Just ordered a bass compressor from CME today. Looking forward to getting this since I got rid of my Monocomp.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
New Empress Compressor MKII
- Thread starter crguti
- Start date
I'm now in the camp that prefers the Empress BC over the Cali. I'm not selling the Cali, though.
I just got mine from CME and can confirm that it has the new ribbon cable already installed and works perfectly. I know I’m in the honeymoon phase, but I think this is the one to rule them all. With the colour switch to the right it’s brilliant as a “secret sauce” tone enhancer.
I have both. If you love the Diamond BCP-1 (or Diamond Bass Compressor JR) compared to the CaliCB I suspect you would prefer the BCP-1 to the Empress. The BCP-1 just has this inherent fatness and coloration that you aren't going to get from the Empress Bass Compressor.
That said, the Empress Bass Compressor has a ton of tricks up its sleeve that the BCP-1 lacks. Namely better compression, much better metering, more versatility and control, transparency (if that is what you are looking for), capability of slight OD (with the Tone+Colour switch), etc.
You're talking different flavors of excellent.
I wonder who ended up with your Monocomp?????
Would love to know how the Empress MKII compares! Especially curious if it gets thick/fat and adds the punch like the Monocomp does.
Yeah it's nothing like the Monocomp in my brief stint with it so far. It does add some different vibes with the tone switch but I honestly prefer it straight up. Just sounds better. The Monocomp was great I just got tired of taking up two power outlets on my power supply to run it at 18V. Plus I'm a gear wh*re...so there's that.
The Empress comps are about transparency, by default. That said, MKII users might be able to dial up thick/fat via the tilt EQ. Also, the parallel trick of blending heavy compression with lots of dry signal should get you thickness/punch... but that depends on how you define those terms, I suppose. I haven't tried the Monocomp.
I do always appreciate opinions of those who have actually tried said gear. It's amazing how many people have opinions on gear that they have never tried.
“I’ve never tried the piece of gear you requested an opinion about, but I’m going to give my opinion anyway...”
I love the gear whores! Heck, if I had the money I’d be the biggest one of them all!
Hmm. I just bought a new one and it has the updated ribbon. However, on all 3 of my active/passive basses I get a static sound at -3 (not really a pop but more of a quick static’y sound).
I’ve reached out the Empress last night. Bummer...
I’ve reached out the Empress last night. Bummer...
Mine is working perfectly. Sorry to hear about your static issues, that's a super bummer.
Same here. Mitch said the new ones should be ready in a couple months. I really hope that’s the case because I have too many comps coming and going these days.
Can someone explain if I ordered, there will be a hit or miss with this pedal being faulty. Why are the stores still selling the early problem pedals. Why weren't they sent back. I have the first version empress comp and like it. But the 2nd generation has gotten me intrigued. Or rather I want to buy it but not a faulty one.
Think your only(?) bet would be to try before you buy with the bass you normally use. Otherwise, seems kinda hit or miss on who has a problem and who doesn't (with most not having a problem). If you don't use the compressor up front and have some buffers in your chain, I *think* it's a non-issue no matter what? As a bassist who plays passive instruments who tends to prefer compression up front, I've been waiting for things to be resolved fully before checking one out, but at this point, it's been about a year since release and the fact that the issue still lingers means I'll likely pass entirely on it...but many people are pretty happy with the unit as evidenced in this thread, just not worth it for me to drop that kind of cash and possibly have an issue where turn-around time for fix is still an open question. Compressors aren't the kinds of pedals that I'm willing to go on the ride with buggy development like some more fancy pedals that get regular updates like Zoia or Beebo where I expect there to be bugs and releases and advancements.
If you have concerns, maybe talk to your retailer of choice and say you'd like to buy the pedal, but there is a known issue and if you encounter the issue you want assurance that you can get a refund? It seems like you either have the problem or you don't, not something that would appear in 2 months.
