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Best Compressor Pedal

#161
Good luck on it.

I halso have tried many, and about all of them mentioned above.

A few months ago I stumbled onto the Seymour Duncan bass compressor and was blown away. Amazingly quiet, 18v headroom, and a sweet toggle switch dry blend feature that just WORKS with simple versatility. Great price.

I immediately bought a second so they're on both pedal boards.

If the TC doesn't work out for it, I can highly recommend it.
 
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#165
I have been a flat out compression pedal junkie over the past few years.​
It started off with a purchasing an MXR Comp which I then returned because "I couldn't hear any difference".
I then discovered Bongo's website and started reading through all of his reference pieces as well as reviews.
Now, I can't picture not having a comp.
I've tried all of the pedals below over the past few years.
I did so based on Bongo's review, but also wanting to hear them for myself.
Bongo's reviews are fantastic and much more in depth than I could ever even begin to comprehend (at least until I buy an oscilloscope........ha ha ha), but its still a good idea to try them out yourself.
Below are the ones I purchased, tested, sold or kept.
  • Ovnifix Smoothie
    • This was the first compression pedal I bought after properly understanding what compression does
    • I would very much consider it on the "tone magic" end of the compression pedal spectrum
    • For the price probably the most versatile pedal out there
    • I wished I had kept mine, but in a moment of GAS sold it
    • Still hope Bongo will do an optical version at some point
  • FEA Opt-FET
    • Any FEA compression pedal (DB-CL, DE-CL, Opti-FET) are pretty much (along with the Cali's) the "gold standard" of compression pedals
    • I loved this pedal
    • I would say its on the warmer "tubier" sounding end of things, but had tons of flexibility (side chain etc.)
    • Sold it when I came across a brand new Cali 76 Compact Bass at a price I could refuse (plus I knew I could sell the FEA for close to what I paid for it)
    • I would say the FEA is probably a hair better than the Cali 76 Compact Bass, but both are top notch
    • I will get another FEA at some point, but it will be the DE-CL (I'm intrigued by the harmonic content provided by the "warmth" control)
  • Cali 76 Compact Bass
    • This is my current pedal
    • For me its on par with the FEA Opti-FET
    • I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of this pedal
    • For some reason, when I read Bongo's review it sounded like he viewed it as more of a transparent type of compression (I'm sure his testing methods would back that up)
    • However, when I A/B'd against the Opti-FET they sounded very similar
    • The only negative(s) are the price (unless you find a great deal.....got mine for $279 brand new) and the jewel metering which as Bongo stated is pretty much worthless (no matter how you set things the jewel seems to light up the same)
    • I'll keep this until I A/B with the DE-CL or get the Cali-1176 TX (with iron core transformer)
  • Diamond BCP-1
    • This one was probably the biggest disappointment for me
    • HOWEVER, I purchased it early on when I was still learning what compression pedals do
    • In hind sight I had very unrealistic expectations when I purchased it
    • I kept reading about "tone magic", but then was underwhelmed when I actually tried it
    • Clearly an awesome pedal as it is revered by so many TBr's
  • Keeley Bassist
    • I honestly HATED this pedal
    • I really wanted to like it, but just didn't
    • Maybe it was the one I had, but it had a lot of hiss to it
    • I know there are TBr's who feel the exact opposite, but to each his own
  • TC SpectraComp
    • I know Bongo isn't a fan of TC Electronic's anymore, but would love for him to do this one
    • I thought this was a very fun pedal, the whole tone-print concept is really neat
    • If you are looking for compression as more of an effect and less a tool you will probably enjoy this pedal
  • Heavy Electronics Sonic Oppressor
    • I tried this as I live in MN and its made by a local pedal maker
    • Its actually a very fun pedal, but definitely more on the effect side
    • From my perspective it does one sound and it does it very well (i.e. compression with a slight hint of overdrive)
    • I still have this pedal, but only because it I tried to sell it I'd only get roughly have of the $170 it cost me
  • Darkglass Super Symmetry
    • Probably the most aesthetically pleasing compression pedal I've owned
    • The metering is a thing of beauty
    • Of all the pedals I've owned this would be tied for 3rd along with The Smoothie (FEA/Cali being 1st & 2nd)
    • Definitely on the warmer "tubier" side of things
    • My only knock is that I believe its overpriced by about $50 or $60 (should be $239 or $249)
Bongo (if you read this) - Please review the J. Rockett Audio IQ Comp with the sliding EQ.
 
