Best Compressor and Drive in one pedal?

[StayLow]

This is a really good review, and I absolutely agree that the compressor is fine: personally, I quite liked it. I disagree about the noise gate, though. I found it to be way too dramatic and noticeable if it was doing anything. The noise gate on my Melvin Lee Davis is miles better, imo. But I get the point: the compressor is noisy if cranked above maybe 10:00, which is right about where its sweet spot is. On a comment on a thread here, a rep from EHX said the compressor is based on the Bass Preacher, which I also understand can be noisy, so that tracks.

I don’t think I appreciated the Battalion’s drive enough while I had it and have seriously considered picking up a Nano Battalion for that purpose.

One feature on the Battalion that I think is undersold is the trim pot on the DI to control its volume.

But oh how you are spot on about the switches. The absolute flimsiest imaginable.

With some patience, they can be found for very cheap used (I bought and sold mine for just under $100) and really can’t be beat at that price.

Thanks! One more, in fairness to EHX and since this thread seems to be of value. Not contradicting here, just clarifying my experience.

Great point on the external DI volume trim.

Comp noise, if any, may be a function of internal trim setting (which I did adjust), and whether EQ and drive settings are likely to enhance any noise. For me, adjusted the way I have it and typically using light drive setting if any, the comp is quite quiet… enough. Far more quiet than some recommended in this thread, but there’s no uhh… *accounting*… for taste. I also find the sweet spot to be up to 10 o’clock, for a light yet very useful comp, so agreed there.

Same with the gate I guess. I’ve read a lot of conflicting opinions on it. Nate’s demo vid above has a short section on it. To me it’s a free bonus, and silence between songs when there is line noise or if using high drive settings is most welcome whatever it takes.

I have had most of my switch failures on the latching EHX switches, and don’t love the feel of them, but I’ve also given by far most of my use and considerable abuse to those as I’ve found EHX is my best option a surprising amount of the time, and overall can take severe sustained repeated beatings, so kudos to them.

At the mid-tier pedal price level, they seem to be the same switches most brands use (and more than a few expensive boutiques) - at least prior to the trend towards silent relay switching (cheers to that!). The switches are very easy to self-service or replace at least.

 

[kyral210]

Have you tried the Orange Bass Butler? It has a compressor and two channels for drive: one bass amp and another guitar amp. Biamping is an awesome sound and this is an awesome pedal/ DI Box.

 

[InkCow]

I have had most of my switch failures on the latching EHX switches

That three way switch to set the behavior of the EQ feels on borrowed time out of the box.

 

[StayLow]

That three way switch to set the behavior of the EQ feels on borrowed time out of the box.

Oh yeah, that’s true.

And let’s not get started on chicklet buttons, even though some ”high-end” / expensive pedal and amp builders pretend those are in any way acceptable. At least this thing doesn’t have brand or price pretences.

Two facts: It’s no Leatherman, but sometimes the $10 “swiss army knife” bought on a whim at a truck stop and thrown in your bag can save the day. Just be careful; those cheap knives do not have locking blades, and that can ruin gigs in a way an intermittent switch never could.

 

[InkCow]

The Trace Elliot Transit B has drive and a dual band compressor and may worth considering.

edited to add: especially relevant given your past experience with the Fly Rig.