really old-school like me."

That's cool that you're happy with YOUR experience and YOUR sound. But I am very experienced with using compressors with my guitar rig, and I'd still like some advice on the four bass compressors I'm considering. I want to add a compressor to my signal chain, not to be "schooled" about how I don't need a compressor by someone who's infinitely more "wise" than I am. I'm not some n00b on a reckless gear-quest... I've been playing for 33 years, so I don't really need "advice" on what I want to be as a bass player. I just need advice on current gear, because I don't own any of it and some people on this site probably do. So I welcome any and all responses that actually address what it is I am asking.

Perhaps I've narrowed my search to the four compressors that no one on TB has played!

Gotta say that based on the online sound clips (which, granted, are low-fi for the most part), the Aguilar is sounding mighty good....

Lay off the coffee, amigo!

I do use a compressor on a fretted bass in a different setting - I personally don't like them on my fretless, particularly for singing tone and sustain, which is what you asked about. So I'm relating that experience.
You are free to ignore it.
Wishing you success in achieving your sonic goals.

FromTheBassMent · #10 03-16-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

Lay off the coffee, amigo!

I do use a compressor on a fretted bass in a different setting - I personally don't like them on my fretless, particularly for singing tone and sustain, which is what you asked about. So I'm relating that experience.
You are free to ignore it.
Wishing you success in achieving your sonic goals.

It's all cool. I was just pointing out that when someone is looking for a piece of equipment, the advice "don't use equipment" isn't especially helpful.

But, respect to anyone who's associated with Lark In The Morning. That's the coolest music store on the planet! I studied West African and Brazilian percussion in college, but never learned doumbek/darbukka. I'm gonna go check out your vid. I have advised MANY aspiring bass players who've asked me how to get better to join a drum circle and learn hand drumming. Once you figure out how to groove six against four your bass playing takes off to a whole different space....

bongomania · #11 03-17-2010, 12:23 AM

I wanted to let other people post before I piped up.

All four you've chosen are great units, but not many people have used them. The TLC only just came out, and the Maxon has flown under the popularity radar for a long time (a great pity IMO, as it's one of the best).

That said, I recommend the OKKO for what you described. It will be a risky gamble, since there really aren't many people who have used it, and AFAIK I'm the only bass player who has posted anything about it anywhere. But if you buy it from a place with a good return/exchange policy, then you can send it back if you don't like it. www.themadape.com has the OKKO, the Maxon, and the Aguilar.

the blast · #12 03-17-2010, 02:23 AM

JUST saw this in the classifieds section. I'd jump on it if you even think this may be the compressor for you as it's the cheapest I've seen. It's what I paid for mine! You could always re-sell it if you decide it's not for you. Also, a previous poster mentioned that he really likes the DB160 or something like that. This circuit is designed after/or a replica of... a DBX circuit. Please note that I have no relation to this poster & will say that whoever gets this pedal at this price is getting a GREAT deal!

FS: Maxon CP9Pro+, Maxon CS-9Pro

-John

Eric! · #13 03-17-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

These all share certain traits (low noise, transparency, adjustable or fairly slow attack, not too "effecty," standard Boss-type 9v AC adapter

DC, homie

FromTheBassMent · #14 03-17-2010, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebennetts

DC, homie

AC/DC!!!

FromTheBassMent · #15 03-17-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I wanted to let other people post before I piped up.

All four you've chosen are great units, but not many people have used them. The TLC only just came out, and the Maxon has flown under the popularity radar for a long time (a great pity IMO, as it's one of the best).

That said, I recommend the OKKO for what you described. It will be a risky gamble, since there really aren't many people who have used it, and AFAIK I'm the only bass player who has posted anything about it anywhere. But if you buy it from a place with a good return/exchange policy, then you can send it back if you don't like it. www.themadape.com has the OKKO, the Maxon, and the Aguilar.

Thanks Bongo. Yeah, bummer there are no clips of the OKKO online... of course, online clips of compressors are generally pretty disappointing!

I may hold off on making a decision until I've read some hands-on reviews of the new Demeter Compulator Pro. On paper anyway, I really like the idea of having independent attack and release control, and the high gain trim seems like a really smart feature for players of active basses. It's a bit more expensive, but since compression and chorus are the only two bass effects I care to use I don't have to worry too much about economizing!

bongomania · #16 03-17-2010, 11:08 AM

I just posted my review of the Compulator Pro in the wee hours this morning.

And it's now in the Classifieds here.

Swift713 · #17 03-17-2010, 11:22 AM

I haven't tried the others but the Maxon is Great, IMO. It's easy to set, doesn't loose any tone, doesn't color your tone. So far that and my Blueberry are what they'll be prying from my cold dead hands, assuming they find my body.

silky smoove · #18 03-17-2010, 11:46 AM

Once I tried the Rothwell Love Squeeze, all other compressors turned invisible to me. Keep in mind that I wasn't looking for hard limiting, just a subtle compression that knocks down the highest transient peaks and levels things out a bit without completely killing my dynamic. I also wanted something that was transparent as my VT Bass provides PLENTY of color to my tone. Last but not least, I did not want anything that was noisey. The Rothwell delivers all of this in spades. I'm ordering one on April 2nd (courtesy of my annual bonus at work). Give this pedal some serious consideration if your goals match what I described above.

FromTheBassMent · #19 03-17-2010, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I just posted my review of the Compulator Pro in the wee hours this morning.

And it's now in the Classifieds here.

Based on your review... meh. I don't need a boost pedal, and the attack control is really solving a problem that doesn't seem to exist in the four main contenders I'm looking at. So given that it's substantially more expensive than the others, I don't think the Pro is going on the short list! Love the yellow box, though!

Wish I could hear sound clips of the OKKO. The clips of the TLC on the Aguilar site sound very, very nice... and I've heard some pretty convincing clips of the Maxon as well. The Rothwell, despite its purity, is slipping into fourth as I think it might be too subtle for what I'm after.

silky smoove · #20 03-17-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromTheBassMent

The Rothwell, despite its purity, is slipping into fourth as I think it might be too subtle for what I'm after.

It most certainly IS subtle. If you're looking for more of a compression "effect" I would advise against this pedal. If you're looking for an "always-on" type of cap to control transient peaks and level out aggressive playing techniques (slap/pop compared to fingerstyle) I think you'll be hard pressed to find anything better.