Slow attack compressors, similar to the Diamond/Mad Professor?

[JohnPativens]

Hi guys,

Do you know of any compressor pedals with a slow attack, kinda like the Diamond BCP or the MP Forest Green?
I already have a MXR M87 which is hecking fast and works perfect as a utility comp/limiter, but I'd like a different flavour also, less utility and more "character".

 

[ddnidd1]

The MXR has an unusually fast attack mimicking an 1176. When the 1176 was first released, this was a big selling point.

Almost any other compressor will have a slower attack and many will be adjustable over a reasonable range.

Check some specs.

 

[dannybuoy]

EBS Multicomp

 

[superheavyfunk]

I use the Joe Meek FloorQ. Adjustable attack/release, ratio and compression. It can get pretty syrupy... Also, the Pigtronix Philosophers Tone is pretty spongy on the attack.

 

[JohnPativens]

The MXR has an unusually fast attack mimicking an 1176. When the 1176 was first released, this was a big selling point.

That makes sense! Didn't know that was a feature of the 1176 compressor limiter. I wish it had wider range though.

EBS Multicomp

Tried one once and I remember it left me unimpressed.. I usually like it on video demos or audio clips though. Not as much character as I'd like, but it definitely has some.

I use the Joe Meek FloorQ. Adjustable attack/release, ratio and compression. It can get pretty syrupy... Also, the Pigtronix Philosophers Tone is pretty spongy on the attack.

Do you mean the old Pigtronix or the new ones? I like the Pigtronix Rock and Bass PT, if only they ran on standard 9V...
Didn't know the Joemeek.. I actually don't like its form factor but thanks for pointing that out!

 

[superheavyfunk]

Do you mean the old Pigtronix or the new ones? I like the Pigtronix Rock and Bass PT, if only they ran on standard 9V...
Didn't know the Joemeek.. I actually don't like its form factor but thanks for pointing that out!

I mean the old ones. I've never used the new ones.

As for the FloorQ, it is indeed a bit of an awkward size but there isn't anything else on the market that gives what it does: fully featured, wide range of compression ratio and attack/release times, can drive a poweramp, and can be powered on anything from 9V to 20V, both AC & DC. It's amazing, imo.

 

[boomertech]

I mean the old ones. I've never used the new ones.

As for the FloorQ, it is indeed a bit of an awkward size but there isn't anything else on the market that gives what it does: fully featured, wide range of compression ratio and attack/release times, can drive a poweramp, and can be powered on anything from 9V to 20V, both AC & DC. It's amazing, imo.

I know of at least one other manufacturer that has optical compressors that offer all of those control features you've listed. Plus they are powered by standard 9Vdc that is internally converted to an 18V headroom.

-Frank

 

[superheavyfunk]

I know of at least one other manufacturer that has optical compressors that offer all of those control features you've listed. Plus they are powered by standard 9Vdc that is internally converted to an 18V headroom.

-Frank

I mean, obviously your stuff is top of the class. But the FloorQ is significantly less expensive on the used market which is, in part, what led me to it.

Can the FEA stuff be powered by both AC and DC too? If so, that's something that more ppl should talk about! Knowing that I can use the same gear across the planet is a great additional selling point.

 

[JohnPativens]

Check some specs.

Specs for attack, release, ratio and threshold are often not reported by pedal manufacturers.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Specs for attack, release, ratio and threshold are often not reported by pedal manufacturers.

...Which is where the internet and our good friend Bongo comes in: Compressor Reviews

 

[boomertech]

Can the FEA stuff be powered by both AC and DC too? If so, that's something that more ppl should talk about! Knowing that I can use the same gear across the planet is a great additional selling point.

The FEA pedals use 9Vdc. We have pedal customers all across the planet.

-Frank

 

[JohnPativens]

...Which is where the internet and our good friend Bongo comes in: Compressor Reviews

His website is in my bookmarks and I read most of his comp reviews a thousand times

 

[boomertech]

Specs for attack, release, ratio and threshold are often not reported by pedal manufacturers.

Sometimes the specs are in the manuals.

-Frank

 

[Hotblack]

I know of at least one other manufacturer that has optical compressors that offer all of those control features you've listed. Plus they are powered by standard 9Vdc that is internally converted to an 18V headroom.
-Frank

...and that’s why even though I’m a proud FloorQ owner, I’m on the waiting list for the DE-CL.

 

[superheavyfunk]

...and that’s why even though I’m a proud FloorQ owner, I’m on the waiting list for the DE-CL.

Guess I should save up some dough and get myself on that list too!

 

[TheLowDown33]

I'm gonna add Solidgoldfx's horizon comp. I loved it for fingerstyle, but the attack was too slow for it to be transparent for other styles for me. If you're looking for a slow attack compressor with some character, I think this will fit the bill nicely.

 

[bongomania]

Great call on the SGFX Horizon. That's what I'd recommend in this case.

 

[TheLowDown33]

Great call on the SGFX Horizon. That's what I'd recommend in this case.

Woah. Approval from bongo? That's going on my resumé

 

[JohnPativens]

I'm gonna add Solidgoldfx's horizon comp. I loved it for fingerstyle, but the attack was too slow for it to be transparent for other styles for me. If you're looking for a slow attack compressor with some character, I think this will fit the bill nicely.

Great call on the SGFX Horizon. That's what I'd recommend in this case.

Didn't know this, thanks for the advice. I'm gonna check it out.
Are there any others? Somebody suggested the Milkbox and Markbass Compressore in older threads.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Didn't know this, thanks for the advice. I'm gonna check it out.
Are there any others? Somebody suggested the Milkbox and Markbass Compressore in older threads.

Milkbox is cheap and good - two plusses in its favour. Try to get one of the "newer" ones because the older ones had a stupid plug for power (it was a male end, instead of the standard female end) and the circuit is a bit of a battery hog.

The Compressore is enormous and has wierd power requirements (15V) but sounds great, if you're not looking for something transparent. But be warned - If you thought the FloorQ was too big, be prepared to be mind blown. Lol