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3Leaf Audio Club - Episode 2

I'm also curious about a big box Cali76 but my Compact Bass has been great and the form is certainly easier to budget on a board I'm trying to keep reasonable in size.

I actually run my compressor upstream of my filter, and it helps not have to adjust sensitivity as much between basses, and gives a more consistent sound.
 
I rock the Miura M2, only compressor Ive had other than an old Boss CS-2, but I've been very curious about the Cali76 TX offerings, are they worth the ridiculous prices? Is the hype for real?
The TX will get you some really nice, controllable color, to your compression. I have the TX-L, as I've found I like transparent comps (on all the time at least) much better. It's honestly the only compressor PWNSOR aside, that after playing a few hours, sounded worse when turning it off - generally to my ears, that's not the case. I've even gone as far to let others, more keen to what a compressor does setup whatever compressor I'm using, and I still liked the natural sound without the compression. The TX-L is the first that's not like that. I got mine for a good deal, still expensive, but if I had to dump it I would most definitely get my return back, with room to even hook a buddy up. The majority of folks I've seen selling them are, either upgrading to a different TX, have two, need the space, or are original owners looking to cash in on the resale value for other gear, it's rarely "I don't get along with the TX" - so take that for what it's worth. The interactive-ness of the controls really do remind me of studio grade rack gear, it sounds amazing just around 2-3:1, and the only thing I adjust is my attack pending which bass I use. If you can get one at a good (returnable) price, wouldn't hurt to try at that point, I even hear the iron core standard model stands out.
 
Lemme see if I can shift gears and tie this together. What 3Leaf stuff do you own (or previously owned), and what would be your alternate/replacement of choice if you were in a pinch, building a second board, or needed to replace those pedals? I'll give it a go from what I have/remember...

Doom/Doom 2 (have): Probably a colorsound clone or the SA multiwave/ultrawave. I use this for less for traditional synthy sounds right now, and lean into the clarity, blend, and texture. It cuts really well and doesn't get muddy the way I'm using it on my board. I probably have more flexibility in replacements because of this.

Proton 4 (have)/Chromatron: Microtron III or IV, SA C4 or Spectrum (respectively). Microtron quacks harder than the Proton/Chroma, but it's still very capable of pretty clean/precise filter vibes. You can push it into dirtier traditional mutron territory, but it's surprisingly flexible for a 3-knob 2-switch pedal.

Octabvre Mini (have): Octamizer or OC-5 (Don't like/use the kill-dry function on the MKiii.) OC will get you closer to the Octabvre vibe for obvious reasons, but the Octamizer is the most unique sounding analog octave on the market - and it rips in a mix.

Groove Reg and Wonderlove: I was able to get remarkably close to both with my C4 after a bit of tweaking. I made a C4 patch that is a dead ringer of my favorite GR2 sound/feel, and that was enough for me to flip the latter a year or two back. GRs are more bubbly/syrupy and the Wonderlove pushed into more controlled/clean territory. YMMV here.

Enabler: There are a lot of great, clean DI's with good 3+ band EQs out there. I feel like this filled a void when it was originally released, but the DI options have grown immensely. I only roll with a DI on my small board in case the backline sucks, lacks DI, etc. And that prioritizes simplicity and compactness. So I don't really have specific replacement needs and don't own an enabler any more.

PWNZOR: Don't have one any more. I replaced it with a Cali76 CB, and I liked the Cali, FEA, and Ovni comps I had as much/more. I don't think I own a comp right now, as I'm not using one on my board. I think the PWNZOR sounds great, but it was/is replaceable. His filters and fuzz are definitely more unique beasts.

LBB: Haven't had one in forever, but I would probably grab a DG Harmonic Booster if I needed something similar now. The LBB is more simple, surgical with the two fixed EQ points and a single switch, but I think I can get the same things out of the Harmonic Booster that I used the LBB for - new string zing, and a slap-friendly scoop.

Had: Octabvre, have MXR VBO, hoping to snag a Broughton Subsonic tomorrow or in trade later.

Had: Enabler, have Broughton Messenger. The Messenger is a never-ever-sell item for me and does everything the Enabler did (aux, headphones, DI, etc). It's aesthetically more pleasing as well.

I think I heard a Doom at a Seattle bass hang YEARS ago and wasn't at all impressed. I'm happy with my Broughton Scorpion and Tronographic Rusty Box for dirt. In conjunction, they'll actually get kinda synthy.

I've never gotten along with filters, so that bit doesn't apply.
 
@fivestringgecko -sir thats a limetone Focus compressor. its such a nice a compressor or a tone enhancer too our great fellow scubaduba made an aweome review on this pedal as well in a thread here at TB.(link attached) Have a good one ! Cheers! Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more

Thanks for the info/link! I've got that thread in my watch list... Guess I need to catch up! I'm pretty good on comps at the moment, so I've fallen behind a bit. :)

5sg.
 
Got the Vulcan today. Digging it.

IMG_4795.jpeg
 
I still want to try a MF101, but honestly the two I've been after is a Barbanera and Meatball - they've gotten up there too
Ever since OBNE released the MTET the other day, I’ve been looking at my MF101 as MIDI capable w 4 exp ins aligning w the METE the MF101 can do presets and full MIDI control
 
I was feverishly refreshing my page and was able to score a confirmed order on a new Doom2 within about 5 secs thanks to Apple Pay. Now I’m just wondering when they’ll ship- Spencer said end of June so I’m anxiously awaiting shipping confirmation email at this point. I already have a Proton V4 so I guess I have a months reprieve before I have to shell out some more $$$ in August to get an Octabvre…
 
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