Can the Spectra Comp emulate other known compressors?

franvarin

franvarin

May 30, 2013
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#1
So, I have a question for the users of the Spectra Comp. I've done some searches on TB and taken a look at a bunch of reviews and video and the pedal has caught my eye. I'm currently using an MXR Bass Compressor and while I do not have any complaints about it I recently heard an FEA Labs Opti-Fet. I loved the big warm sound that it gave to the bass tone which is something I've been after for quite a while. It reminded me of a warm tube amp with a ton of head room. So, it got me thinking, if the Spectra Comp is so customizable, is it possible to emulate certain compressors like the FEA Labs? Can the parameters be tweaked to do that.

Also, I saw that TC Electronic is release the Spectra Drive which includes a Spectra Comp and it looks like the drive can be engaged/disengaged seperate from the compressor. This also sounds like something I'd be interested in. But, same questions looms regarding the comrpessor.

Thanks in advance for any insight from those who are using the Spectra Comp, much appreciated!
 
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#2
franvarin said:
So, I have a question for the users of the Spectra Comp. I've done some searches on TB and taken a look at a bunch of reviews and video and the pedal has caught my eye. I'm currently using an MXR Bass Compressor and while I do not have any complaints about it I recently heard an FEA Labs Opti-Fet. I loved the big warm sound that it gave to the bass tone which is something I've been after for quite a while. It reminded me of a warm tube amp with a ton of head room. So, it got me thinking, if the Spectra Comp is so customizable, is it possible to emulate certain compressors like the FEA Labs? Can the parameters be tweaked to do that.

Also, I saw that TC Electronic is release the Spectra comp which includes a Spectra Comp and it looks like the drive can be engaged/disengaged seperate from the compressor. This also sounds like something I'd be interested in. But, same questions looms regarding the comrpessor.

Thanks in advance for any insight from those who are using the Spectra Comp, much appreciated!
Click to expand...
The trick here is how well you may understand and can implement the unbelievable amount of parameters available on the editor. There are so many parameters on offer (including EQ!) that, if you know the values of those parameters you're trying to match on the given compressor, the Spectacomp could probably do a great impression of pretty much any compressor.

I have two Spectracomps. One permanently on my main board (always on), and one for practice, rehearsals and gigs where I don't need my main board.
The editor is phenomenal, but I find Janek Guizdalla's "Chordal Comp" Tone Print does everything I need.
 
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#3
PhatBasstard said:
The trick here is how well you may understand and can implement the unbelievable amount of parameters available on the editor. There are so many parameters on offer (including EQ!) that, if you know the values of those parameters you're trying to match on the given compressor, the Spectacomp could probably do a great impression of pretty much any compressor.

I have two Spectracomps. One permanently on my main board (always on), and one for practice, rehearsals and gigs where I don't need my main board.
The editor is phenomenal, but I find Janek Guizdalla's "Chordal Comp" Tone Print does everything I need.
Click to expand...

Yes, I understand what you're getting at. I've had a couple of the TC toneprint pedals. it can very quickly get frustrating tweaking parameters. What I find a little unsettling is that the pedal seems to be somewhat of a chameleon. By that I mean it can completely change (like other digital pedals) so, it really is hard to know what it's capabilities and limitations really are. With an analog pedal, I've found there are very specific boundaries that they all work within. So, that means it's hard to know if the pedal would really do what I hope to achieve. Let's face it, TC is not about to call every customer in to do a custom toneprint! LOL. :)
 
#4
franvarin said:
Yes, I understand what you're getting at. I've had a couple of the TC toneprint pedals. it can very quickly get frustrating tweaking parameters. What I find a little unsettling is that the pedal seems to be somewhat of a chameleon. By that I mean it can completely change (like other digital pedals) so, it really is hard to know what it's capabilities and limitations really are. With an analog pedal, I've found there are very specific boundaries that they all work within. So, that means it's hard to know if the pedal would really do what I hope to achieve. Let's face it, TC is not about to call every customer in to do a custom toneprint! LOL. :)
Click to expand...
I guess the short version of my answer is:
The editor is sooooooo extensive in parameters, I don't see it not being able to ape pretty much any compressor.
Assuming you have the roadmap/blueprint of the parameters you're trying to match.
 
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#5
New to the pedal and editor here. It probably can emulate classic units but I don't think the available presets do so. Or they don't seem to be described as such. You would probably have to tweak it yourself and as its already been mentioned, there's a lot of parameters in the software.
 
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#9
Bassbeater said:
Does the SC still lose custom patches with pedal board power supplies?
Click to expand...
You should update the firmware. This solved the issue with both of mine.
Many un-updated Spectracomps will lose ANY settings when powered off (including Toneprints).
The link for the latest firmware is listed earlier in this thread.
Or you can get it done on the TC site.
 
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#11
Ok last SC question, I promise!
When using the editor, does the compressor function and update the edits in real time?
For example is it possible to put a bass loop on the input and listen to the effect working while making changes with the editor?
Thanks!
 
#12
Bassbeater said:
Ok last SC question, I promise!
When using the editor, does the compressor function and update the edits in real time?
For example is it possible to put a bass loop on the input and listen to the effect working while making changes with the editor?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Yup! I just had it plugged into a small rig, a USB to my laptop and my bass in my lap. I'd play and move the various sliders until I got something I liked. You can name it and save it to the computer and then by clicking "Save to Pedal" your preset is permanently saved to the SpectraComp. That is until you repeat the process to create something even better.

Side note: After working with a few days I'm wondering if I shouldn't have tried the HyperGravity pedal instead. Having the additional knobs to assign different adjustable parameters to would have been nice for quick changes on the gig.
 
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#14
boomertech said:
Does the Spectra Comp emulate optical compressors?

-Frank
Click to expand...
Hey Frank, here’s the screenshots of the editor - this TonePrint is the ParallelComper that I use.

The second shot is with the compressor window expanded.
 

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#16
PhatBasstard said:
You should update the firmware. This solved the issue with both of mine.
Many un-updated Spectracomps will lose ANY settings when powered off (including Toneprints).
The link for the latest firmware is listed earlier in this thread.
Or you can get it done on the TC site.
Click to expand...
The FW on the TC website is not the most up to date. They recently sent me links to FW they have that isn’t on their web site. They said there were still issues with 3rd party PSU’s so they had to developed new FW. Not sure why its not on the website though.
 
#17
alack said:
Side note: After working with a few days I'm wondering if I shouldn't have tried the HyperGravity pedal instead. Having the additional knobs to assign different adjustable parameters to would have been nice for quick changes on the gig.
Click to expand...

When I was looking at the SC and HG a few months ago I thought the same thing. Having those extra controls makes it a much more flexible compressor.:)

-Frank
 
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