Help me replace my Trace Elliot SMX Dual Compressor

[DrPieZon]

I've had this compressor pedal since the late 90s (yes, I'm that old). I never used it as an always on effect, but more to deliver extra finger style punch (Ex: Journey-Stone In Love) or to help slap/pop sit better in live mix. Overall, it has served these purposes, but would like something:
1. Smaller, more pedalboard friendly
2. Doesn't seem to roll off the highs and lows as much
3. better signal/noise (this does not have true bypass,)
4. In the $250 or less ballpark (new or used)

I've read a bunch of the Scuba's compressor review thread but just feel overwhelmed with all the options (VCA/FET/Optical, parallel compression, side-chain HPF, ...). Looking for a few to zero in on that fit my needs. TIA

 

[900se]

Two favourites are the Origin Effects Cali76 Bass and the Empress Effects Bass Compressor. The latter is in your price range. It's not a dual band compressor - but the tone switch to boost the high mids may provide that punch.

 

[superheavyfunk]

They may be hard to find but FEA makes both the DB-CL (dual band comp/limit) and the DE-CL (dual engine comp/limit).

If you do come across them (I think there was a DB-CL in the TB classifieds recently), you should be able to get one in your price range

Everything FEA makes is beyond top notch. You can find a ton of reviews on their products here on the forum

 

[Lapicide]

It's back......
Invalid Link Removed

A few updates to it, though I haven't tried it..... yet

- Classic dual band compression for bass guitar applications
- True bypass operation
- Simple single control interface, per band
- Compression has integrated make-up gain for seamless balancing
- Bipolar 18V internal supply from standard 9VDC supply or battery
- Input and Output Gain controls make the DBC adaptable to all types of signal and line level scenarios

 

[Wasnex]

I suggest searching: "multi-band compressor pedal:

This thread might give you some leads: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/multi-band-compression-is-it-really-better.1646697/#post-28345572

EBS Multicomp could be a candidate.

 

[DrPieZon]

Thank you all for the feedback. I do want to add that I'm not married to the need for dual/multi-band compression. It seems the implementation side-chain and/or parallel compression are another solution for better bass compression.

The FAE's look like great compressors, but they still fall on the LARGE size for pedalboard friendly.

Also let me add that I appreciated the "Simple single control interface, per band" of setting up the SMX. The lows and highs had separate but pre-set attack and release values so all you needed to dial in was the ratio you desired 1:1-1:8.
Hi comp: Attack 1ms, Release 70ms
Low comp: Attack 22ms, Release 122ms

The Empress looks like a contender, the Origin probably too much $$$.

The new TE Dual Band!! Wow this could be a winner! But I hope it's not vapor ware.

Thanks all!

 

[DrPieZon]

What are people feeling on the Lusithand Alma MkII and/or Broughton Omnicomp for my needs? I see both available and in my price target in the classifieds.