best compressor pedal for sustain and fatness

[quadrogong]

Quadra~ Do u feel the CS-3 cuts your low end response at all ?
( before and after mods)

 

[xikbastard]

i got a demeter as a always on the big board and i got a EBS multicomp in tube setting on my small board.

 

[bunker]

If you have the space on your board (or preferably on top of your amp) how about a TLAudio Fat 1? True stereo valve compression that sounds great. The beauty of the Fat 1 is that its really a studio comp so it can do so much more than just bass compression. Balanced TRS jacks, dedicated front panel instrument input, onboard PSU and that classic warm valve compression. The only downside is the lack of a pedal bypass but this can be sorted with a simple loop switching pedal. I don't tend to bother, my Fat 1 is on pretty much all the time.

Granted they are a bit more expensive than other pedals (ebay showing the current uk s/h prices at around £125 ish) but no more that some of the 'boutique/expensive pedals brand new. You also get so much more than a mono solid state pedal and if you record other stuff apart from bass it really is a jack of all compression trades!

 

[ManInPeril]

I'm a bit surprised that I'm the first person to mention the Trace Elliot SMX Dual-Band Compression pedal. I use mine religiously, and picked it up used for about $20. It's my 'always on' pedal, and I use the EQ shaping to make my sound extremely bass-driven. You can even tweak the settings to set up natural overdrive!

Definitely my vote for the best compression for the value.

 

[quadrogong]

I'm a bit surprised that I'm the first person to mention the Trace Elliot SMX Dual-Band Compression pedal. I use mine religiously, and picked it up used for about $20. It's my 'always on' pedal, and I use the EQ shaping to make my sound extremely bass-driven. You can even tweak the settings to set up natural overdrive!

Definitely my vote for the best compression for the value.

Those are great from what I hear, but not that easy or cheap anymore.. Folks know they're something semi-collectable, these days they're considered a " vintage" effect
I've kept my eyes open, they're not too EZ to find,
FEA makes their take on it, w way more features ..

For me, comps always seem to suck a little bit if fidelity, lows etc
Almost always..
That's the biggest priority for me.

I've never tried a modded LMB-3 or CS-3.
My boss limiter is REALLY great in that dept.
But it's a limiter, not a comp.. So it does the job of limiting but lack a certain something..that comps will supply.

But if the CS-3 is as good in the low end dept, I'd definitely give it a shot.

 

[ManInPeril]

My SMX definitely defines my sound. I turn the treble control on my SUB all the way down and boost the bass, makes a very fat and vintage-y sound in my opinion.

But, you're right, the only way I got my Trace Comp was because one of my old friends offered it to me. I've seen them go upwards of $150 online. Apparently most Trace Elliot heads had the effect built in. Since I don't think the sound is for me, I'm glad that I'll keep mine forever!

To anyone considering compression, I will ALWAYS reccomend dual-banding. It's an invaluable tool.

 

[TheVoiceless]

I use a Keeley 4 knob pedal compressor. Its the best I've heard so far. Doesn't kill tone if you wanted it too. Sensitive to settings, but once you find the sweet spot its yummy. The one thing I notice is that I have to turn my amp up just a little more then without it.

EDIT: Just saw I already posted this, but don't see you mention trying it out. Its really worth the effort. And it does exactly what you are looking for. Its always on, and it WILL fatten your tone.

 

[meekee73_2008]

..I use my Boss LMB-3 for limiting, it doesn't change the tone much,but it enables me to get aggressive without my level going crazy,
I use it sparingly,but it's definitely cool,It works great for limiting.

But it doesn't add the same sustain and fatness of a compressor..

Not looking for mega-squash,or to bring out harmonics during solos,
I'd like a "leave-on" compressor that will add some sustain,fatness..polish up my levels and tone a little..

I've read good things about the Diamond on Bongo's site,it's caught my eye,but my local shops don't stock it,so I haven't tried it yet.
I'm hoping to get something to even out levels,
like my LMB-3, but also add some sustain,thicken up my tone..

a good compressor should be able to do both,right?
I'm hoping if I get the right pedal,It will do both jobs and I can take the LMB-3 off the board.
(although,I like it's subtlety and transparency,I may keep it anyway)

not a compressor indeed, but if we're talking about sustain and fatness than xotic rc booster could be your pedal

Michele

 

[quadrogong]

RC booster, I'd like to try it, they've got one at 30th St guitars, I will definitely try it,
I sounds right up my alley..

The Keeley I've always considered more of a guitar pedal, I've never demoed it, they've got one at 30th St too.
I'll try to check them both out tomorrow if I can.

I'm very picky with compressors,
for the most part,
I've found Bongomania's reviews to be fairly accurate,to me, the percentage of comps chop off those super lows,
and although they may still fatten,by squashing,
they still diminish the fidelity of my tone.
I need to buy something really good.