Empress Bass Compressor vs Origin Cali76 Compact Bass

[green3101]

Hi guys,

narrowed it down to these two, but just need a bit of help deciding.

what would you say the main differences are of the two? They both seem to have similar controls.

what would you personally recommend?

The new empress really intrigued me, it seems perfect however there are various reports of it “clicking” when using a passive bass. Which is my main instrument (p bass). Any thoughts on this?

thanks!

 

[sifrancis]

The Empress Bass Compressor will offer you a touch more control (separate attack/release controls), significantly better metering, and the ability to choose between a truly "transparent" tone, or something with more tone colouration (two different options of that in fact). It's also worth noting you have a side chain loop/input available on the Empress, which can be used for a variety of things, most notable you could input something like a kick drum for classic pop/dance music style sidechain compression pumping.

The Cali76 CB will give you continuous control over the compression Ratio (as opposed to the three way switch on the empress), and can reach higher compression ratios in comparison to the Empress (although 10:1 is more than enough for most needs). The Cali76 also has this particular tonal quality in the way it adds some colour to the sound, and a punchy attack characteristic in the upper midrange which you can't really get anywhere else (NB the empress gets something similar to this in it's right hand tone switch position, though not as percussive/punchy to my ear).

There is no bad choice to be made between these two. You will be happy with either choice and both will serve you well in whatever context.
I would lean slightly towards the Empress, purely due to it's metering and the tone+colour options - I appreciate having a couple of instant gratification tone magic options on hand (or tonal transparency if so desired).
However, the tonal coloration of the Cali76 can be very addictive, and if you are familiar with and desire that sound it's the only place to get it really.

The Tube Preamp/DI Sound Samples thread actually gives a very good representation of the particular tonality of the Cali76 as you can hear how it impacts various differences DI/Preamp setups.

TL;DR - two amazing compressors, with some subtle and nuanced differences. Empress delivers more versatility, Cali76 embodies a particular 'sound'.
Buy either blind and you will be ecstatic.

 

[green3101]

The Empress Bass Compressor will offer you a touch more control (separate attack/release controls), significantly better metering, and the ability to choose between a truly "transparent" tone, or something with more tone colouration (two different options of that in fact). It's also worth noting you have a side chain loop/input available on the Empress, which can be used for a variety of things, most notable you could input something like a kick drum for classic pop/dance music style sidechain compression pumping.

The Cali76 CB will give you continuous control over the compression Ratio (as opposed to the three way switch on the empress), and can reach higher compression ratios in comparison to the Empress (although 10:1 is more than enough for most needs). The Cali76 also has this particular tonal quality in the way it adds some colour to the sound, and a punchy attack characteristic in the upper midrange which you can't really get anywhere else (NB the empress gets something similar to this in it's right hand tone switch position, though not as percussive/punchy to my ear).

There is no bad choice to be made between these two. You will be happy with either choice and both will serve you well in whatever context.
I would lean slightly towards the Empress, purely due to it's metering and the tone+colour options - I appreciate having a couple of instant gratification tone magic options on hand (or tonal transparency if so desired).
However, the tonal coloration of the Cali76 can be very addictive, and if you are familiar with and desire that sound it's the only place to get it really.

The Tube Preamp/DI Sound Samples thread actually gives a very good representation of the particular tonality of the Cali76 as you can hear how it impacts various differences DI/Preamp setups.

TL;DR - two amazing compressors, with some subtle and nuanced differences. Empress delivers more versatility, Cali76 embodies a particular 'sound'.
Buy either blind and you will be ecstatic.

Amazing summary thank you!

I’m leaning a little more towards the empress due to the control. However I’m a little hesitant over the supposed “clicking” it generates with passive instruments. Here is a video I found demonstrating it:-

 

[JRMK]

The Empress Bass Compressor will offer you a touch more control (separate attack/release controls), significantly better metering, and the ability to choose between a truly "transparent" tone, or something with more tone colouration (two different options of that in fact). It's also worth noting you have a side chain loop/input available on the Empress, which can be used for a variety of things, most notable you could input something like a kick drum for classic pop/dance music style sidechain compression pumping.

The Cali76 CB will give you continuous control over the compression Ratio (as opposed to the three way switch on the empress), and can reach higher compression ratios in comparison to the Empress (although 10:1 is more than enough for most needs). The Cali76 also has this particular tonal quality in the way it adds some colour to the sound, and a punchy attack characteristic in the upper midrange which you can't really get anywhere else (NB the empress gets something similar to this in it's right hand tone switch position, though not as percussive/punchy to my ear).

There is no bad choice to be made between these two. You will be happy with either choice and both will serve you well in whatever context.
I would lean slightly towards the Empress, purely due to it's metering and the tone+colour options - I appreciate having a couple of instant gratification tone magic options on hand (or tonal transparency if so desired).
However, the tonal coloration of the Cali76 can be very addictive, and if you are familiar with and desire that sound it's the only place to get it really.

