T-Rex Squeezer compressor (tube driven)

[RoyalBlues]

Hi,
I've been considering buying a compressor for a while, and i stumbled upon the t-rex squeezer not too long ago.

I like the fact that it has 6 knobs, so i can tweak it to my exact liking, BUT i was wondering:
Will the built in tube do anything for me, since i play through a solid state amp?
The fact that it has a tube in there looks cool and really appeals to me, but i don't intend to spend that kind of money when it won't actually add to my sound...

what do you guys think?

 

[Hobobob]

The thing about the T-Rex is that the tube doesn't do any real compressing. It's an optical comp (IIRC) with a tube gain stage. Personally, I'd go for the Markbass Compressore for a tube comp. Check out www.ovnilab.com for more details on both.

 

[RoyalBlues]

That was actually really helpful, will definitely look into that Markbass.
The search continues!!

 

[Hobobob]

Admittedly I'm a little biased since the markbass is on my own GAS list, but if you want tubey I don't think you can get much better in a pedal.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I've used the Trex Squeezer for 6 yrs, and yes, it will certainly give your SS amp a little tubey sound, if that's what you want. It's also a very nice compressor with full control over every aspect of the compression. Also, it's much less money now than it was when I bought mine, (almost $400).

 

[SpruceGoose54]

I have the Markbass Compressore and it does add warmth to your sound. It makes the SS amps at rehearsal studios sound much better and less sterile. It'll add alot to your sound even if you just leave it on and it's not actively compressing a large input signal. Only negative is its size and 12v needs. And the blue light that signifies its on is blinding in a dark stage setting.

 

[RCCollins]

The tube might not be in the compressor circuit, but any tube drive also compresses your signal.

 

[RoyalBlues]

The size and the fact that it needs a 12v power supply aren't really an issue for me, so i'm kinda leaning towards the compressore atm.
Besides adding a warmer, more tubey sound to my SS setup, is it correct that the tube compression will be 'less harsh' than for example an mxr m87, dynacomp etc..?

 

[MoeTown1986]

Just adding my .02¢. I haven't played a trex or a markbass compressor, but the EBS Multicomp adds quite a bit of tubeyish warmth to my GK. it also makes my effects sound awesome!

 

[Le Basseur]

The thing about the T-Rex is that the tube doesn't do any real compressing. It's an optical comp (IIRC) with a tube gain stage.

The Squeezer has no "optics" inside.Regarding the compression itself,it uses THAT 4320 , LM393D and THAT340 chips.A special mention for the first enumerated.
The 12AX7 (in fact,a half of it - the second triode is inactive) tube sits at the very end of the signal chain (right before the output level pot) and is configured as a most common anode follower,drawing a merely 09-1.1 mA.The tube's working point assures a good linearity,low distortions,longer lifespan AND a rather moderately cool glass temperature.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

The size and the fact that it needs a 12v power supply aren't really an issue for me, so i'm kinda leaning towards the compressore atm.
Besides adding a warmer, more tubey sound to my SS setup, is it correct that the tube compression will be 'less harsh' than for example an mxr m87, dynacomp etc..?

I haven't actually tried real tube comp but I believe it's one of the oldest most subtle forms of compression, I have a digital comp pedal and the tube setting is only 1:1 comp ratio which is much lower then most modern stuff.

So it should be smoother I would imagine, more of a subtle "warm" sound then some modern higher ratio compressors. In the end it really matters how you use the compression though I would think.