jacoby75
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- Mar 11, 2010
- 5,661
- 10,716
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- Endorsing Artist: Mike Lull Custom Guitars, DR Strings
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OVNIFX Smoothie Compressor
- Thread starter boomertech
- Start date
For what purpose are you looking for a compressor? Are you OK with more controls for the added benefit of versatility?
Short answer: The Smoothie and Diamond are great comps. Answers to the above will help narrow down.
I already have a bass comp (large format) but, I was looking to replace it with a jr. version when it crossed my way the smoothie.
I love the sound and color of my diamond, but those smoothies looks delicious. Not sure how it compares to diamond bass comp.
I love the sound and color of my diamond, but those smoothies looks delicious. Not sure how it compares to diamond bass comp.
jacoby75
Supporting Member
- Mar 11, 2010
- 5,661
- 10,716
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Mike Lull Custom Guitars, DR Strings
I never had a Diamond, but they are highly regarded. I did have one of the newer Smoothies, though, and it's a really, really good one. I think I sold it when I got the Cali76CB, but you really couldn't go wrong with either. But then I sold the Cali when I got the Broughton Omnicomp, and you really couldn't go wrong with any of them.
So you like the sound and color of your Diamond. Hmm. What about the compression performance of the Diamond?
In my humble opinion, it’s really hard to judge a compressor on its own without hearing it interact within your entire signal chain (active/passive bass, effects, preamps, amp, DI’s). For me, the Diamond, Empress, Older Omni, Opto Omni, and Cali76CB are all great compressors (so are many others). Right now, the signal chain of parts P bass (passive Lollar pickups), Broughton BBA, Cali76CB or Broughton Omnicomp, and Noble DI to Front of House and In ear monitors is working well to please the band leader, band, and sound man.
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Looks like OVNI is out of business. The good news is Diamond released a new version Bass Comp EQ. It smooths out my 3 passive bass guitars, Fender precision and jazz, Squier early 1950s single-coil precision. I really like the baked-in warmth, the simple but effective one-knob compression dial, and simple but also powerful eq. Beautiful design.
The new Empress bass compressor is very different. All the compression controls are there, including the elaborate LED meter. I don’t like its tone however, a bit lifeless. There is a tone switch that brings it to life, adds a low-mid scoop or high-mid bump along with a bright subtle harmonic distortion. Sounds great on its own but a bit harsh in a mix, for me and my guitars anyway. Maybe darker humbucker bass guitars would work better.
The recent Broughton Omnicomp also has all the compression controls but no eq. However I get a nice round tone from it.
So in order of preference:
1. Diamond
2. Broughton
3. Empress
The new Empress bass compressor is very different. All the compression controls are there, including the elaborate LED meter. I don’t like its tone however, a bit lifeless. There is a tone switch that brings it to life, adds a low-mid scoop or high-mid bump along with a bright subtle harmonic distortion. Sounds great on its own but a bit harsh in a mix, for me and my guitars anyway. Maybe darker humbucker bass guitars would work better.
The recent Broughton Omnicomp also has all the compression controls but no eq. However I get a nice round tone from it.
So in order of preference:
1. Diamond
2. Broughton
3. Empress
