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What do you look for in a compressor?

#21
quadrogong said:
I'd love to see one co-designed by Bongomania, he'd have to at least test the thing out & give his approval
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I'm working on it with Exar, we should have two new designs out by early next year. FWIW, FEA's dual-band comp-limiter had a lot of input from me, and I recommend it very highly--but it's the opposite of what you want, it has a zillion confusing knobs, and it's expensive. For someone comfortable with knobs though, it's a dream.
 
#23
NortyFiner said:
Given that Spencer seems to have a knack for taking old pedals and bringing out their best in new pedals (Meatball - GR, Mutron - Proton) I would love to see what he could do with the classic Orange Squeezer. :)
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I'm not a fan of the Orange Squeezer. It's ok on guitar if you don't mind some distortion but it really mangles a bass signal. The compressor I'm working on is my own design, using a modified detector circuit from the Proton.
 
#24
alec said:
Wouldn't the fast release mean you can't sustain softer notes?


I don't know much about compressors but I was thinking of this the other day: a dual compressor with a side fx loop so you could provide a strong even signal for octavers etc, and then you could smooth out hard peaks from auto wahs or whatever, with one pedal.

Is that possible or feasible?
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Well, it's more of a medium-fast release, and it allows for a nice sustain without too much breathing.

Your dual compressor idea is possible but a bit outside the scope of what I'm trying to do.
 
#26
I think I'm kinda the opposite of everyone else here. I don't want transparency. To me, compression isn't an always-on thing. It's an effect. I should be able to tell it's on.

I want a compressor capable of a lot of squash, and tons and tons of sustain. And I hate that most compressors "tuned for bass" end up sucking out your highs. If I have to lose highs to keep my lows, then I'm not interested. I guess the majority of bassists go for a muddier tone than I do.
 
#29
I don't want to hijack the thread, but I do not want to start a new one either. SORRY!

Whenever I search for compressor recommendations, They always point out to Bongomania's site. However I don't have access to it, office's smart filter. Don't have a working PC/internet at home.

So what would you recommend as a basic compressor, less than around $100. I have an ATK305 plugged into KORG PB>Swollen Pickle MkII>BF-3>MXR BDI. I play metal, kind of FearFactory/early TOOL/NIN/QOTSA/hatebreed mashed in.

One that would work for now until Spencer releases his new one, in which I hope I already have the extra bucks to spend.

Thanks!
 
#30
I dog the whole Optical layout that you have planned.. I think it preserves the sonic quality in a special way.
Honestly i do not know what attack and release times that i like exactly..It does vary in different basses... since the low notes on a 5 string will give that distortion i was explaining..
I like it to compress slightly without loosing the initial note point.. but I think what i found with the Demeter or any compressor rack or pedal that when the attack is too fast followed by a release that is too fast, .. on low notes of lets say a low B on a string.. you can hear that dull distortion of the compressor in action between the low notes wave.. I think that demeter just neede to slow its release somewhat and that would have gotten rid of the distortion..
I like the fixed idea that you have. It is nice and simple for a pedal that would used on gigging situations,, and able to change up on the fly... So i like that..
But to see what im talking about regarding the distortion, try this.. plug your bass into the compressor, Play a low note on a 5 string.. Lets say Open B....get your threshold to a point that seems comfy or maybe for the fun of it set it so it will compress alot... just for fun....then set attack as fast or slow as you want.... listen closely...set a slow release... and listening closely .. now bring the release time to a faster then to fastest release.. to its fastest setting... as you get faster release you will hit a point where suddenly you hear a warm grainy distortion... That is where the compressor is chopping the note between the note peaks...
So if it is a set compressor it would be good to take that into consideration..





Spencer! said:
The design I'm working on is optical, so it should sound exactly like an LA-2A! :D

I'm actually asking these questions because my only experience is with rackmount studio compressors - I've never really used pedal compressors. I love the LA-2A and the 1176 on bass, and it would be great to get those sounds in a pedal.

What speed attack/release do you like? I'm thinking fixed fast release/adjustable attack on mine.
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#31
Man.. now you tell me.. I bought my Demeter because you did such a good review..:D:D
But at least i got my money back out when i sold it...

bongomania said:
*Silverback gorilla lumbers into the room*

For me, the absolute most critical thing is for a comp to have a linear, easy-to-use threshold control, with an LED or other indicator to show when the signal is over the threshold. The control and the indicator can take a wide range of forms, but when they are missing or inadequate, I am generally not happy (unless the tone by itself is "all that", like with the Effectrode). I've even thought about kicking the Demeter off my top picks list for exactly this reason. It was one of the best in its day, but not any more.

The fact that most comp pedal builders leave off what I consider to be the absolute most important feature of any compressor just baffles and annoys me to no end.

Pursuant to the usefulness of the threshold control and indicator, the input stage should accept a wide range of signals, from the quietest to the loudest (i.e. from a low-output vintage guitar all the way to high-output '90s active bass with a baboon slapping on it).

Everything else is gravy, and all comes down to personal tastes.
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#35
scHism said:
Whenever I search for compressor recommendations, They always point out to Bongomania's site. However I don't have access to it, office's smart filter. Don't have a working PC/internet at home.
So what would you recommend as a basic compressor, less than around $100. I have an ATK305 plugged into KORG PB>Swollen Pickle MkII>BF-3>MXR BDI. I play metal, kind of FearFactory/early TOOL/NIN/QOTSA/hatebreed mashed in.
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Yeah, some office filters think my site is pr0n. Well, if you love twiddling knobs, and being squashed, then I guess it is!

I'd steer you to the DOD Milkbox if you want more tone-fattening and general smoothing, and I'd steer you to a used Boss LMB-3 if you want more peak limiting.
 
#36
@ Bongomania, thanks! I will try to look for a DOD milkbox locally, any alternatives to the milkbox?

The ones that are locally available here are MXR dyna comp, Boss CS-3 EHX, but I can order from a contact that ships from US, but he can only order from websites.

@ stflbn

It would need to be at MF, Samash, or any other online source since I am in the Philippines. Shipping would be an issue for CONUS shippers.


Thanks!
 
#37
I know finding gear can be tough there, but both the Milkbox and the LMB-3 have been around long enough that I bet you could find one locally, second-hand (used).

Are you interested in doing any soldering? Because the BYOC optical compressor is an easy-to-build kit, that can be bought within your budget.
 
#40
I'd like a Rane DC24 in a pedal - even if it was a larger pedal. I use a combo amp - and don't see my self going to a rack rig of any kind any time soon - so anything I get has to be in pedal form.
 

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