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MXR M87 v. Aguilar TLC PLEASE HELP!

#61
So, if one were to want limiting to keep the volume of various pedals in unity or to keep the E string the same volume as the G string, AND they want compression to color the sound to be richer and more tube-like, AND they want something that runs standard pedal voltage (bye Compressore), which pedal is the solution?
 
#63
Have a dbx 160 a and a mxr m87.. tried the mxr once or twice.. cant seem to get it right.. the dbx seems fine is just a little too much to move and set up.. am curious about the FEA and Empress units Have been experimenting with running the DBX in effects loop of USA Made 2006 svt CL (TRS in and out of course) seems to be quieter when ran that way..
 
#64
I've owned several comp pedals that have been darlings around here except for the FEA. Honestly, I just can't bring myself to like the looks and design of those pedals. I have owned the Maxon, EBS, Compulator, M87, TLC, Punch Factory, along with a few different rackmount dbx compressors. Of course, the dbx compressors are fantastic though they can be a bit too aggressive on the lower notes.

The TLC is my favorite by far, even over the M87 which I thought I loved at first, but then quickly found out just didn't behave very smoothly. When you push it to really control spikes and peaks, it becomes to squishy and starts pumping a little bit which I can't stand.

The TLC is the best compressor I've ever experienced in a pedal by far. There is absolutely nothing more that I need from a compressor. It's not too aggressive on the low notes at all, and the knobs actually perform meaningful things to how the compressor responds. Even better, it's an Aguilar so it matches up next to the stellar Tone Hammer pedal very nicely.
 
#65
Eublet said:
I've owned several comp pedals that have been darlings around here except for the FEA. Honestly, I just can't bring myself to like the looks and design of those pedals. I have owned the Maxon, EBS, Compulator, M87, TLC, Punch Factory, along with a few different rackmount dbx compressors. Of course, the dbx compressors are fantastic though they can be a bit too aggressive on the lower notes.

The TLC is my favorite by far, even over the M87 which I thought I loved at first, but then quickly found out just didn't behave very smoothly. When you push it to really control spikes and peaks, it becomes to squishy and starts pumping a little bit which I can't stand.

The TLC is the best compressor I've ever experienced in a pedal by far. There is absolutely nothing more that I need from a compressor. It's not too aggressive on the low notes at all, and the knobs actually perform meaningful things to how the compressor responds. Even better, it's an Aguilar so it matches up next to the stellar Tone Hammer pedal very nicely.
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I ultimately settled on the TLC as well but the pedal that I feel beat it out is te Empress. It's my main pedal comp however I still really like the TLC for its sonic signature and have kept it on my secondary board using it in a variety of different bands and genres. It never leaves me wanting for anything. New users would probably benefit from having some form of visual reference when the pedal is reducing gain. That would be my only nit pick for the TLC.
 
#66
MuthaFunk said:
I ultimately settled on the TLC as well but the pedal that I feel beat it out is te Empress. It's my main pedal comp however I still really like the TLC for its sonic signature and have kept it on my secondary board using it in a variety of different bands and genres. It never leaves me wanting for anything. New users would probably benefit from having some form of visual reference when the pedal is reducing gain. That would be my only nit pick for the TLC.
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Agreed. My one gripe about the Empress is...wall art only.
 
#69
MoWBass said:
I am agressive pick style player, like litle OD, fast and mid tempo metal, hardocore, rock songs. Low BEAD Tunning.
For what i´ve been reading i think it is more the limiter kind of compressor i might be needing. So if i a understanding ok it should be the MXR M87 right?
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On paper, the TLC should function better as a limiter since it can be set to infinity, while the M87 only goes up to 20x. Only way to know for sure is to try them both and see which you like best.
 

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