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Markbass compressore??

#61
Compressors intrigue me, but I don't know what they are used for or if I need one. I was messing with a compression unit at my local guitar shop today(don't remember what brand, it was green and kinda wide)*. It didn't seem to really do anything. Guess I need to read bongo's FAQ...

*Edit: It was a Rocktron Big Crush
 
#68
Hi all,

I recently bought this wonderful unit, and I must say I'm very happy with it! I spent all night playing with it :)

I must admit I don't have any kind of experience with hardware compressors, I only used software until now, but this Compressore has really put a smile on my face when practicing/playing!

But, to my surprise, when I woke up this morning, I passed by the Compressore and I've noticed the tube still lit up and I started to worry. Is this normal? I mean, I left the unit plugged in, but turned off from the foot-switch. It seems that the unit is still warm, like it's still working (and yes, it had a couple of hours of sleep time). Do I have to worry about that? Sorry if these questions sound really stupid, but I'd really appreciate it if you can clear this for me, thank you very much!

P.S. I'm new to this forum, this is my first post, although I've been reading this forum for some time now and I wanna thank you all for sharing information about this compressor, and many thanks to Bongomania, because of his review I bought this unit, and I don't regret a thing!
 
#70
wolfydolf said:
Hi all,

I recently bought this wonderful unit, and I must say I'm very happy with it! I spent all night playing with it :)

I must admit I don't have any kind of experience with hardware compressors, I only used software until now, but this Compressore has really put a smile on my face when practicing/playing!

But, to my surprise, when I woke up this morning, I passed by the Compressore and I've noticed the tube still lit up and I started to worry. Is this normal? I mean, I left the unit plugged in, but turned off from the foot-switch. It seems that the unit is still warm, like it's still working (and yes, it had a couple of hours of sleep time). Do I have to worry about that? Sorry if these questions sound really stupid, but I'd really appreciate it if you can clear this for me, thank you very much!

P.S. I'm new to this forum, this is my first post, although I've been reading this forum for some time now and I wanna thank you all for sharing information about this compressor, and many thanks to Bongomania, because of his review I bought this unit, and I don't regret a thing!
Click to expand...

You may have shortened the lifetime of your Tube a bit, but other than that it shouldn't be an issue.
 
#71
Smallequestrian said:
You may have shortened the lifetime of your Tube a bit, but other than that it shouldn't be an issue.
Click to expand...

Thanks Smallequestrian for the response.

Oh man, does that mean that I should unplug the compressor every time I'm finished with it? It would've been so nice if it had an ON/OFF switch or something :)

By the way, what do you think, how much will the tube inside it going to last? (approximately of course)
 
#72
In general terms, the "shortened a bit" there is theoretical and immeasurable--that is to say, it's true technically, but there's no way of knowing whether that "bit" is one minute shorter life, or one day, or one year shorter. Preamp tubes can last anywhere from a few years to several decades, even under steady use. It's kind of random. Again speaking generally, you can expect in most cases that a preamp tube will never need to be replaced in the lifetime of your use of the equipment. Only in odd cases will a preamp tube go bad.

So on the one hand yes, theoretically, the tube may last longer if you unplug the pedal when not in use. OTOH, there's really no way to know what the result will actually be---how long the tube would have lasted anyway versus how long it would last if it's left plugged in.

There are actually some recording studios where they leave all of their vintage tube equipment switched on 24/7, because they feel the voltage spikes from switching on/off several times a day, plus the heating up and cooling down each time, actually has a negative effect on the stability and performance of the vintage components.
 
#77
Hey Bongo, just noticed they have your review for the Compressore up on the MB website.

I'm taking a long look at this, the form factor isn't conducive to my pedal boards size... but. so. many. good. reviews. :ninja:
 
#78
There are actually some recording studios where they leave all of their vintage tube equipment switched on 24/7, because they feel the voltage spikes from switching on/off several times a day, plus the heating up and cooling down each time, actually has a negative effect on the stability and performance of the vintage components.
Click to expand...

I have worked for 4 very large studios back in the day (twin 24 track analog) and all of them left the gear on 24/7 including SS rack gear and consoles.

There was an article in Mix Magazine that polled a bunch of the manufacturers as well as techs and they all agreed that other that the cost of the elctricity was nothing compared to the increased repairs from start up spikes. In addition to the power cost from the gear, most of these studios would have to air condition the control rooms all year as the gear put out so much heat.

Not sure how this works out in the digital age.
 
#80
bongomania said:
In general terms, the "shortened a bit" there is theoretical and immeasurable--that is to say, it's true technically, but there's no way of knowing whether that "bit" is one minute shorter life, or one day, or one year shorter. Preamp tubes can last anywhere from a few years to several decades, even under steady use. It's kind of random. Again speaking generally, you can expect in most cases that a preamp tube will never need to be replaced in the lifetime of your use of the equipment. Only in odd cases will a preamp tube go bad.

So on the one hand yes, theoretically, the tube may last longer if you unplug the pedal when not in use. OTOH, there's really no way to know what the result will actually be---how long the tube would have lasted anyway versus how long it would last if it's left plugged in.

There are actually some recording studios where they leave all of their vintage tube equipment switched on 24/7, because they feel the voltage spikes from switching on/off several times a day, plus the heating up and cooling down each time, actually has a negative effect on the stability and performance of the vintage components.
Click to expand...

I understand what you are saying about the life of tubes. Once when I was in a hospital there was an old Bogen amp at the unit used to call doctors, nurses and just general announcements. Not sure how many tubes in that amp but I know its an old one. I said to the doctor when did you get that amp. He said I don't know but I have been here 14 years and I don't think it was ever shut off.
 

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