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New Empress Compressor MKII

it's been about a year since release
Well, To be precise, it’s been 5 months since the initial preorder was opened up. The first deliveries were made at the end on November so they’ve only been in the wild for less than 4 months.
It’s really easy to tell if the a pedal from the initial run has been updated and I’d be very surprised if the update wasn’t being done on the originals at the dealer level before point of sale. At least, that’s how it would be done normally in my eyes.
 
+1 ^

For everyone I know on this board alone who got a Bass Compressor only a very small number communicated an issue after the fix. Empress will support you regardless.
That is true but there is an inherent problem with the pedal. I have an email from Mitch specifically saying they are working on a mod/redesign to fix the pedal. The ribbon cable is a “band aid” until the BC is fully problem free.

That said, if you’re worried about being stuck with a dead player, don’t because Empress’ customer service is top notch. They’ll make it right regardless of the issue.
 
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Well, To be precise, it’s been 5 months since the initial preorder was opened up. The first deliveries were made at the end on November so they’ve only been in the wild for less than 4 months.
It’s really easy to tell if the a pedal from the initial run has been updated and I’d be very surprised if the update wasn’t being done on the originals at the dealer level before point of sale. At least, that’s how it would be done normally in my eyes.

I stand corrected. I don't thing it is bad advice to tell someone to wait if they have concerns though. If your cell phone had a problem for 4 months after early adopters had bought it, would be front page news and widespread outrage, granted this is pedalz...but a 100% fix is still not out in the wild for those with concerns is the messaging.
 
I stand corrected. I don't thing it is bad advice to tell someone to wait if they have concerns though. If your cell phone had a problem for 4 months after early adopters had bought it, would be front page news and widespread outrage, granted this is pedalz...but a 100% fix is still not out in the wild for those with concerns is the messaging.
I have no issues with the factual truth cosm, it’s all good, I’m just giving the timeline a course correction.
 
I’ve read Empress compressor is very transparent and the mix and HPSC control on new bass compressor make it even more appealing. But how does it compare to Aguilar TLC and Rothwell Love Squeeze in terms of transparency?
 
I can’t compare to those but … there is a whole thread on here just comparing compressors snd either scubaduba or ovnieffects has a whole website dedicated to reviewing and comparing them.

Im going to guess it’s more transparent as it is known as one of the most transparent comps out there (unless you use the t/c switch).
 
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Just a quick update on the Bass Compressors - We are still waiting for parts but I think we should have more compressors going to dealers in 4-6 weeks. Building things is hard right now, we never expected to be out of stock like this! If you have a BC from the initial run, already swapped the ribbon cable on the BC and still have noise we can fix the pedal, it just requires you sending it in. Email [email protected] if you still have noise after the fix and want to arrange that.
 
I’ve read Empress compressor is very transparent and the mix and HPSC control on new bass compressor make it even more appealing. But how does it compare to Aguilar TLC and Rothwell Love Squeeze in terms of transparency?

If you can spring for it and don't mind the extra controls, I'd recommend the Empress Bass compressor before the Love Squeeze and TLC. I really do like the Love Squeeze for its sound and simplicity. I think the Empress is a much better option than the TLC.
 
I picked up a Bass Comp today and immediately shipped it to Empress. I’ll keep everyone updated on my findings once I get it back in my hands.

For those on the fence on whether to send it back or not, there’s no reason to hesitate. Just email the support email above and the rest is cake. Mitch responded fast, quickly approved my repair order and got things moving. Once again, Mitch is a class act!
 
Just a quick update on the Bass Compressors - We are still waiting for parts but I think we should have more compressors going to dealers in 4-6 weeks. Building things is hard right now, we never expected to be out of stock like this! If you have a BC from the initial run, already swapped the ribbon cable on the BC and still have noise we can fix the pedal, it just requires you sending it in. Email [email protected] if you still have noise after the fix and want to arrange that.
Is that release window of late June - early July still looking good? And will they also be sold directly from your website, in addition to being sent to dealers? Thanks! Looking forward to getting one.
 
Is that release window of late June - early July still looking good? And will they also be sold directly from your website, in addition to being sent to dealers? Thanks! Looking forward to getting one.

We are building new MKIIs right now but still waiting on parts on Bass Compressors. I think mid-July we will start shipping out bass comps but it is hard to give an exact date until the parts arrive. We have a pretty large dealer backorder so we will ship out to dealers first before offering them on our website. Let me know if you have any other questions!
 
It has arrived! I'll let everyone know how it sounds tonight!

DSC07659.JPG
 
We are building new MKIIs right now but still waiting on parts on Bass Compressors. I think mid-July we will start shipping out bass comps but it is hard to give an exact date until the parts arrive. We have a pretty large dealer backorder so we will ship out to dealers first before offering them on our website. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I became interested in the Empress Bass Compressor last December and ordered one through my local music store. Little did I know I’d still be waiting for it to arrive 6 months later.

However, I must give kudos to Empress for responding to a reported issue with the units they shipped, choosing to stop production of additional new units, and taking care of current owners prior to resuming production for new sales. That is putting customer service first.

I’ll take a deep breath and continue to wait patiently for mine to arrive :-)
 
After much testing, I have found the Bass Comp to still make the static noise. This is after the replacement ribbon cable and the values of two resistors being changed by Empress. The -14 and -18 Input LEDs make the noise now. All of the Gain Reduction LEDs are dead silent though. Overall, the static noise is significantly quieter than before but unfortunately it's still there.