I’ve handled mismatched output levels with a clean boost before. Either boost the weaker output to match the higher one, or in some cases use it like an under-drive to reduce the level of the higher output pickup.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
Welcome to TalkBass! Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more
- Thread starter scubaduba
- Start date
I’m asking about reviews of the MXR M282 Dynacomp Bass in particular. Perhaps it shares the issues of the older Dynacomp—that’s one of the things I’m trying to ascertain.
Moving on to discussion of other possible pedals, I think what I’m looking for is less of a compressor and more of an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) as was found on old TVs and other audio equipment. Maybe very slow attack and release settings feeding into a VCA that raises/lowers the input signal across the board rather than just peaks?
I’m hoping someone who’s familiar with the pedal field can suggest a few options rather than making me take a week to re-read the whole compressor review website.
The cause of all this is that I bought a SBMM Ray34HH, and it’s output is way higher than any of my FSOs. I want to be able to plug that into the amp without having to change a bunch of settings. Could toss in a simple volume pedal or just turn down the volume knob on the Ray, but where’s the fun in that?
Thanks again for all suggestions!
I did notice that the SBMM pickups are insanely hot. Hotter than the EBMM 9v for sure. Oddly enough, I find the active electronics in that bass to be less rowdy than the quarter pounder in my P-bass. IMO, the Lusithand Alma circuit that's in the Ground & Pound at the 2:1 ratio sounds fantastic with my Stingrays.
I don’t have a Stingray, but the Ground & Pound is great with my basses, too.
That clean blend totally changed my opinion about compressors.
Received the M282 Dynacomp Bass. First reaction--it's a limiter/infinity:1; if the input gets up to the sensitivity setting, the output goes no louder. I *think* I can adjust the clean, output, and sensitivity controls to get it less overcompressed. Got it part way there, but not completely. May work for me. Did not play with the attack fast/slow button yet, that may also help.
It looks like Lightning Boy Audio is planning to come out with an optical compressor, but needs to raise some funds to do so. The prototype looks interesting. See their website, blog, store for more info.
Op-2HD vacuum tube compressor research and development initiative
Here's my review of the new Polyend Press compressor. Nice device! There's a lot to like for sure.
www.compressorpedalreviews.com
If your use case could benefit from a stereo compressor or one with highly flexible side chain, you owe it to yourself to take a careful look at this one. It isn't perfect though. I wish the threshold sensitivity had more range for passive bass guitars. It can be hard to dial in. The font size and color of the words printed below the dials is very difficult to read. On stage it is virtually impossible to read.
This all-analog studio-quality, stereo compressor is certainly more on the transparent side of the spectrum but definitely can be dialed in to add punch and highlight transients. On the other hand, it is easy to use the Press to seamlessly smooth out peaks on any instrument. It is highly versatile and though it might be described as transparent it is by no means a sterile sounding compressor. It is one of those "more better" type of compression devices that seems to make the audible signal more coherent, fuller and polished.
Everything about the Polyend Press compressor build is of high quality. It is beautifully finished and looks well put together.
Learn a whole lot more in my full review: Polyend Press Stereo Analog Compressor Review
Polyend Press Stereo Analog Compressor Review
The Polyend Press is quite a unique offering. There's a lot of functionality and versatility crammed into a small form factor. It is well built and sounds great.
www.compressorpedalreviews.com
If your use case could benefit from a stereo compressor or one with highly flexible side chain, you owe it to yourself to take a careful look at this one. It isn't perfect though. I wish the threshold sensitivity had more range for passive bass guitars. It can be hard to dial in. The font size and color of the words printed below the dials is very difficult to read. On stage it is virtually impossible to read.
This all-analog studio-quality, stereo compressor is certainly more on the transparent side of the spectrum but definitely can be dialed in to add punch and highlight transients. On the other hand, it is easy to use the Press to seamlessly smooth out peaks on any instrument. It is highly versatile and though it might be described as transparent it is by no means a sterile sounding compressor. It is one of those "more better" type of compression devices that seems to make the audible signal more coherent, fuller and polished.
Everything about the Polyend Press compressor build is of high quality. It is beautifully finished and looks well put together.
Learn a whole lot more in my full review: Polyend Press Stereo Analog Compressor Review
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
- May 13, 2003
- 3,342
- 3,396
- 5,253
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: DR Strings, SMS
I like mine a lot, although according to FOH engineers, it does affect the low end a bit. But the tone and feel are excellent and a little EQ after the compressor should mitigate the loss of lows.
thanks. the 1176 usually removes a bit of low end, but not too bad. Have you tried it on vocals too? Or can you check if there is a significant coloring? Because if I can use it for vocal compression as well when recording that would be awesome
Did you read my review of it? Warm Audio Pedal76 Compressor Review
edwinhurwitz
Supporting Member
- May 13, 2003
- 3,342
- 3,396
- 5,253
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: DR Strings, SMS
Any chance anyone has looked at the Chase Bliss Clean?
I believe scuba has one? Given the bazillion knobs and switches, I imagine it'll be a challenging review.
Mine is sitting at home, so will be trying it out whenever I make it there, maybe the weekend.
I looked at it, am not necessarily a big fan of compression and even less a fan of over complicated gizmos, but the DIP switches seem to have pretty specific uses. I didn’t delve into it much, and it’s expensive, but interesting, nonetheless.
Excellent review as always. Apologies for the nitpicking, but corrections are needed on this sentence (no doubt due to a speedy turnaround):Here's my review of the new Polyend Press compressor. Nice device! There's a lot to like for sure.
Polyend Press Stereo Analog Compressor Review
The Polyend Press is quite a unique offering. There's a lot of functionality and versatility crammed into a small form factor. It is well built and sounds great.
If your use case could benefit from a stereo compressor or one with highly flexible side chain, you owe it to yourself to take a careful look at this one. It isn't perfect though. I wish the threshold sensitivity had more range for passive bass guitars. It can be hard to dial in. The font size and color of the words printed below the dials is very difficult to read. On stage it is virtually impossible to read.
View attachment 7071610
This all-analog studio-quality, stereo compressor is certainly more on the transparent side of the spectrum but definitely can be dialed in to add punch and highlight transients. On the other hand, it is easy to use the Press to seamlessly smooth out peaks on any instrument. It is highly versatile and though it might be described as transparent it is by no means a sterile sounding compressor. It is one of those "more better" type of compression devices that seems to make the audible signal more coherent, fuller and polished.
Everything about the Polyend Press compressor build is of high quality. It is beautifully finished and looks well put together.
Learn a whole lot more in my full review: Polyend Press Stereo Analog Compressor Review
The first word should the "the" of course. Less trivially, I will assume the HPF begins at 20Hz, not 20kHz. And I believe "1kHz" is correct (lowercase 'k'), but capitalization should be consistent regardless.
Thank you kind sir. Edits made.
I do have one. Yes, lots of knobs and switches. I've been focusing initially on the compression side of things but can say there is a lot of fun to be had with the Chase Bliss Clean. You can kill hours playing with this thing.
O that is awesome thanks. Did you manage to test it on vocals? I would be really interested to check if it takes a mic level well too. I only read about the balanced output, but not if mic in level is ok