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Trace Elliot SMX Compressor manual?

#21
Tomass said:
My only points against it are the input and output jacks are on the wrong side and the requirement for 2 9volt batterys
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I think that the SMX that I got from Tom Bowlus (or was it the one I got from bthrem?) had the TE wall wart battery eliminator. I use generic "universal" wall warts for the other two . . .

FWIW, one of them stays with the band's equipment, and the other two stay at the studio where I work . . .


And you're RIGHT about the "in" and "out" being reversed . . . but I don't use it on the floor, so it doesn't really matter. It sits on top of the amp, next to the tuner. so, it's no biggie . . .
 
#23
I've had one of these compressors lying around for quite a while now, but I just can't seem to get to grips with it.
Maybe you guys can tell me what settings you're using it with.
The rest of my setup consist of: fender jazz deluxe V, trace elliot V-type 300H amp and trace elliot 1248H cab.
Every time is use it, it just seems to suck out the lows, especially on my low B.
I've tried it in my effects loop and on the front end of mys system.
Right now I'm using a a :hiding: behringer MDX2600 :hiding: , which gives me a fierce low end, but seems to suck out some of the mid which i like for cutting through.
 
#24
deaf pea said:
I don't know . . . I think that they are DEFINITELY worth whatever they cost now. The Ashdown version (designed by the same guys?) doesn't really cut it, IMO (AND in the opinion of a lot of the guys here).

BTW, I've got THREE TE SMX Dual Compressor Pedals! And NONE of them are for sale . . .
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I agree 100%. I won't gig without mine. I've got two of them and three power supplies now.

The input and output jacks on the first one are tweaked and crackle loudly when the cable moves. Does anybody think that is fixable?

My second one is NOS. Its so fresh its hard to plug the cables in :bassist:

You guys can keep you mulitcomps and compulators, and the ashdown is a joke. The SMX is the only stomp box comp that works for me. I think you just can't compress bass on 9v, you need 18.

When this NOS one dies (in 5 or 10 years) I guess I'll have to cut over to rack gear :(
 
#25
As much as I like the EBS and Demeter, I agree about the voltage. Higher-voltage systems seem make a huge difference in the overall signal-noise ratio and reduction of artifacts (although certain types of artifacts can be very cool sounding). Fletcher at Mercenary expressed the same idea in an email to me as well, and he seems to know a bit about it. ;)
 
#27
bongomania said:
OK, so one just popped up on Ebay a couple hours ago... I'm probably going to bid up to around $150 or 160.
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OK, thanks to the sharp eyes of TB'er Zeemno, I was able to score one of these pedals off Craigslist for a better price (although it's still "in the mail"), so I will not be bidding so aggressively on this Ebay one after all. I may still bid on it :ninja:, but I just wanted to let any of you who is hot to win one know that I won't be bidding so high. And if I do win it, my earlier offer still stands. :)
 
#30
pickles said:
I agree 100%. I won't gig without mine. I've got two of them and three power supplies now.
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Interested in selling one of your power supplies?


pickles said:
The input and output jacks on the first one are tweaked and crackle loudly when the cable moves. Does anybody think that is fixable?
Click to expand...

Definitely fixable . . .
if you've got the skills, OK. But if not, hire a GOOD techie to check the I/O connector's solder joints AND have him/her adjust the connector contact tension, too.
 
#31
I'm working on it. There are some comps I feel I can understand and review in an hour or two, and there are some that require more careful attention. The SMX needs a little more attention. :)

However I can say it really does sound excellent so far. My only gripes at this point are that the x-over point is not selectable, and the noise floor is just a tad higher than I'd like. But it's definitely a contender!
 
#32
deaf pea said:
Interested in selling one of your power supplies?
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Negative :D I'm hoarding trace comp gear, since I have not heard of any plans for a reissue of the pedal.

deaf pea said:
Definitely fixable . . .
if you've got the skills, OK. But if not, hire a GOOD techie to check the I/O connector's solder joints AND have him/her adjust the connector contact tension, too.
Click to expand...

The problem is finding a good tech. Any suggestions in southern California?
 
#33
bongomania said:
However I can say it really does sound excellent so far. My only gripes at this point are that the x-over point is not selectable, and the noise floor is just a tad higher than I'd like. But it's definitely a contender!
Click to expand...

Wait till you try it with a full band ... it really makes bass sit well in the mix. Boom is gone and replaced with fat punch.

Make sure you're getting a bit of red LED on your hardest notes ... gain staging makes a big difference on noise. But I don't use the trace pedal in the studio, just live, and the noise floor is more than adequate for live use.

For a studio quality version of the SMX, get a Rane DC24.
 
#34
Oh yeah, the other annoyance is that the DC jack is not the same size as the "Boss type", so I can't use the connectors I have for my Voodoo PPII. Also, the battery connectors are not the usual snap type, so I can't use battery snap connectors either. Assuming I keep this pedal, I'm going to have to figure out what dimensions of plug will work, and custom make an adapter cable.
 
#39
wow amazing how this thread went away from the topic of manual and now started onto Trace Elliot SMX appreication thread. Btw im still loving this pedal, its got a pernament spot on the top of my head. Still cant find a reasonble priced power supplie as of yet.
 
#40
freakin good compressor indeed.

why the hell are trace not makin a new one these days? they should have the plans from back then?

the ashdown copy is not very well received as i see. a friend of mine tried one and sent it back.
 

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