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Need new compressor

#21
bdplaid said:
Please suggest a compressor. I've been all over bongomania's site and postings, but still... can't really tell from that.

I sort of like the zoom B3 but the whole pedal muddies the overall tone so it's not useful, don't like the M87, don't like the pigtronix, don't like the EBS, kind of like the Boss comp/sus, ... what I'm after:

I'd love to find a pedal that provides ever-increasing compression based on the strength of the input signal - the louder the signal, the higher the comp ratio. light signals = 1:1 or 1:2 or thereabouts, blasting signals = 10:1 or even infinity:1. Never seen one of these. Also would like a tone control, what I like about the Zoom is that it seems to bring out the high end and clarity. but even so, having it out of the mix sounds better overall.

thx,
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I use the old discontinued boss cs-2. It's not a super transparent compressor but that's ok because I like the color that it does add for my rock/metal band. Btw I did NOT like the current boss cs-3 as much. Theres free samples of a recording i did with it here.

Red Sky Constellation - EP by Nephilym
Link Removed

Also be sure to check out Juans stuff. He plays very different styles so you see how versitile it can be.

 
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#23
one word...

Keeley...




IMG_4814.JPG
 
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#31
orange joe said:
I found this quite helpful with my selection Compressor and Audio Gear FAQ
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I read that. and you should know, I used to own a sound company, so I know what a compressor does and how it works. But that's not to say I get how the new pedals work. If I had a rack, I'd be using a dbx 160. but I'm looking for small and awesome. and cheap. well, 2 out of three... :) actually I'd like to keep this in the 150's-ish, but the boutique stuff seems to make that less possible. and i should say I'm not a fan of boutique stuff.

I've tried the Keeley stuff and it leaves me cold - I'm not sure why, it's good, but I think i don't like how transparent it is - it sounds "clinical" to me. I know the ones I've tried really seemed geared towards guitar.

I think I'm not sure what I want, I was thinking that an ever-increasing ratio might be a cool thing if it exists.

I think I want some coloration that brings out upper mid harmonics, something to "de-mud" what compressors sometimes do. I tried a dual-band, but can't seem to dial them in. in this regard, the EBS pedal was interesting, though. I know that at one point, it was squashing the bejesus out of my signal but I wasn't getting any extra sustain about of it. I liked the "tubeism" mode, even though that's the opposite of what I'd eventually want this box to do. the EBS was not bad at all, but for $200, not what I'm after.

I'm eying the tech21 pedal that has yet to hit the streets, but don't know about it's sounds. I do know I like Tech21 stuff, though.

I have a Seymour Duncan on the way; the blend looks interesting. And just for a goof, I also ordered a behringer. I know, I know... I'm not serious about it, but for $25 I couldn't resist.
 
#33
After reading the entire thread I would suggest picking up a used markbass compressore. I don't have a tremendous amount of experience with compressors but have kept the markbass on my board, usually in the on position, for over four years.
I play a variety of basses, both active and passive, and have no trouble dialing in the markbass compressore. It's big and takes up a lot of real estate on my pedaltrain jr. and I would get a larger board before getting a different compressor. Try to get one with a power supply as many on board power supplies, including the voodoo and the bbe supa charger, won't safely and effectively push it. Their is a t-rex power supply that could pull it off but I forget if it's the chameleon or another model they make.
 
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#35
Just received the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass compressor. Ironically, It's pretty noisy, exactly the opposite of what's needed in the studio. Otherwise it's just OK, the blend knob is great, best thing about it. The range switch is not especially evident, although I can hear subtle differences. I think it needs a threshold knob - the Compression control alone doesn't really make it. Overall, I give it a meh. For $169 bucks. it's thumbs down.
 
#37
LOVE my Empress Compressor. Given the quality, the price is very reasonable.


The Origin Cali 76 is on my wish list, but it's spendy and I've blown my gear budget for 2015. The FEA comps are also on my list, but they are also spendy, and I hear that they are hard to find: waiting list or something. But really, the Empress works so well for me that I'm in no hurry to buy a higher-end comp.


I owned the Diamond BCP1 for awhile: sounds great and is simple to use, but I returned it because it did not play well with my hotter active basses. On that note, I will probably get the OvniFX Smoothie at some point: the design is currently being updated to better handle hot active basses. I figure it'll be nice to have a second comp in my pedal collection, maybe try it in series with the Empress.
 
#38
bdplaid said:
Just received the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass compressor. Ironically, It's pretty noisy, exactly the opposite of what's needed in the studio. Otherwise it's just OK, the blend knob is great, best thing about it. The range switch is not especially evident, although I can hear subtle differences. I think it needs a threshold knob - the Compression control alone doesn't really make it. Overall, I give it a meh. For $169 bucks. it's thumbs down.
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Do you have the sustain knob maxxed out? Or is your copy out of spec?
 

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