MXR M87 Bass Compressor vs 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR

chief redcok · #1 07-18-2012, 09:35 PM

It's time... thinking about getting my hands on my first compression unit, pretty much narrowed it down to one of these.

Let me know of any major differences, the pros, the cons.

Thanks!

mmbongo · #2 07-18-2012, 09:41 PM

I went with the EBS MultiComp

chief redcok · #3 07-18-2012, 09:48 PM

Nice, I was looking at that one too.. Doesn't seem like my taste, but I was also checking out the DOD Milk Box, really cheap unit, and I don't stop hearing great things about it

chief redcok · #4 07-18-2012, 09:59 PM

Now that I found this- http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml I feel kinda dumb for posting this thread and I think I found the answer to my question and go with the 3Leaf

LSMFT6 · #5 07-18-2012, 10:50 PM

I've heard good things about the 3leaf, but that name . . . ****ing terrible. Eppek fale.

Darkglass · #6 07-19-2012, 06:05 AM

Disclaimer: 3leaf and my company are partners.

Tone and sound are quite subjective, so I'll avoid commenting on that because I might be biased. But when it comes to reliability and craftsmanship, 3leaf is on a total different league. Probably the best built pedals I have seen.

Regards!

Doug.

chief redcok · #7 07-19-2012, 11:49 AM

Yea Im very aware of that, I used to be a proud owner of a Proton

mmbongo · #8 07-19-2012, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkglass

Disclaimer: 3leaf and my company are partners.

Tone and sound are quite subjective, so I'll avoid commenting on that because I might be biased. But when it comes to reliability and craftsmanship, 3leaf is on a total different league. Probably the best built pedals I have seen.

Regards!

Doug.

Not to start a war here or anything...but the first thing I noticed when I tried a Proton was the plastic jacks

Otherwise it was built nicely....but plastic jacks? I was able to unscrew and remove them just with my fingers.

I just feel that a $200+ pedal should not use plastic jacks. However I don't build pedals so I'm sure there's a reason for the plastic jack/nuts. What is it?

Spencer! · #9 07-19-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Not to start a war here or anything...but the first thing I noticed when I tried a Proton was the plastic jacks

Otherwise it was built nicely....but plastic jacks? I was able to unscrew and remove them just with my fingers.

I just feel that a $200+ pedal should not use plastic jacks. However I don't build pedals so I'm sure there's a reason for the plastic jack/nuts. What is it?

MXR pedals also use plastic jacks. They have a metal dress nut which makes them appear metal from the outside.

I use Neutrik jacks which are extremely reliable. I've used over 5000 of them without a single failure.

Darkglass · #10 07-20-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

MXR pedals also use plastic jacks. They have a metal dress nut which makes them appear metal from the outside.

I use Neutrik jacks which are extremely reliable. I've used over 5000 of them without a single failure.

Yeah, those jacks are as good as they get... I have tried pretty all the brands and models, and those Neutriks are incredibly reliable.

Funky Ghost · #11 07-20-2012, 10:37 AM

My Proton has seen some unexpected abuse from kids, dogs, environmental and owner shenanigans. It's still a beast and still works flawlessly. I've been especially impressed with the coating on it. It should have been chipping to hell after it took a tumble from the top of my stack, but it still looks new.

mmbongo · #12 07-20-2012, 08:20 PM

Allright, I'll take back my comments about the plastic jacks! Like I said, I'm no pedal builder and I'm sure Spencer wouldn't use a plastic jack just to save a few cents. It's got to be quality stuff.

scottfeldstein · #13 07-20-2012, 11:59 PM

I did my homework and then took my swing: ended up with the MXR M87.

Not a single regret. In fact, it's the only original pedal still on my board besides my TCE tuner. It's transparent, well built and the LED readout is extremely useful. I think I'd have to go rack-mount to do better. At least for what I'm looking for in a compressor.

Tony Flow MMMM · #14 02-03-2013, 10:18 AM

Anyone have anymore input.

millahh · #15 02-03-2013, 10:29 AM

Can't comment on the 3leaf, but I've had the MXR in my possession for ~24 hours. Many people have had trouble finding settings that they were happy with, but starting with everything set to 12:00 and tweaking for ~15 minutes (across three instruments, all with different personalities), I found something I was 95% happy with. The pedal can be a bit intimidating, but if you isolate your variables, it is manageable.

Tony Flow MMMM · #16 02-13-2013, 05:05 PM

Well I will be purchasing one of these and comparing shortly!

avvie · #17 02-13-2013, 05:47 PM

Since we're here...
I've been considering these same two options...I've owned products from both companies and haven't been disappointed in either, but I gotta ask: are they as noisy as other compressors?...I mean, are compressors just always gonna be noisy and there's no breakthrough to stop it (other than a gate which I will NOT use)?

scottfeldstein · #18 02-13-2013, 06:09 PM

If you compress, then use the output volume to make up for what you're compressing, you're going to raise the noise floor. How much you do so is up to you, I guess. But all compressors are prone to this phenomenon as far as I know.

Some may introduce noise of their own. Maybe they all do to some degree. I haven't found my MXR to add anything noticeable. I think Bongo's review says as much, too.

Tony Flow MMMM · #19 02-13-2013, 06:51 PM

I don't hear Any noise from my MXR

ugly_bassplayer · #20 02-13-2013, 07:03 PM

I have not tried either the 3 Leaf or the MXR but I really like my Empress compressor.
Awesome pedal.