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Diamond Bass Comp vs. PWNZOR

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by eeyorebass, Apr 16, 2012.

  1. Apr 16, 2012 #1
    eeyorebass

    eeyorebass

    Jan 2, 2008
    I posted this in another compressor thread, but it slipped away before anyone answered.

    Can anyone compare the PWNZOR to the Diamond BCP? It seems like they have similar goals.

    I'm looking at compression as a subtle tone improvement, and Spence's design goals with the PWN sound very much like what I'm after, slow attack and low ratios for natural dynamics, just helping things be a little more "fat and shiny"

    I'm very much a "set and forget" user, so the crazy simple look of the Diamond is appealing, too. How are the fixed attack/release times on the Diamond?

    The Diamond is in Bongo's Top Picks, but I don't know how often he updates those. Is the Diamond still the tops for always on tone enhancement?

    What separates these two other than price?

    Thanks,
    Jeremy
     
  2. Apr 17, 2012 #2
    eeyorebass

    eeyorebass

    Jan 2, 2008
    Bump.

    Plenty of views and no posts. Is the PWNZOR too new for too many to have experience with it?

    Bongo are you out there?
     
  3. Apr 17, 2012 #3
    scubaduba

    scubaduba Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 23, 2003
    Michigan
    I've not used the Diamond but did own the PWNZOR for a while. I was very impressed with it. Build quality is excellent. I wasn't so much using it for compression to try and squash any sound. I was using it for the attach and to fatten and shine up my tone (like you said you were looking for). If that's what you're after I bet you'll be pleased with the PWNZOR.
     
  4. Apr 17, 2012 #4
    RichSnyder

    RichSnyder Columbia, MD Supporting Member

    Jun 19, 2003
    I've never tried the Diamond, but the PWNZOR will meet this goal, IMHO. I love mine.
     
  5. Apr 17, 2012 #5
    eeyorebass

    eeyorebass

    Jan 2, 2008
    Thanks for the replies. Sounds very promising.

    I guess what I'm after is a more adjustable version of the Diamond. I worry about not having any control over the settings. The PWNZOR is top of the list at the moment; just looking for some confirmation on my assumptions.

    jeremy
     
  6. Apr 17, 2012 #6
    enjoi1018

    enjoi1018 Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2011
    Auburn, AL
    I picked up a PWNZOR on the forum a bit ago, and while I haven't had much experience with many different types of compression, I can't imagine it being much better than the PWN. It does fatten the sound. With my particular rig, I've dialed in a super punchy attack as well. It's done EXACTLY what I wanted it to do in my head.

    FWIW, just about every pic of a PWN on the forums has been extremely close to my settings (seriously, 90% of them)... I think there's a sweet spot that just slays on this thing.

    I have no experience with the Diamond. Good luck!
     
  7. Apr 17, 2012 #7
    eeyorebass

    eeyorebass

    Jan 2, 2008
    Thanks enjoi!

    Are you guys using it more in feed-back or feed-forward mode? do you notice a difference between the two?
     
  8. Apr 17, 2012 #8
    Yurtra

    Yurtra

    Apr 26, 2010
    Montreal, Canada
    I have the Diamond Bass Comp and personally, I LOVE it. I'm currently running it at 18v but I'd love to try it at 24v to hear what kind of difference that makes.

    In a nutshell: Incredibly low noise, the tilt EQ works beautifully with my Sterling and GK rig to add a tiny tiny bit of extra low-mid heft while taming some highs, and it just makes my sound punchy as all hell. Notes seem to just EXPLODE from the strings in the best way possible. It's the first and only compressor I've ever used extensively (I've tested a few others), so I have pretty limited experience with which to make good comparisons.

    What I CAN say for sure is that if you are mostly looking for some delicious tonal goodness and a smidgeon of extra dynamic control you cannot go wrong with the Diamond Bass Comp!
     
  9. Apr 17, 2012 #9
    enjoi1018

    enjoi1018 Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2011
    Auburn, AL
    I absolutely notice a difference, but I am way far from being an audio tech (or good musician :D). The labeling of the "vintage" switch always throws me off when I'm asked about it. You'd think with the switch down (pointing towards "Vintage") it'd be in "Vintage" mode, but down's actually the OFF setting of the whole switch itself that is labeled "Vintage". So up is vintage mode. That's where mine sits.

    For what it's worth, the manual Spencer includes with it says that vintage off will make it a more "punchy, affected tone" but I find just the opposite. Again, YMMV. Glad to help!
     
  10. Apr 17, 2012 #10
    RichSnyder

    RichSnyder Columbia, MD Supporting Member

    Jun 19, 2003
    Ahhhh..... That makes sense. I've been wondering the same thing.
     
  11. Apr 17, 2012 #11
    eeyorebass

    eeyorebass

    Jan 2, 2008
    Great replies. Thanks, guys.

    jeremy