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#166
I currently own both the FEA Opti-Fet and the Cali76 CB. I think the Opti is definitely warmer and thicker sounding. The compression on the Cali is maybe a little smoother. What I've noticed out of the Cali is that it is noisier than the Opti, especially with active basses. I believe FEA achieves the lower noise floor by attenuating certain treble frequencies which keeps it quieter and warmer. In the mix I sometimes prefer the Cali for the extra bit of clarity but the thickening characteristics of the Opti is very addictive. I can't say which I prefer but I think I'll keep both and maybe time will help sort that out.
 
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#167
WorktheWood said:
I currently own both the FEA Opti-Fet and the Cali76 CB. I think the Opti is definitely warmer and thicker sounding. The compression on the Cali is maybe a little smoother. What I've noticed out of the Cali is that it is noisier than the Opti, especially with active basses. I believe FEA achieves the lower noise floor by attenuating certain treble frequencies which keeps it quieter and warmer. In the mix I sometimes prefer the Cali for the extra bit of clarity but the thickening characteristics of the Opti is very addictive. I can't say which I prefer but I think I'll keep both and maybe time will help sort that out.
Click to expand...

The frequency response of the Opti-FET is 20Hz - 20KHz +/-1 dB with the 12KHz filter switch off:

Opti1.jpg



With 12KHz filter on:

Opti2.jpg


If you look at the top plot for bass frequencies of 30Hz and up the total deviation of the response plot is a little bit more than 1.25dB.

Thanks for the post!

-Frank
 
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#169
TheCouchBassist said:
I have been a flat out compression pedal junkie over the past few years.​
It started off with a purchasing an MXR Comp which I then returned because "I couldn't hear any difference".
I then discovered Bongo's website and started reading through all of his reference pieces as well as reviews.
Now, I can't picture not having a comp.
I've tried all of the pedals below over the past few years.
I did so based on Bongo's review, but also wanting to hear them for myself.
Bongo's reviews are fantastic and much more in depth than I could ever even begin to comprehend (at least until I buy an oscilloscope........ha ha ha), but its still a good idea to try them out yourself.
Below are the ones I purchased, tested, sold or kept.
  • Ovnifix Smoothie
    • This was the first compression pedal I bought after properly understanding what compression does
    • I would very much consider it on the "tone magic" end of the compression pedal spectrum
    • For the price probably the most versatile pedal out there
    • I wished I had kept mine, but in a moment of GAS sold it
    • Still hope Bongo will do an optical version at some point
  • FEA Opt-FET
    • Any FEA compression pedal (DB-CL, DE-CL, Opti-FET) are pretty much (along with the Cali's) the "gold standard" of compression pedals
    • I loved this pedal
    • I would say its on the warmer "tubier" sounding end of things, but had tons of flexibility (side chain etc.)
    • Sold it when I came across a brand new Cali 76 Compact Bass at a price I could refuse (plus I knew I could sell the FEA for close to what I paid for it)
    • I would say the FEA is probably a hair better than the Cali 76 Compact Bass, but both are top notch
    • I will get another FEA at some point, but it will be the DE-CL (I'm intrigued by the harmonic content provided by the "warmth" control)
  • Cali 76 Compact Bass
    • This is my current pedal
    • For me its on par with the FEA Opti-FET
    • I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of this pedal
    • For some reason, when I read Bongo's review it sounded like he viewed it as more of a transparent type of compression (I'm sure his testing methods would back that up)
    • However, when I A/B'd against the Opti-FET they sounded very similar
    • The only negative(s) are the price (unless you find a great deal.....got mine for $279 brand new) and the jewel metering which as Bongo stated is pretty much worthless (no matter how you set things the jewel seems to light up the same)
    • I'll keep this until I A/B with the DE-CL or get the Cali-1176 TX (with iron core transformer)
  • Diamond BCP-1
    • This one was probably the biggest disappointment for me
    • HOWEVER, I purchased it early on when I was still learning what compression pedals do
    • In hind sight I had very unrealistic expectations when I purchased it
    • I kept reading about "tone magic", but then was underwhelmed when I actually tried it
    • Clearly an awesome pedal as it is revered by so many TBr's
  • Keeley Bassist
    • I honestly HATED this pedal
    • I really wanted to like it, but just didn't
    • Maybe it was the one I had, but it had a lot of hiss to it
    • I know there are TBr's who feel the exact opposite, but to each his own
  • TC SpectraComp
    • I know Bongo isn't a fan of TC Electronic's anymore, but would love for him to do this one
    • I thought this was a very fun pedal, the whole tone-print concept is really neat
    • If you are looking for compression as more of an effect and less a tool you will probably enjoy this pedal
  • Heavy Electronics Sonic Oppressor
    • I tried this as I live in MN and its made by a local pedal maker
    • Its actually a very fun pedal, but definitely more on the effect side
    • From my perspective it does one sound and it does it very well (i.e. compression with a slight hint of overdrive)
    • I still have this pedal, but only because it I tried to sell it I'd only get roughly have of the $170 it cost me
  • Darkglass Super Symmetry
    • Probably the most aesthetically pleasing compression pedal I've owned
    • The metering is a thing of beauty
    • Of all the pedals I've owned this would be tied for 3rd along with The Smoothie (FEA/Cali being 1st & 2nd)
    • Definitely on the warmer "tubier" side of things
    • My only knock is that I believe its overpriced by about $50 or $60 (should be $239 or $249)
Bongo (if you read this) - Please review the J. Rockett Audio IQ Comp with the sliding EQ.
Click to expand...

