EMPRESS compressor vs Keeley 4 knob compressor

[johnk_10]

I built my own Keeley 4 knob comp using veroboard. I then modded it for bass and IMO, it's an awesome compressor with no low end loss now. having said that, the Diamond bass comp is probably my favorite comp that I've tried so far, but I haven't tried the empress yet.

 

[2string1]

There is no way to adjust the ratio on the Diamond. Correct? What does the EQ do. I have enough EQ on my amp to keep me busy.

 

[2string1]

What about this one. Anybody have one? FMR Audio Compressor RNLA7239

 

[lemongrenades]

I don't know man. I think you should try the keeley and see how it sounds with your rig. I use a Boss CS-2. It is said that you lose low end with this guy. So I got my hands on a 3 leaf PWNZR, which in theory, would be much better on bass. I played 3 practices, were I a/b'd them and 1 show with the 3 leaf. The Boss stayed and the 3 leaf went. I think I just grew to love the way it made my bass sound.
I also tried the Earthquaker Warden. Still dig the Cs-2. I would like to try the Empress and some other Onvilab recommended comps. But for now, my crappy CS-2 is exactly what I want.

 

[bongomania]

What about this one. Anybody have one? FMR Audio Compressor RNLA7239

You should slow down. Figure out what exactly you want the compressor to do. Figure out whether you want a pedal (in front of the amp) or a rack unit (in the amp's fx loop), which mainly depends on whether you want the comp before or after the amp's preamp.

The way you're going at it now is like "I need a vehicle, what about a car, anybody compared it with a truck, how about a bicycle?"

 

[2string1]

You should slow down. Figure out what exactly you want the compressor to do. Figure out whether you want a pedal (in front of the amp) or a rack unit (in the amp's fx loop), which mainly depends on whether you want the comp before or after the amp's preamp.

The way you're going at it now is like "I need a vehicle, what about a car, anybody compared it with a truck, how about a bicycle?"

I have a rack set up that I have been using since 1998. It has a DBX 160A. I love it. So I know what I like. I am moving away from the rack set up so I'm looking for a stomp box comp that will be close to the 160A. I like having a ratio knob and threshold knob. I also liked the meter lights on the 160A. Thats why I was thinking maybe the Empress would do the trick. I had a Keeley 2 knob version that I used a long time ago and brought it out just recently and it's not working properly. I sent it back to Keeley and they offered me a 4 knob for free. Great company. I would love to keep it but I have been reading a lot of negative things about it sucking out the bass. Maybe I should listen more then read.lol

 

[eeyorebass]

It doesn't have a full meter, but according to the Maxon site, the CP-9 Pro+ is a DBX comp in a pedal.

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If that's what you're used to, seems like a solid choice.

 

[petrus61]

Compression is a very subjective thing once you get past it's actual function. Seems like you have an idea of what you want to try, so go for it. I used a Keeley 2 knob and like the above poster, it just became a part of my sound. Ovnilabs had great, well thought out reviews and recommendations, but you have to follow your own ears. I bought both the Markbass Compressore and MXR M-87 based on their glowing reviews there and here and at the end of the day, neither really worked for me (the Markbass came close). I decided to use my own ears and since I liked my Keeley so much, I used that as a stepping stone for trying others.

Granted, there isn't much to the Ross circuits in the way of flexibility and overall control, but that's kind of what I like about them. I actually started gravitating toward MXR (dyna) because of their exaggerated squish and color over the Keeley. So it all depends on what you want out of it. I'm sure each has its own merits, but the Empress is favored in the bass community over Ross type for very good reasons, but make sure those reasons are in line with YOUR needs.

 

[Dave W]

I have a rack set up that I have been using since 1998. It has a DBX 160A. I love it. So I know what I like. I am moving away from the rack set up so I'm looking for a stomp box comp that will be close to the 160A. I like having a ratio knob and threshold knob. I also liked the meter lights on the 160A. Thats why I was thinking maybe the Empress would do the trick. I had a Keeley 2 knob version that I used a long time ago and brought it out just recently and it's not working properly. I sent it back to Keeley and they offered me a 4 knob for free. Great company. I would love to keep it but I have been reading a lot of negative things about it sucking out the bass. Maybe I should listen more then read.lol

This is helpful stuff, you should have included it in the opening post.

 

[monkeyfinger]

First, if keeley is offering a free replacement, take it. (Duh!) It is a great comp, just not great on bass.

Second, the Maxon is a great comp that is pretty easy to use. What you are looking for is a VCA comp, which the DBX and Maxon are. There are other very good VCA comps. Go to ovnilab.com and read, read, read.

 

[2string1]

This is helpful stuff, you should have included it in the opening post.

Well I did 6 post down from the top... sorry should have said it in my opening post

 

[2string1]

First, if keeley is offering a free replacement, take it. (Duh!) It is a great comp, just not great on bass.

Second, the Maxon is a great comp that is pretty easy to use. What you are looking for is a VCA comp, which the DBX and Maxon are. There are other very good VCA comps. Go to ovnilab.com and read, read, read.

I did take it. As a matter of fact I just got it in the mail. I'm trying it out right now.

 

[2string1]

Keeley is up for sale at a low low price. I'm going to try the Empress...

 

[Crabby]

Crabby, I've owned an Empress and now have a Diamond, which I love, and I'd also agree with pretty much everything you say here.

Is there anything more you can say about PWNZOR vs Diamond? I've always been curious about the PWNZOR, and now they are pretty much impossible to find, but the fact that you seem to prefer it to the Diamond makes me interested in hearing a bit more. Maybe it is worth the effort to hunt down…is it "better" than the Diamond? The Diamond is sooooo good.

The PWNZOR really works for me over the Diamond primarily because I have moved to a very simple setup with 4 pedals on a Padaltrain Nano board. I wanted to use a One Spot power supply and the Diamond just wouldn't allow that to happen as it requires a reverse polarity 18v power supply.

I find the PWNZOR easy to dial in, the "sweetening" effect is there but a bit more subtle then the Diamond but when playing at louder volumes, you really appreciate having a good comp in your chain. I cut through the mix easier, my tone is more consistent and I can push my rig harder without as much worry of speakers farting out as the lows are reigned in a bit.

For me, the PWNZOR is the ultimate comp for my needs but tone wise, I would be all over a Diamond if I had a larger board. Here is a photo to show how compact my little setup is. When I had the Empress, I was very happy with my tone, but could only fit 3 pedals on the board: