Empress vs. Cali 76 Compact Bass vs. Keeley Pro Compressor Help

Stachio

Stachio

Supporting Member
Jan 29, 2002
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#1
After weeks of pouring over this forum and Bongo's super informative site, I thought I'd just ask.
I currently own the Demeter Compulator but would like a little more control over attack and sustain. I'd love the Cali76 TX but the acreage is intimidating. Also doesn't sound like it is noticeably different from the Compact Bass.
Mostly looking for dynamic control (I play a lot of fretless) over tone coloration but would love the option.
I'm guessing that these all great options...
 
#4
Adamixoye said:
I only have experience with the Empress but it's a transparent compressor with tons of control. I would recommend it.
Click to expand...

+3. i got to try a cali76XT and i didnt think much of it, considering the compact bass is just a smaller version of that i would say my comparison between them is justified.

the Empress just kills it.

Have you considered the Darkglass super symmetry? another great small pedal with excellent metering.
 
#5
I disagree about the Compact being just a smaller version of the bigger Cali models. They sound different to me, and in some cases have different features.

I do agree about the Empress. For fretless, IMO both the Darkglass and the Keeley would be lacking in the high end sparkle and "whine" that make fretless stand out. But they're great otherwise.
 
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#6
bongomania said:
I disagree about the Compact being just a smaller version of the bigger Cali models. They sound different to me, and in some cases have different features.

I do agree about the Empress. For fretless, IMO both the Darkglass and the Keeley would be lacking in the high end sparkle and "whine" that make fretless stand out. But they're great otherwise.
Click to expand...

Hey Cyrus, have you tried the Keeley Pro Compressor? I was just looking for your review of it, to see your opinion of its auto mode, but I couldn't find it.

-Frank
 
#8
I was eagerly awaiting that review of the Keeley Pro and was hoping it was lurking here somewhere.
I love Darkglass but I do hear it is on the dark side of the spectrum. I'll give the Empress a go.

Thanks, guys.
 
#9
I recently started using compressors - got the Empress first, and it's outstanding - great features and value. I also made a dongle from a quarter inch jack and capacitor for the sidechain bypass which opened up the bottom end a bit more, though subtle.

Then I got a Cali76TX (iron core) and game over - just love it. It seems to have more headroom, and sounds amazing no matter how I run it.
 
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#10
Definitely looking to try my hand at creating that side chain filter.
I can foresee a Cali76TX in my near future. It will likely be relegated to studio duties, though based on size, power requirement, and the type of venues I play in.
 
#11
I have the Keely Pro and I personally love it. The labels around the knobs along with the metering make it incredibly easy to dial in what you want and understand exactly what you're doing when playing with the knobs. I don't use the auto switch because I prefer the release knob to stay where I have it, but it responds nicely to your playing dynamics when it's on auto. It's also extremely transparent and my guitarists also use it when recording. It also has a pretty low profile. Not as small as the Cali 76 Compact but still pretty small for such a nice compressor packed with cool details. I happen to be a huge fan of top jacks too. Unfortunately I haven't used the Cali 76 or the Empress so I can only give you my .02 on the Keeley, although I am sure you can't go wrong with the Empress as I've heard a lot of good things about it. I used the MXR bass compressor before the Keeley Pro and before that I was using a Boss LMB3.
 
#12
I'm a compressor freak and have all of the ones mentioned so far and a few more... Here's my. $.02

1. The compact bass DOES NOT sound like the TX. Right now and for the last year, it is still my favorite compressor. It does not many things well.
2. IME the compact bass seems to shine with active basses and works well stylistically, when you are slapping the bass.IMO a clean EL8 Distressor. It does lack some control, but they have thoughtfully picked the attack/release... love the HP and Dry controls
3. The Empress is surgically perfect. Clean and efficient. I do use it for my electric standup and fretless. Not much to say... it's just plain clean sounding (in a good way)
4. The symmetry is a unique beast. I like it. It's darkness is still clear. I wouldn't call it hifi, but it's definitely not murky.
5. I owned the demeter
Below are pics with all of the compressors at a gig. They have worked really well for me for each situation
2016-04-30 14.20.51.jpg 2016-04-23 19.23.55.jpg 2016-05-20 23.56.27-2.jpg 2016-05-29 10.52.37-2.jpg
 
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#15
I own the Keeley Compressor Pro. Basically it's just like the Bassist when you have it set on auto and hard knee. I think it's an amazing piece of gear. I saved $50 by getting the cosmetic blem b-stock version.
 
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