The Diamond was also a big let down for me, which was surprising considering the respect it receives, but it's all about context I guess. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for versatility or limiting, but I would recommend it to someone that wanted a mild OD/tone enhancer to put before a limiter.
 
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#170
After exhaustive research and auditioning of many compressors, I setteled on and own the Whirlwind OC and the Keeley Bassist, GC2 and Pro Compressors.
They are all excellent quality, USA made, and sound just plain great.
The Whirlwind is an optical compressor and acts as a limiter too which comes in handy, it reminds me of an LA2A.
The Keeley's are based on the dbx 160 chip and are very easy to set up on the fly and work quite well.
The Keeley Pro gives you more control and latitude but also the option to set it and use like the Bassist or a GC2.
I've had nothing but good results with all of these.
They are all very transparent and great performers.
 
#171
petrus61 said:
The Diamond was also a big let down for me, which was surprising considering the respect it receives, but it's all about context I guess. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for versatility or limiting, but I would recommend it to someone that wanted a mild OD/tone enhancer to put before a limiter.
Click to expand...
I think the Diamond wasn't made for active basses.
 
#174
feliperigby said:
Darkglass or Tc Eletronic? Which one do you choose?
I like a more "tube sound"...
and my main rig is: Kemper.
The ideia is to use a compress pedal before the kemper.
Click to expand...
It depends on what you want the compressor to do.
If you want to control levels and peaks of your instrument that's one thing that a good transparent compressor can do, like the Darkglass or a host of others.
If you are looking for a compressor to color your sound and act as an effect that's another thing, for that I'd use an Orange Squeezer clone.
I would avoid the TC compressor, it is a toy and I find it very noisy.
 
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#176
laklandplayer said:
It depends on what you want the compressor to do.
If you want to control levels and peaks of your instrument that's one thing that a good transparent compressor can do, like the Darkglass or a host of others.
If you are looking for a compressor to color your sound and act as an effect that's another thing, for that I'd use an Orange Squeezer clone.
I would avoid the TC compressor, it is a toy and I find it very noisy.
Click to expand...

I have had the TC amp, and now have two pedals and they're absolutely silent, seem to be sturdy, well made pedals.
 
#179
TheCouchBassist said:
Still hope Bongo will do an optical version at some point
Click to expand...
I actually have an opto prototype in the house right now. We're having some technical difficulties, so I can't say when it will be available, but it is in progress. :)
TheCouchBassist said:
Bongo (if you read this) - Please review the J. Rockett Audio IQ Comp with the sliding EQ.
Click to expand...
I hear you. TBH I am about three years behind on my to-do list, and I'm not moving very quickly to catch up, so I will probably continue to disappoint in terms of new reviews for the foreseeable future. But I do listen and take note of all requests.
 
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#180
bongomania said:
I actually have an opto prototype in the house right now. We're having some technical difficulties, so I can't say when it will be available, but it is in progress. :)

I hear you. TBH I am about three years behind on my to-do list, and I'm not moving very quickly to catch up, so I will probably continue to disappoint in terms of new reviews for the foreseeable future. But I do listen and take note of all requests.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update on the optical comp Bongo.
Also, never a complaint from my end.
I can't imagine how much work goes into to doing your reviews.
Keep up the great work on Ovnilabs.
 

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