Time for a new compressor? Opinions please?

bikeplate · #1 11-21-2008, 08:19 PM

HI

Hey all. Ive been using an EBS multicomp for 8 years or so. I play a ton of shows and Im actually on my 2nd one, first one died. 2nd one has been acting funny lately. I think the input jack for the power supply needs to be repaired.

This got me to think that maybe I should consider trying another compressor. Im not displeased with the EBS but maybe I'm missing the boat?

I run it with 4 effects and a tuner on a Pedaltrain. Basses are Sadowsky's into a Sadowsky amp or Epifani amp. I play all different types of music from rock, pop, dance, and Praise music. I want something, like the EBS, that I can leave on 100% of the time for a nice compression and tighten my tone

What are everyones suggestion for a cool alternative?
What do you use and why do u like the unit you have??

Looking forward to some advice. Thanx in advance to all who read this

Rob

Godbody · #2 11-21-2008, 08:37 PM

I started a thread on here a few weeks ago, looking for a compressor pedal. I tried out tons recently, so I'm pretty fresh on how a variety sound. I went with an MXR Super Comp, but I play punk and hard indie.

For the varitey of music you play, it sounds like you could use something really transparent, right? Take a look at the BBE Opto Comp and Maxon compressors (they seem to make quite a few at different price points). I played the less expensive Maxon, and it was crystal clear.

bikeplate · #3 11-21-2008, 08:43 PM

HI

For sure, Godbody. Something softknee, transparent. Thanx for your input

Rob

FunkyFlashFive · #4 11-21-2008, 08:48 PM

I've liked the Demeter Optocompulator the couple times i've tried it, but I've had other things that have needed to be paid for first

bongomania · #5 11-21-2008, 08:51 PM

Definitely try the Demeter, Maxon CP9Pro+, or BBE Optostomp. Personally I think the Maxon would be most able to handle your Sad's output without any distortion.

Woogles · #6 11-21-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

HI

For sure, Godbody. Something softknee, transparent. Thanx for your input

Rob

The Aphex Punch Factory is very transparent.

bikeplate · #7 11-21-2008, 08:54 PM

HI

One more thing to add. The easier the unit is to use and dial in a tone, the better for me. I usually dont get along with things that need to be constantly fiddled with. Im more of a plug and play bassist. Hope this helps with your suggestions. I thank everyone for their input so far

Rob

Godbody · #8 11-21-2008, 08:56 PM

If money isn't a huge concern try this out:

http://www.tonetronix.com/pc/Franton...ts-Pedals.html

I got my hands on one at my local shop and tried it out. Soft knee, ratio set at 5:1, clearer than your mother's best crystal glasses. And it looks cool too. If you're gigging out all the time, maybe $250 is a worthwhile investment.

Swift713 · #9 11-21-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Definitely try the Demeter, Maxon CP9Pro+, or BBE Optostomp. Personally I think the Maxon would be most able to handle your Sad's output without any distortion.

I had a Demeter and while I liked what it did it had a pretty narrow range here it wouldn't distort with my bass.

bikeplate · #10 11-21-2008, 09:06 PM

HI

Some great suggestions.

Anyone try a Ananlogman Bi-comp? I have their chorus its amazing. Big money and tough to find to demo before you buy. Anyone?

Rob

Swift713 · #11 11-21-2008, 09:09 PM

Have you checked out Bongomania's reviews? They are linked in his signature.

bongomania · #12 11-21-2008, 09:10 PM

Have you looked at my reviews page?

Edit: jinx!

Jared Lash · #13 11-21-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godbody

If money isn't a huge concern try this out:

http://www.tonetronix.com/pc/Franton...ts-Pedals.html

I got my hands on one at my local shop and tried it out. Soft knee, ratio set at 5:1, clearer than your mother's best crystal glasses. And it looks cool too. If you're gigging out all the time, maybe $250 is a worthwhile investment.

I'm guessing the Sputnik is pretty sweet. I like having more squash on tap so I opted for the Sandwich. Hands down my favorite comp that I've tried, but I like a thicker, funkier squash than most.

Rob, I think you might just want to stick with the EBS. I get the impression you aren't a big slapper or use really peaky filters so you don't need limiting or a really high compression ratio. What mode do you usually use the EBS on? If it's tube sim, then I'd say stick with the Multicomp. But if you like the more clean Normal or multiband I think the Maxon would be a good one to try, especially if you want a cleaner, "punchier" sound.

bikeplate · #14 11-21-2008, 09:25 PM

HI

Wow, Bongo

Some great reading. I see why you recommended to me what you did.

Im looking for something I can leave on all the time. I play 4 and 5 string Sadowsky's. I seldom slap but on occasion like to. Really a rock player with good finger funk skills when I need to employ them. On occasion use an overdrive pedal for a gritty tone. I like a nice, punchy, warm tone. Somewhere between classic rock and today. My Sadowsky amp gives me some grit when I need it but not overly distorted. Pretty much a working, pocket player with a need for a great versatile tone

The EBS sounds pretty good. Am I missing something? Would one of the 3 suit me better in your opinion??

Again, great reviews. Im gonna keep on reading. Get back to me here or PM me. Whatever you like. I really appreciate the help

I dont mind spending whatever to get what I like but as always, every dollar saved would be cool. LOL

Rob

bikeplate · #15 11-21-2008, 09:27 PM

HI

Thanx, O. I use the tubeism. I seem to run both knobs pretty low, as a rule. My basses are pretty hot by design it seems. Powerful preamps in all of them.

Maybe you are right and I'm just over thinking it.

Rob

Jared Lash · #16 11-21-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

Thanx, O. I use the tubeism. I seem to run both knobs pretty low, as a rule. My basses are pretty hot by design it seems. Powerful preamps in all of them.

Maybe you are right and I'm just over thinking it.

Yeah, I think that may be the case. The EBS wasn't for me, but I can't think of another high quality compressor that adds that kind of subtle coloration to the tone.

bikeplate · #17 11-21-2008, 09:35 PM

Hi

Thanx, O

I just want something that I can leave on, soft knee. I have great amps and effects for tone changes

I want the compressor to be just that. Maybe the grass isnt greener. LOL

Rob

Templar · #18 11-21-2008, 09:56 PM

Hard to go wrong with the Demeter.

I think I like my 80's Dyna-comp better. Good squeeze, quiet, musical. Not much loss of highs or lows. Not spendy.

Would love to get hold of a Frantone. Can't quite justify the price tho, and used ones are next to impossible to find.

Woogles · #19 11-21-2008, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Templar

Hard to go wrong with the Demeter.

I think I like my 80's Dyna-comp better. Good squeeze, quiet, musical. Not much loss of highs or lows. Not spendy.

Would love to get hold of a Frantone. Can't quite justify the price tho, and used ones are next to impossible to find.

I did not like the Dyna-comp on bass at all.

Check out the Aphex

markjazzbassist · #20 11-21-2008, 11:26 PM

i've had the demeter and EBS and liked the demeter better.

The Diamond Compressor (www.diamondpedals.com) is getting a lot of great reviews and talk around here. that might be a good one to try. i owned their delay pedal and it was top notch in build quality, durability, and they had great customer service.