compressors - which to build

Build only the best: Demeter Compulator

 

check out bongo's compressor reviews.

http://www.ev-b.com/compressors.html

 

Where did you find a schematic for the Compulator?

 

The compulator could be a tricky build. I think you're on the right track considering the orange squeezer, a classic comp and common DIY build with lots of info available online. Another choice might be the MXR dynacomp, which gets a decent review from bongomania, too.

 

It has the lowest components count among any other compressor I know. But it will be a bit difficult to find the optocoupler, it took me 3 months to get it.

here: www.freestompboxes.org

 

The optocoupler is actually pretty easy. There's a part that costs approx. $7.50 that has four wires, two for the LED side and two for the LDR side. If you get the right one for the compulator, the VTL5C10, the specs should be fine. The devices look like this:



Smallbear Electronics carries the VTL5C10.

 

you could try an Ibanez / Maxon CP-9 clone http://tonepad.com/project.asp?id=67

 

or try Banzai from Germany. They have that coupler.

 

You'll want to use a faster vactrol than the VTL5C10. In mine I used a VTL5C2 with great results. Higher the number, slower the recover...

www.smallbearelec.com has them.

 

BYOC's opto-compressor looks good: http://www.buildyourownclone.com/opticomp.html

 

Anyone ever tried this on bass?

 

I haven't tried it, but it's a DOD280 clone, if anyone's familiar with that pedal, their opinion could be helpful to you.

 

Search diystompboxes.com for 'flatline'. You can mod the 280 for bass, but I would go with the flatline.