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NPD: Ampeg Opto Comp

-Shaun-

-Shaun-

Feb 10, 2018
133
820
New Zealand
#1
After 16 years of playing, this is only my second pedal and my first foray into compression. The first pedal was an OC-2, bought last year.

I'd been looking for a simple compression pedal that didn't colour my sound too much, was easy to use, and was a nice "always-on" compressor for smoothing out my signal, both for my clean sound and for sending to the OC-2. After getting increasingly confused in the ocean of compression, I came across the Opto Comp online, just yesterday. I read a bunch of reviews and watched clips. It seemed like exactly what I was looking for. I did a quick search and found that there was one in my local music shop. I went around and tested it out this morning, and ended up bringing it home.

It does colour my tone ever so slightly, but in a good way. A little woolier, I guess. I don't want to call it 'vintage', but it's certainly warm. Like I said, I'm totally new to compression, so I'm not too sure how to explain this. It sounds sweet on its own, and before the OC-2. After playing for a while, it's easy to start thinking "Is this actually doing anything?". Turn it off... Oh yeah, it's working.

It's very easy to use compared to, say the Aguilar TLC, and at that price, how can anyone say no?

One happy customer here. I always look forward to Wednesday night rehearsal, but now I can't wait :hyper:
20200712_184814.jpg
 
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#4
Congrats to the OP on the new pedal. I currently run an Ampeg Scrambler & Liquifier with the Scrambler always on for a subtle OD. Not finding as much use for the Liquifier though.

Can someone explain to a compressor newb what it does and how best to use it, the Opto comp in particular?

Thanks in advance.
 
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#5
2saddleslab said:
Congrats to the OP on the new pedal. I currently run an Ampeg Scrambler & Liquifier with the Scrambler always on for a subtle OD. Not finding as much use for the Liquifier though.

Can someone explain to a compressor newb what it does and how best to use it, the Opto comp in particular?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I can't explain anything better than the two following links.

Onvilab compressor FAQs:
Compressor and Audio Gear FAQ

Ampeg Opto Comp review:
Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more
 
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#6
After deciding on a Keeley Bassist, I ended up with an Ampeg Opto Comp for budget reasons (I was buying multiple pedals, and my wife was already very generous with my budget- I wasn't going to ask for a cent more). I mostly wanted something that could keep things more consistent between finger/pick playing and to help tame overzealous effects. I like that it has the compression light so I can see when it's starting to kick on so I'm more aware of what "boosts" my signal. I run a VT DI, so the tone coloring is in a same ball park as the VT, so I don't notice it that much. But overall it does what I need it to and stays out of the way otherwise. I might end up with a Bassist someday since I like that it's transparent and is more of a limiter, but I'm satisfied for now. Anyway, all that to say nice choice!
 
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#8
I abruptly gave up compression years ago, but kind of got the fever to try it again about a year and a half ago. Bought a couple, busted out a couple I already had, and one turned out decent but wasn't quite pleasing me so I dropped it. Then last Christmas, Dino sent me an Opto Comp, and I'm not saying this at all because I'm an Ampeg endorser...man, is it good! I can only use it set barely on, and anything more than that is way too much for me, but it's a really nice one at that low setting.
 
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#9
Just got back from rehearsal. I just left it on the whole time. I use a little more than you, Jimmy. Around 11:00. Much more than that feels like too much. It made some of my keyboard-inspired bass lines with the OC-2 just so much smoother and fatter. I can't picture a situation in which I wouldn't use it!
 
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#10
Had the ampeg opto.
I like the boss lmb-3 better in a band or live.
But I very rarely use a comp. But when it's called for ill use whatever works to make the band and song sound better.

Its not about you. Its about the song.

My 2 cents.
 
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