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Diamond BCP1 - Fact or Fiction.

echo008

echo008

Supporting Member
Jan 30, 2004
2,612
2,035
Long Island, NY
#1
Hey There
So I was dizzy from looking for a new pedal compressor. My search lead me to almost going with the Alma MK II.
BUT I kept on reading everywhere (a lot of online opinion) that the older Diamond BCP1 was exceptional even as more of a tone enhancer than compressor, but still from reading it took on an almost mythological status. And I was hooked. I bought into it and now I have a BCP1 on the way.
I even purchased reverse polarity adapter and 18v pedal cable to check it out.
Does anyone still have and use this pedal?
Would love to hear more recent opinions
Thanks
 
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#8
I have one, I used it as one of my only pedals for several years and really liked it. I still really enjoy it and have settled on using it for recording, though I am currently enjoying an Empress Mk 1 for playing live. The Empress feels like it does a little more of the traditional compressing role, though I might just be tricked into thinking that by watching the LEDs.

The Diamond is great for passive basses and seems to make the tone pop and brighten a bit while also fattening the tone. It really does sound nice, and I am not typically a guy who leaves tone enhancer pedals on. I did not use it much with active basses but I think it has a rep for being great with passive Fender types.
 
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#9
Eric_71 said:
I have one, I used it as one of my only pedals for several years and really liked it. I still really enjoy it and have settled on using it for recording, though I am currently enjoying an Empress Mk 1 for playing live. The Empress feels like it does a little more of the traditional compressing role, though I might just be tricked into thinking that by watching the LEDs.

The Diamond is great for passive basses and seems to make the tone pop and brighten a bit while also fattening the tone. It really does sound nice, and I am not typically a guy who leaves tone enhancer pedals on. I did not use it much with active basses but I think it has a rep for being great with passive Fender types.
Click to expand...
Very cool. I have heard about this also it working well with passive at 9v. Some active basses can clip the unit and it needs to be run hotter.
I’m looking forward to trying this out.
 
#10
The Diamond (including the newest version) does sound great. Yes it's a "thickener" IME. Be aware that the 1st note or 2 might sound crackly as the capacitors charge. Diamond (now SolidgoldFX) says this is inherent to the design and it never bothered me. I just played a few notes with the amp muted at 1st. IME the newest version is even better-sounds as good but has more features, top jacks, a smaller enclosure and runs off any 9V center -ve PS.
 
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#11
I am running the Lusithand Alma (MkI) on my pedalboard, a new addition. I chose it because it apparently cured the problems of the diamond by adding the clean blend. Speaking for this pedal, it is a steroid shot to my tone, which I love as it is… it turns it from Schwarzenegger at his prime into the Hulk. VERY authoritative, if that makes sense. Previously I had used the Keeley Bassist, a limiting amp style compressor that was very discreet and lovely, though indiscernible until I turned it off. The Alma is a WHOLE other creature entirely.
I suspect you will enjoy the diamond, but it will take some work to retune the engine after installing this supercharger circuit!!!!
E
 
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#12
It was probably my first pedal compressor and I had one years ago. I had no idea what I was doing or even trying to do. It was fine but not magical for my more aggressive tone chasing. The tilt EQ was probably the most noticeable thing it did. I’d like to try one again to hear what I wasn’t hearing then. But that power supply thing is definitely a no-go for me these days.
 
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#14
echo008 said:
Hey There
So I was dizzy from looking for a new pedal compressor. My search lead me to almost going with the Alma MK II.
BUT I kept on reading everywhere (a lot of online opinion) that the older Diamond BCP1 was exceptional even as more of a tone enhancer than compressor, but still from reading it took on an almost mythological status. And I was hooked. I bought into it and now I have a BCP1 on the way.
I even purchased reverse polarity adapter and 18v pedal cable to check it out.
Does anyone still have and use this pedal?
Would love to hear more recent opinions
Thanks
Click to expand...
Why not post this question BEFORE you go through the effort of purchasing it and the reverse polarity adapter?
 
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#16
Mastiff_5 said:
I am running the Lusithand Alma (MkI) on my pedalboard
Click to expand...
Same here. I love it. At some point I’ll probably upgrade to the MKII, but the MKI does a fabulous job and I’m in no hurry. (Besides, I’ll probably set it to sound just like the MKI.:roflmao:)

luckydawgg169 said:
Why not post this question BEFORE you go through the effort of purchasing it and the reverse polarity adapter?
Click to expand...
Because sometimes people take a chance on something and want to know if they did a good thing. But yeah, a fair question.
 
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#19
I have the original 18v reverse polarity version, I've had a lot of compressors in the past and I have yet to find one that sounds better than this one. The Boss CS-2 is close for me but clips far too easily and I don't use it as much.
Very simple to use and the tilt eq is more useful than you might think. I use the volume knob as my master volume as nothing else has a volume control on my current setup. It sounds incredible with plenty of headroom and just fits perfectly.

Here's one of my favorite setups with it, I'm torn between a HPF/LPF after it or a chorus, not sure yet. In this pic I have an always on HPF under the board. IMG_6743.jpeg
 
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#20
poochiecheeks said:
I have the original 18v reverse polarity version, I've had a lot of compressors in the past and I have yet to find one that sounds better than this one. The Boss CS-2 is close for me but clips far too easily and I don't use it as much.
Very simple to use and the tilt eq is more useful than you might think. I use the volume knob as my master volume as nothing else has a volume control on my current setup. It sounds incredible with plenty of headroom and just fits perfectly.

Here's one of my favorite setups with it, I'm torn between a HPF/LPF after it or a chorus, not sure yet. In this pic I have an always on HPF under the board.View attachment 7142342
Click to expand...
Hi
I plan on using it with a hpf before. And a low pass at the end of chain.
The filter helps removes unwanted freq. before it hit compressor it’s how I’m currently setup and it working out well
 

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