tube-based compressor/preamp pedal

[yoni74]

Hi there!
I was wondering if anyone knows about a decent tube-based compressor/preamp pedal, both to 'tube-up' a SS amp and to have some fine compression.
CHEERS!

[stingray56funk]

Yeah man...check out the Electro Harmonix Blackfinger Comp. Great pedal...I just sold one because I have compression on my head now and I like it. Awesome pedal that does add the "tubyness" to your SS while still providing a very flexible compression.

The EHX has two main settings for compression. The great thing about the pedal is that it is a combination of a tube preamp and optical compression. Optical compression was made famous by the LA-2A and Motown. The EHX is easy to use, not too expensive for a versatile piece of gear, and reliable!

[OrionManMatt]

While it isn't a pedal per se, I've enjoyed the PreSonus TubePre. It takes to tube rolling really well, and the JJ ECC83 that I have in there right now makes it a fantastic, sparkly little addition to my rig. I guess I should note that I use it mostly as a DI.

If you can find a good ART Tube PAC, it's a tube pre/compressor that sounds great with good tubes in it.

I'm not sure how well the Barber Tone Press works for bass, but it is my favorite compressor because of it's Blend knob. That's right, you can blend in your original signal to retain attack, etc. It's just wonderful.

[yoni74]

Thanx, mate!
I've found these two more on the net. What do you think about them?
T-Rex Squeezer Tube Compressor Pedal
EBS Valve Drive Pedal

Since my aim is to turn my SS amp into a hybrid one with a tubyish sound, I guess I rather use it through the FX loop, shouldn't I?

CHEERS!

[JanusZarate]

yoni, you might want to check out this:

http://www.ev-b.com/compressors.html

It's a collection of comprehensive reviews written by our local TB compressor nut, Bongomania.

He has plenty to say about a variety of tube compressors, too.

Also, if you're mainly looking to get some warm mild (or even heavier) tube overdrive, then the EBS Valve Drive and EHX English Muff'n should be top contenders for you. Both will deliver some mild compression and quality tube overdrive, but each is voiced somewhat differently.

[Lebowsky]

I really like my T-Rex Squeezer. Tube sound, lots of settings (maybe too much), and higly reliable!

[RickenBoogie]

I use both the T Rex Squeezer, and EBS Valve Drive. They're different, but both great.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by yoni74

I've found these two more on the net. What do you think about them?
T-Rex Squeezer Tube Compressor Pedal
EBS Valve Drive Pedal

Since my aim is to turn my SS amp into a hybrid one with a tubyish sound, I guess I rather use it through the FX loop, shouldn't I?

I absolutely hated the T-Rex (you can read why on my reviews page), but it seems like I'm the only one- everyone else that has tried it says they like it.

You can read all the ins and outs of when to use an fx loop by clicking on my FAQ link, I wrote a whole article on that subject. It has nothing to do with whether you are tubifying an SS amp. There's not much difference between running a tube stage into an SS stage or vice versa. It only becomes an issue if you're using one to overdrive the other, or if the "receiving" one is so poor-quality that you lose the tone of the first one.

If you have champagne taste, I'm currently selling a world-class tube preamp/compressor in the classifieds, but it's $700. Short of that, I think ART is a decent bet for very cheap.

Since you're considering the EBS Valvedrive, note that there are tons of tube and tube-emulating pedals out there if you're willing to leave out the compressor function, and you'd do well to search here on "tube" for more info- there's a lot. Also note that the EBS Multicomp has a tube-emulating feature which is pretty good (though subtle).

[prsbass]

If I didn't already have one I'd buy the Retrospec that's in the classifieds.
Matter a fact if my gear money wasn't tied up in other projects I'd buy it just so I had two.

[Lebowsky]

Originally Posted by bongomania

I absolutely hated the T-Rex (you can read why on my reviews page), but it seems like I'm the only one- everyone else that has tried it says they like it.

just to comment on your review, the main point on which I agree with you is that the controls turn too easily, for example during transportation. Otherwise it isn't noisy at all (but we already talked about that), I leave compression on all the time so I don't have to worry about hitting the knobs when switching it on/off, so the knobs/tube placement doesn't bother me

[bongomania]

Would you describe it as very "tubey sounding"? I mean, granting that yours isn't noisy for you, would you say it adds "tube amp coloration" to the tone, i.e. fatness, furriness, warmth, etc. that the OP could use to color/effect his SS amp? Or is it more of a high fidelity sound?

I ask because to me it sounded more high-fidelity than anything, with no "tube coloration". But OTOH my listening was compromised by the hiss I got in that instance.

[Lebowsky]

Well I dunno how to describe it, but it definitely colors the tone. Now be it tubey or hi-fi, it's hard for me to say, especially as I never used a tube amp. well my eden is hybrid, the pream has 1 tube. but anyway. when I recorded in the studio this summer, the engineer judged the sound to be 'warmer' with the t-rex on, but thats his opinon. and I was under the impression that it sounded a bit more ampeg-ish, so I guess this means tubey.

I'm planning to record samples of most of my pedals maybe during xmas holidays, but I need to grab my Eden head and recording gear from my band's place first...

[yoni74]

thanks you all!!
I'll let you know what I finally decide.
cheers!

[one]

DHA have a tube compressor! Check it out.