The Tube Preamp/DI Sound Samples thread actually gives a very good representation of the particular tonality of the Cali76 as you can hear how it impacts various differences DI/Preamp setups.

TL;DR - two amazing compressors, with some subtle and nuanced differences. Empress delivers more versatility, Cali76 embodies a particular 'sound'.
Buy either blind and you will be ecstatic.

This is literally thread ending response in terms of comprehensiveness

 

[green3101]

Gahhh, I want to order the empress ASAP, but the clicking thing is the only thing stopping me! I may have to opt for the Cali76 if there are no assurances it’s not an issue anymore! I couldn’t live with what is being demonstrated in that video I posted above!

 

[esoxhntr]

Gahhh, I want to order the empress ASAP, but the clicking thing is the only thing stopping me! I may have to opt for the Cali76 if there are no assurances it’s not an issue anymore! I couldn’t live with what is being demonstrated in that video I posted above!

The clicking issue has been solved. If you have a unit that clicks, all you need to do is contact Empress and they will send you a replacement ribbon cable. Replacing the ribbon cable is a 10-15 minute job that you can do easily yourself, and then no more clicking issue.

The major difference between these two compressors is the sound... the Empress tends to be more neutral or transparent compressor, while the Cali has a slightly warmer "fatness" to it. Still very punchy though. Both are very good, and preference really would depend on your own personal taste. Really, the only way to know for sure is to try both and see how they work for you.

 

[esoxhntr]

The Empress Bass Compressor will offer you a touch more control (separate attack/release controls), significantly better metering, and the ability to choose between a truly "transparent" tone, or something with more tone colouration (two different options of that in fact). It's also worth noting you have a side chain loop/input available on the Empress, which can be used for a variety of things, most notable you could input something like a kick drum for classic pop/dance music style sidechain compression pumping.

The Cali76 CB will give you continuous control over the compression Ratio (as opposed to the three way switch on the empress), and can reach higher compression ratios in comparison to the Empress (although 10:1 is more than enough for most needs). The Cali76 also has this particular tonal quality in the way it adds some colour to the sound, and a punchy attack characteristic in the upper midrange which you can't really get anywhere else (NB the empress gets something similar to this in it's right hand tone switch position, though not as percussive/punchy to my ear).

There is no bad choice to be made between these two. You will be happy with either choice and both will serve you well in whatever context.
I would lean slightly towards the Empress, purely due to it's metering and the tone+colour options - I appreciate having a couple of instant gratification tone magic options on hand (or tonal transparency if so desired).
However, the tonal coloration of the Cali76 can be very addictive, and if you are familiar with and desire that sound it's the only place to get it really.

The Tube Preamp/DI Sound Samples thread actually gives a very good representation of the particular tonality of the Cali76 as you can hear how it impacts various differences DI/Preamp setups.

TL;DR - two amazing compressors, with some subtle and nuanced differences. Empress delivers more versatility, Cali76 embodies a particular 'sound'.
Buy either blind and you will be ecstatic.

Superb rundown, BTW

 

[green3101]

The clicking issue has been solved. If you have a unit that clicks, all you need to do is contact Empress and they will send you a replacement ribbon cable. Replacing the ribbon cable is a 10-15 minute job that you can do easily yourself, and then no more clicking issue.

The major difference between these two compressors is the sound... the Empress tends to be more neutral or transparent compressor, while the Cali has a slightly warmer "fatness" to it. Still very punchy though. Both are very good, and preference really would depend on your own personal taste. Really, the only way to know for sure is to try both and see how they work for you.

Thanks, when you say replacement ribbon cable that you have to apply yourself - does this require any soldering? I don’t have/have any experience with a soldering kit and not something I’m comfortable doing. Plus, I’m based in London, UK. Not sure if that has any impact on it all?

 

[Ryan L.]

Since a perfect rundown of both units has already been given, I’ll just add this:

I used to own (and loved) the Cali76 CB. Sold it when I went away from effects for a short time. Put together another board recently, and wanted to grab another one. Decided to give the new Empress a try first, and now I no longer want a CB. The Empress now has a permanent home on my board for the foreseeable future. It *really* sounds great.

But, like was already stated here, there’s no wrong choice. Just two slightly different flavors of awesome.

 

[esoxhntr]

Thanks, when you say replacement ribbon cable that you have to apply yourself - does this require any soldering? I don’t have/have any experience with a soldering kit and not something I’m comfortable doing. Plus, I’m based in London, UK. Not sure if that has any impact on it all?

No soldering required. It just clips in and out. No sweat. Being in London wouldn't matter.

