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Best Pedal Based Compressor?

M

Martybass

Jan 13, 2005
472
0
38
Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK
www.silverelectric.co.uk
#1
Hey all,
Upon listening to a recording from our last gig, I've noticed I can get really quite erratic dynamically on particular songs :hmm: . Now I know I should work at sorting it out through my technique and all that but I always feel it's nice to have a fallback option :D . So, I'm now looking for a pedal based compressor (dont have a rackmount or anything like that). I've heard good things about the Aphex Punch Factory and not so good things about the Boss LMB. I'd be very grateful if anyone and everyone could chuck a few ideas and opinions my way.
Thanks,
Marty
 
#8
msquared said:
Use the search function next time. :)
Click to expand...

I did. I made sure I looked around first but all I found were a few 'soandso vs soandso' threads. I wanted a fuller perspective with some accompanying opinions. I may not have been around here for that long but I've seen enough threads ending with some 'Do a search' comment to at least give it a go. However, if you can show me the thread(s) that fit what I was asking, I apologise for not taking quite the required time to find them.

On a higher note, thanks for the responses guys :). I've looked at them all, and the demeter and the EBS are a tad out of my price range. I know it may mean skimping a bit on quality but I can't really stretch to the higher priced ones.

Cheers all,
Marty
 
#10
Martybass said:
Hey all,
Upon listening to a recording from our last gig, I've noticed I can get really quite erratic dynamically on particular songs :hmm: . Now I know I should work at sorting it out through my technique and all that but I always feel it's nice to have a fallback option :D . So, I'm now looking for a pedal based compressor (dont have a rackmount or anything like that). I've heard good things about the Aphex Punch Factory and not so good things about the Boss LMB. I'd be very grateful if anyone and everyone could chuck a few ideas and opinions my way.
Thanks,
Marty
Click to expand...

I've tried the Punch Factory, Black Finger, EBS Multicomp. Of those three I lean towards the Punch Factory. I think it sounds a lot cleaner than the other pedals. The EBS has a nice "tube" option which can make for colourful overdrive. The Blackfinger, I found too noisy. It was a bit too extreme for me. I'm currently thinking about removing the compressor from my pedal chain, and using the compressor in my preamp (BBE Bmax), which I find really nice too. They've come out with a pedal version. If it sounds the same as the rack, and the price is right, it may become a classic. I would like to try the Compulator. I've heard good things about it.
 
#14
Martybass said:
On a higher note, thanks for the responses guys :). I've looked at them all, and the demeter and the EBS are a tad out of my price range. I know it may mean skimping a bit on quality but I can't really stretch to the higher priced ones.
Click to expand...
If you're willing to go used, you could probably buy the Demeter on eBay for about the same price as the Aphex. I ended up getting mine for $165, but I've seen quite a few of them sell for around $140.
 
#16
Droog said:
It what ways do you like it better? I have always used the 160a in the studio and have thought about buying one, but the compulator also seems like a sound piece.
Click to expand...
Hmm... I don't know if I can be very specific, as I sold the dbx nearly a year ago.

Most of the reasons I sold the dbx are related to its functional design, not so much its sound. For example, it was difficult to use it in front of my preamp in the signal chain, because the rear input was difficult to access when the unit was racked. I also really hated the fact that it didn't have an on/off switch. Having to unplug the unit to turn off those lights got annoying very quickly.

The Compulator is nice and simple, and does the job very well for me. The dbx was relatively simple, too, but I found it very easy to screw up my tone if I didn't set the controls quite right. The Demeter seems to sound great on most settings, except for the very very extreme compression levels.
 
#17
Lockout said:
Hmm... I don't know if I can be very specific, as I sold the dbx nearly a year ago.

Most of the reasons I sold the dbx are related to its functional design, not so much its sound. For example, it was difficult to use it in front of my preamp in the signal chain, because the rear input was difficult to access when the unit was racked. I also really hated the fact that it didn't have an on/off switch. Having to unplug the unit to turn off those lights got annoying very quickly.

The Compulator is nice and simple, and does the job very well for me. The dbx was relatively simple, too, but I found it very easy to screw up my tone if I didn't set the controls quite right. The Demeter seems to sound great on most settings, except for the very very extreme compression levels.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input:) Being as the compulator is quite a bit cheaper than the Dbx I may just get one.
 
#19
Lockout said:
Hmm... I don't know if I can be very specific, as I sold the dbx nearly a year ago.

Most of the reasons I sold the dbx are related to its functional design, not so much its sound. For example, it was difficult to use it in front of my preamp in the signal chain, because the rear input was difficult to access when the unit was racked. I also really hated the fact that it didn't have an on/off switch. Having to unplug the unit to turn off those lights got annoying very quickly.

The Compulator is nice and simple, and does the job very well for me. The dbx was relatively simple, too, but I found it very easy to screw up my tone if I didn't set the controls quite right. The Demeter seems to sound great on most settings, except for the very very extreme compression levels.
Click to expand...

I own the dBX 160X, which is the 160A only older (before dBX was owned by HK I believe). I have found exactly the opposite of what you say to be true.

First, addressing the signal chain placement: I place mine after the pre-amp and before the power amp. I do this mainly because the 160X is a studio quality compressor and thus has balanced ins/outs. My rack signal chain is completely balanced, so it fits nicely.


Secondly, price: I bought my unit for $170.00 used- not too much more expensive than the Compulator. The 160X typically go from $150 to $200


Thirdly, noise: - these units are completely transparent and quiet as a church mouse in the chain, so to speak.

Fourth, on/off: I can't speak for the 160A, but the 160X has a bypass switch, and it is true bypass too. For controlling dynamics, an on/off switch really isn't needed. I use mine to control peaks and for speaker protection when I kick on certain pedals. It functions wonderfully.


Lastly, I find that if you have a grasp of what the functions of the dBX knobs are, it is difficult to get a horrible sound from it.

One thing of note: I have had many people tell me they like the 160X over it's new 160A cousin though, simply because it seems to have a more quality build. I don't know if it is true or not, but I thought I'd throw that in.

Don't get me wrong-I love Demeter stuff- James and I have had several e-mail correspondences, and his pre-amp is what I use. I will probably try his pedal and compare it to the Analogman unit I want when I get to adding a "squash" box to my pedalboard. The 160X is going to be a bit more versatile than the Compulator though, considering you have more control and it is metered (I have included images for comparison). It has both hard knee and soft knee compression (that's what the "overeasy" button is for) For an "always on" compressor/limitter to control dynamics, I don't think the 160X can be beat from a "bang for the buck" perspective.

Ted

061.jpg
 

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