bongomania
Commercial User
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DOD Milk Box doesn't suck (sound)
- Thread starter fenderhutz
- Start date
By cleanup I mean smoothing out harsh peaks from filters, slap, etc.
And what's a better solution to noise from pedals? Buffering?
And what's a better solution to noise from pedals? Buffering?
bongomania
Commercial User
Eliminating noisy pedals is the best solution. Also, sometimes simply using a different type of power supply can solve noise problems, by eliminating ground loops. A buffer could make matters worse, by transmitting more of the high-frequency range where noise is found.
There are two main types of noise suppressor: gates and filters. Gates cut your signal on and off depending on the level of the signal, so when you set them right they chop off the noise between notes; but the noise is still fully present during each note, and the attack and decay of your notes will often get chopped off as well. Filters remove the high frequency band where noise lives, which means they also remove any upper harmonics in that range too, which can bother some people by making the tone sound "dull".
There are two main types of noise suppressor: gates and filters. Gates cut your signal on and off depending on the level of the signal, so when you set them right they chop off the noise between notes; but the noise is still fully present during each note, and the attack and decay of your notes will often get chopped off as well. Filters remove the high frequency band where noise lives, which means they also remove any upper harmonics in that range too, which can bother some people by making the tone sound "dull".
Are there many gate/filter combos (that only gate the hiss/hum frequencies)? The MXR M80 sounded like one to me. It was the only noise reduction I've ever used (isn't saying much) that didn't choke my attack.
When were these milk boxes built? I'm thinking of getting one from ebay but how long can it last? Otherwise, I'll go for a new biyang...
They were made late 90's early 2000's I think. GC used site has them pop up for 20-30 bucks all of the time. Don't pay premium ebay prices unless you have to.
I got mine off eBay for $60 shipped, practically NIB. I consider it a good deal, given how I use it all the time.
I found an old cow print one (with the stupid labels) at my local GC today for $30 and picked it up. So far, so good. I'm enjoying the sound it produces, but I'm still getting used to it. The only other compressors I have owned are the MXR Dynacomp and the Punch Factory. I like this Milk Box much better. I loved the MXR, but it totally sapped my lows, and I couldn't ever tell what the Punch Factory did for me.
My favorite feature is probably the adjustable attack ("spill" in my case
), I've never had an attack knob before. Contrary to what others have said, I also like the high-frequency expander (Pasteurization). I have mine set at about 9:00, and it adds a lot I think.
My favorite feature is probably the adjustable attack ("spill" in my case
), I've never had an attack knob before. Contrary to what others have said, I also like the high-frequency expander (Pasteurization). I have mine set at about 9:00, and it adds a lot I think.
I found an old cow print one (with the stupid labels) at my local GC today for $30 and picked it up. So far, so good. I'm enjoying the sound it produces, but I'm still getting used to it. The only other compressors I have owned are the MXR Dynacomp and the Punch Factory. I like this Milk Box much better. I loved the MXR, but it totally sapped my lows, and I couldn't ever tell what the Punch Factory did for me.
My favorite feature is probably the adjustable attack ("spill" in my case
I have the pearl white. Does your buffer act like a mild overdrive?
I don't know if I would call it "overdrive" per se, but it does seem to add sort of a "grind" to the tone that I really like. I get that same grind if I turn up the attack high enough too.
I absolutely love the sound I get out of this dumb little thing, however the one I bought seems to have some issues. When I tap the pedal hard enough, it will turn on/off and make a loud pop.
I pulled the pedal apart, and the footswitch consists of a little rubber block pushing down a tiny little button on the circuit board. I think that little button is the problem. When I even flick the circuit board it turns on/off.
I like the pedal so much though, that I think I'll order another from GC since they're so cheap. The one I'm using is over 15 years old.
bongomania
Commercial User
Yeah those switches are not great. You may be able to bring it back to life by spraying a little contact cleaner into the tiny button on the board, and toggling it a bunch of times with your finger just to break up any crud in there.
Well, I tried to put it back together before rehearsal tonight, and now its totally toast. I'm going to see if GC will take it back and get a different one.
