Good comp for limiting

[keatz]

Hi guys, I am definitely no stranger to compressor pedals, I've been through a few and it's my favorite "effect" but (I'm a 4:1 or less guy, and) I've never dabbled in using one in a limiting role. I've decided I'm going to still run a comp(currently Opti-FET) first in my chain, but also run a limiter at the end, right before my clean preamp

I would love some suggestions for a good comp on the transparent side to use as a limiter. Was thinking the new empress but not sure if 10:1 is enough.

Cheers.

 

[Real Soon]

Well, if you're in the budget range for an Empress, the Darkglass Hyper Luminal is comparably priced and features the FET mode, modeled after the UA 1176. It can hit 20:1 ratio, and while not necessarily the most transparent, it's subtle, esp when not hitting the rails.

Might be overkill to get a really versatile pedal for just one use, though.

Also, FWIW, in studio nerd speak, 10:1 and higher are technically considered limiter ratios. So if you like the Empress and have space for it, it can do that, and you probably don't need more unless you're putting some pretty wild signal peaks into play.

 

[dannybuoy]

Keeley Bassist works well as a transparent limiter.

 

[Aceman]

I use a Boss pedal - so I'm not your guy, but interested in this topic.

I really wanted to get an MXR M87, but I'm cheap - I'm a bargain hunter. Boss hit cheapest soonest.

 

[Al Kraft]

There are a number of great choices out there. For me the Aguilar TLC is relatively transparent and can do limiting.

 

[Bassmike62]

I use a Boss pedal - so I'm not your guy, but interested in this topic.
I really wanted to get an MXR M87, but I'm cheap - I'm a bargain hunter. Boss hit cheapest soonest.

I also used the LMB-3 for years and later switched to the MXR Bass comp. The MXR unit is an awesome comp by most accounts, but for my needs, the LMB-3 did the job just as well. It's on the pedalboard change checklist. No rush, band not rehearsing and has no plans to at this time. Maybe in 2021. Maybe.

 

[Matt Morgan]

Another vote for the Keeley Bassist. It's small, easy to use, transparent, and just works beautifully. It's my only "always on" pedal that I use nearly exactly as the OP described.

 

[mmbongo]

Keeley Bassist or Becos Mini are about as good as transparent limiters get.

 

[zombywoof5050]

I mainly just use my Demeter Opto Compulater as a limiter, and I think it's pretty great for that.

 

[keatz]

Thanks guys,
I trialled my Opti-FET in a limiter role to see how it went. Not bad. Let through a few peaks but great tone. Looks like the Keeley is a pretty sure bet hey.

 

[arepa_funk]

Keeley Bassist or Becos Mini are about as good as transparent limiters get.

Another vote for the Keeley Bassist. It's small, easy to use, transparent, and just works beautifully. It's my only "always on" pedal that I use nearly exactly as the OP described.

Keeley Bassist works well as a transparent limiter.

+1 on all these Keeley Bassist recs. It's my always-on and works wonders after peaky pedals (envelope filters) and to tame high gain dirt while adjusting for volume drop.

 

[thumbslapper]

I use hte FEA DE-CL last in line for a comp/limiter - enable compressor when slapping, enable limiter when using synth/filter pedals that may go crazy.

I have the Cali76 BC at the front of the chain when i want that sound (i find hte cali def imparts a sound - its a great sound but its not a transparent compressor like the FEA is).

Only problem with the DE-CL is it may take up to a year to actually buy one if you wait on the list, but they do pop up on reverb every so often.

 

[keatz]

I use hte FEA DE-CL last in line for a comp/limiter - enable compressor when slapping, enable limiter when using synth/filter pedals that may go crazy.

I have the Cali76 BC at the front of the chain when i want that sound (i find hte cali def imparts a sound - its a great sound but its not a transparent compressor like the FEA is).

Only problem with the DE-CL is it may take up to a year to actually buy one if you wait on the list, but they do pop up on reverb every so often.

I do love the Cali character. Just deciding whether to use my Opti-FET as limiter and get a Cali for the front or just get a Keeley for the back. I can afford a Keeley now but will have to wait to get a Cali. I'm scared to sell the FEA coz getting one back could be a task if miss it. I really love the sidechain EQ.

One thing I struggle to understand is how a Cali gives so much snap although it is such a quick attacking comp. To try and imitate that character in an optical comp you need to dial in a slower attack, as a fast attack on an opti looses all the good attacking qualities and character that I love about a Cali.