Here is what I would suggest in your situation, and this is advice you can take or leave as necessary... don't buy an Empress now. Empress is currently in the process of fixing the ribbon issue at the factory. It may be some weeks or months before the new version is available. In the meantime, try a Cali 76CB. It's a very good unit. They are available new and used, and if you purchase a used one you will likely be able to move it on with little or no loss. Give Empress a few months to get a good supply of the new compressor built up, and then grab one of those. Do an A/B comparison, and then sell one of the two. Someone will gladly take either of those compressors off of your hands. The Cali is a classic, and someone is always buying or selling one. The Empress is the hot new kid on the block and people are screaming for them. The old Empress Compressor was very well regarded, and the new one is supposed to be better, so you'll always have a buyer.

In case you're wondering, this is exactly what I'm going to do. I have a Cali 76CB, and when the new Empress becomes available again I will buy one and compare for a month or so, then make a decision. I'm guessing that I will prefer the Empress because I tend to like cleaner compression, but there's really only one way to find out, right?

 

[Pat Harris]

The Empress is about as “colorless” as you can get with a compressor. I have one, and I like this aspect of it. I use it more for a parallel compression where I mix in a highly compressed signal back into my dry tone— works great. Always on, not really “an effect.”

The Cali76 definitely has its own vibe/mojo that it imparts on your signal— might be something you want, but it may not be depending on your desired result.

Both are great at what they do.

 

[Ewo]

Haven't owned the Cali76, but I've been through a good number of high-quality pedal compressors for live work--and even had an actual 1176LN in my home studio rack a long time ago.

Here are my comments and reax, having recently bought the new Empress Bass comp:

Beautifully transparent sound, the full set of compression parameter controls, full metering of both input level and gain reduction... That's the ticket.

The clicking sound only happens if you run a passive bass straight into the compressor. If you have an active bass or another pedal with a buffered output in front of the compressor, there's no noise. Empress is sending a replacement for the ribbon connector, and the install is simple enough. Here's the instruction sheet: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It has a "Mix" knob. That lets you run parallel compression, right in the box.

It has an internal sidechain which governs the gain reduction. You can patch an external signal in, but even if you don't you still have a variable high pass filter in the sidechain. That lets you EQ the signal so low notes won't cause the compressor to squash everything. This is right in the box; you don't have to patch anything outboard.

To me, this feature set is the money, if your tone goal is good control of the dynamics without losing the "live" quality of the tone.

 

[green3101]

So I actually run an always on pre-amp (VT Bass DI). This will go directly before the Empress, so in theory it will be like running an active bass I guess! Never thought of it like that!

anyway, I did it - ordered it and should be here within a week! Super excited, will report back!

 

[scubaduba]

The Empress is about as “colorless” as you can get with a compressor.

If you are talking the original Empress compressor. If you are talking the new Empress Bass Compressor it is certainly not “colorless” with the Tone + Colour circuit activated.

 

[scubaduba]

Both are excellent compressors. I have thoroughly tested both (as well as more than 80 other compressors) and I would choose the Empress Bass Compressor.

 

[Pat Harris]

If you are talking the original Empress compressor.

Yes— the O.G. Empress, which is why I didn’t state “empress bass compressor.” Sorry for any confusion. I find the original colorless and well suited for my bass needs. Just wanted to include it in the discussion.

 

[WorktheWood]

I just posted this in the compressor thread but it applies to this thread, too.

I got the Empress BC yesterday and spent the last hour using it. It's a very nice compressor and does not appear to have the noise issue. Anybody know the serial number cut-off of the effected units? Mine is supposedly from the new batch. In comparing it to my Cali76 CB it is certainly more transparent and doesn't really enhance the tone, just compresses it. The Cali seems to slightly thicken the tone and adds just a touch of "sweetness." I didn't really care for the tone switch in either setting so I just kept it off. I haven't decided which one I prefer and in a band mix I'm not sure I could tell the difference. If I had to keep one right now it would be the Cali only because I'm still in my return window for the Empress. If I keep the Empress until after the window closes I'll just keep both and just flip a coin as to which one makes my board.

 

[Yonni]

I ordered one on Thursday. It’s currently out of stock at Andertons. New stock is due in on 15th so hopefully it’s a new batch from the factory. Did tons of research before pulling the trigger. My original budget was more M87 or BC -1X until I read Ovnilabs and compressorpedalreviews. Then I upped my budget and it was between these two. Empress for clarity did it for me.

 

[BaltBass5]

Origin Cali is THE best compressor I’ve used in my 30 years of playing.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I have both. The Empress Bass Compressor is currently on my board. I find it easier to dial-in than the Cali. I also turned off the overdrive feature on the tone switch of the Empress. I prefer the sound without added harmonics. This all boils down to what color socks you want to wear. There are no right answers. Just opinions.