I got my new one the other day. I am a happy camper again. I was going to send my old box back for a refund, but ended up giving it to a buddy of mine, who happens to work for Harman Music Group, to see if he can mod it with a better footswitch in a different casing.
Hi!
I've used the Milk Box for a good 5-6 years now. There have been many a time where I've ventured off to explore new compressors...and keep coming back to it.
The Milk Box is the greatest compressor - very clean, smoothe and it has never distorted/overdriven with any signal I put throught it.
I use the compressor with a '95 Musicman Sterling and '98 Ibanez BTB (MIJ) through (effetcs optional depending on the gig) Boss OC-2, Boss ODB-3, Dunlop 105Q Bass Wah, Electro Harmonix Q-Tron +, '80's Ibanez Power-Series Stereo Chorus...Into an '86 Gallien Krueger 800rb, Ashdown ABM 410t (English).
My settings (on tour/recording) are left on all the time and are:
Level at 2:00 - 2:30, Compression at 10:00 - 10:30, Hi Exp at the notch around 2:00 and attack the same.
This sound gives me a great, smooth sound with full, rich sound and is perfect for jumping between slapping, fingers, pick, tapping, harmonics, etc... any style, any time - with no need to worry about dynamics/eq.
I feel happy to advertise how great and simple this pedl is, as it has made my playing improve dramatically when I began using it, and it has greatly aided me in live/recorded sound since without fail.
If another pops up on ebay, I will definitely get is as a spare. I have, however purchased an '80's DOD FX-85 Compressor, and it is great also! There is a little more attack than I would preffer, but as a spare for when the Milk Box perishes or when I need to leave the pedalboard at home - it definitely proves itself beyond useful.
All in all, I'd definitely reccommend these DOD compressors to anyone - there is a great range of compression in them, from incredibly subtle, to full-bore enhancing of your sound. These pedals completely bring the sound of your bass to the forefront and I would never be without it in my arsenal. Thanks! JOHN
I've used the Milk Box for a good 5-6 years now. There have been many a time where I've ventured off to explore new compressors...and keep coming back to it.
The Milk Box is the greatest compressor - very clean, smoothe and it has never distorted/overdriven with any signal I put throught it.
I use the compressor with a '95 Musicman Sterling and '98 Ibanez BTB (MIJ) through (effetcs optional depending on the gig) Boss OC-2, Boss ODB-3, Dunlop 105Q Bass Wah, Electro Harmonix Q-Tron +, '80's Ibanez Power-Series Stereo Chorus...Into an '86 Gallien Krueger 800rb, Ashdown ABM 410t (English).
My settings (on tour/recording) are left on all the time and are:
Level at 2:00 - 2:30, Compression at 10:00 - 10:30, Hi Exp at the notch around 2:00 and attack the same.
This sound gives me a great, smooth sound with full, rich sound and is perfect for jumping between slapping, fingers, pick, tapping, harmonics, etc... any style, any time - with no need to worry about dynamics/eq.
I feel happy to advertise how great and simple this pedl is, as it has made my playing improve dramatically when I began using it, and it has greatly aided me in live/recorded sound since without fail.
If another pops up on ebay, I will definitely get is as a spare. I have, however purchased an '80's DOD FX-85 Compressor, and it is great also! There is a little more attack than I would preffer, but as a spare for when the Milk Box perishes or when I need to leave the pedalboard at home - it definitely proves itself beyond useful.
All in all, I'd definitely reccommend these DOD compressors to anyone - there is a great range of compression in them, from incredibly subtle, to full-bore enhancing of your sound. These pedals completely bring the sound of your bass to the forefront and I would never be without it in my arsenal. Thanks! JOHN
Yeah, got mine from ebay for 30 shipped. What a deal. I love it. I happened to dial pretty much the same settings as jg919 by coincidence. Hopefully it will last for a long time. Thanks Bongo.
Yeah this little pedal has become a staple now. It just smooths everything out in a good way.
We tried it on guitar this week just to see how good it was, horrible.
Bass is where it shines.
We tried it on guitar this week just to see how good it was, horrible.
Bass is where it shines.
