My compressor conundrum (Boss & Aphex & EBS) - 0H MY!)

**TheFantod** · #1 08-10-2009, 08:06 PM

Okee dokee,

First off, I've done a LOT of research on this. I've scoured the Ovnilabs site & the archives here for hours (it seems).

Here is where I stand now:
Had a Boss LMB-3 for years. Thing sounds like a basket of snakes now. It's gotta go.

I've got two new pedals (temporarily) that I've been playing side by side and comparing, the Boss CS-3 (gasp!) and the Aphex Punch Factory. And believe it or not, I'm liking the Boss. I've read lots about the hissing and noise of the Boss, but mine is REALLY quiet. It's just as quiet as the PF. I like the sound of the both, but I like the versatility of the Boss better. My big concern is the durability factor. I know how tough Boss pedals are, and how they can take a beating. I've read reviews of the PF having failed foot switches, and lots of wondering about the plastic soldered jacks. I jump around on stage and there is always the occasional stage diver on stage.

Has anyone here had durability issues with the PF? I'm leaning towards returning it.

There's another horse in this race, the EBS Multicomp. Read lots of great things about it, both here and other places. I'm not concerned with the price. I'm concerned with the quality.

So now I'm down between the CS-3 (possibly/probably eventually to be modded via Humphrey Mods) or the EBS Multicomp. There's no where locally where I can try one. The nearest GC is two hours away, and there's no guarantee they'll even have the EBS. (They've been woefully lacking on inventory.) EDIT: Just checked online and GC doesn't seem to carry EBS pedals, so it's mail order once again!

So I'm asking for opinions here, the modded CS-3 or the EBS Multicomp? Oh, pedals will be used weekly in practice and gigging.

All opinions welcomed, and apologies in advance for possibly beating a dead horse here.

sillyfabe · #2 08-10-2009, 08:12 PM

i have a boss cs-3 and love it but when it is needed such as for slap/pop, aggressive attack and as a sustainer for my synth.

gjbassist · #3 08-10-2009, 08:22 PM

I had a modded CS-3 and didn't care for it. I had trouble getting a usable tone out of it. I also had an Aphex Punch Factory and loved it. The only reason I don't have it is that me current amp has a very good built in compressor. Can't really say about the EBS other than what I have read which has been very good.

basslinejam · #4 08-10-2009, 08:35 PM

The BBE Optostomp sounds good too and is all metal construction.

I just noticed that DHA is making a optical tube compressor pedal, so you might want to check that out too.

Otherwise, I'd go with the EBS.

bwv1013 · #5 08-11-2009, 03:34 AM

i've been using a bone stock CS3 for a couple weeks now and i'm in tone heaven. i put it in front of my Tech 21 DI and the punch/fatness is out of this world. the Tech 21 always sounded great but the compression just takes it over the top. i've used rackmount compressors before and they're great, but for something that fits in my gig bag the boss is rocking my world. if it ain't broke...

Eublet · #6 08-11-2009, 07:18 AM

Anyone looking for the best possible compressor pedal should seriously consider the Maxon CP-9 Pro+. I've tried a lot of compressors, and have been using the EBS Multicomp for a couple years now, but the Maxon just blows them all away. I provided a review of it recently in the compressor megathread.

bobulibobium · #7 08-11-2009, 07:27 AM

id check out bongo's reviews first. im sure he'll post on this thread soon enough, it should be in his pm.

that man really knows his compressors.

then again, thats his opinion, and it still comes down to your personal prefernce.