Re: Compressor comparisons?
Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 3:41 am
I really can't add much more on which way to go on compressors, as they are similar to overdrive/distortion pedals in their subtle differences. Personally, I have half dozen rack and pedal compressors that all do different things well. It's like the differences between a DOD Overdrive 250, a Tube Screamer, and an MXR Distortion +. All 3 provide usable overdrive, but there are big differences in how they sound when you factor in instruments, amps, and technique. It really just boils down to what you want, and unfortunately, you can't really get a gang of pedals to try out at home and rehearsal to see which one is for you. While you can do this with the ones that the big mail order chains carry, the Diamond, Janglebox, and other higher end pedals are generally not available to send back just because you didn't really dig the way it sounds.
I own a Janglebox, and for what it does, it does perfectly. You can effortlessly get those 60s and 70s jangly bright Rick 12 string sounds out of them without fail every time. The 3 position tone selector is helpfull in giving it a variety of tones, but the way the compressor acts is still the same. This is not a bad thing at all, as the sound is very usable in a variety of guitar/amp/technique applications. As far as using it for other things, I really couldn't tell you, as I pretty much only use compression on my 360/12VP. The 2 ,for me, really do everything I bought my Rickenbacker 12 for in the first place, getting "that" sound.
I also tried out that new Seymour Duncan Double Back Compressor at home for a few weeks when they first came out. I wanted to get a Barbour Tone Press because of the ability to blend the signal back in, but didn't want to buy one, not like it, and be stuck with it. The Double Back has that same feature, and a few others, that I thought would be great for both guitar and bass to get a different sound than my Janglebox. I ended up not liking it, and back to the mail it went. I'm not trying to compare the two, but thought that similar feature, which is what attracted me to the Tone Press, would be good to hear. It sounded drastically different through pickup types and amps, and really didn't knock my socks off like I thought it might, or like the Janglebox did.
I also have an MXR Dynacomp, which I mainly would use as a boost, as the compression in it ,to me, sounds good, but not great.
The Diamond looks really awesome and well built. I'd love to try one out, but can't justify that kind of dough to get something I only really use on one guitar, especially when I already have something that nails the tone I want. I'm glad to see others here have had great results with theirs, as that's a good chunk of change to spend on something that is less than spectacular.
I would just agree with everyone else in trying out as many as you can, and try to find a place you can actually go and try out these boutique pedals before you just buy one. Having said that, the Janglebox will give you that vintage, chimey jangle that it's advertised to do without needing to demo it. I took a chance and blindly bought one, and have never regretted it once.
Good luck, and let us know what you get.
I own a Janglebox, and for what it does, it does perfectly. You can effortlessly get those 60s and 70s jangly bright Rick 12 string sounds out of them without fail every time. The 3 position tone selector is helpfull in giving it a variety of tones, but the way the compressor acts is still the same. This is not a bad thing at all, as the sound is very usable in a variety of guitar/amp/technique applications. As far as using it for other things, I really couldn't tell you, as I pretty much only use compression on my 360/12VP. The 2 ,for me, really do everything I bought my Rickenbacker 12 for in the first place, getting "that" sound.
I also tried out that new Seymour Duncan Double Back Compressor at home for a few weeks when they first came out. I wanted to get a Barbour Tone Press because of the ability to blend the signal back in, but didn't want to buy one, not like it, and be stuck with it. The Double Back has that same feature, and a few others, that I thought would be great for both guitar and bass to get a different sound than my Janglebox. I ended up not liking it, and back to the mail it went. I'm not trying to compare the two, but thought that similar feature, which is what attracted me to the Tone Press, would be good to hear. It sounded drastically different through pickup types and amps, and really didn't knock my socks off like I thought it might, or like the Janglebox did.
I also have an MXR Dynacomp, which I mainly would use as a boost, as the compression in it ,to me, sounds good, but not great.
The Diamond looks really awesome and well built. I'd love to try one out, but can't justify that kind of dough to get something I only really use on one guitar, especially when I already have something that nails the tone I want. I'm glad to see others here have had great results with theirs, as that's a good chunk of change to spend on something that is less than spectacular.
I would just agree with everyone else in trying out as many as you can, and try to find a place you can actually go and try out these boutique pedals before you just buy one. Having said that, the Janglebox will give you that vintage, chimey jangle that it's advertised to do without needing to demo it. I took a chance and blindly bought one, and have never regretted it once.
Good luck, and let us know what you get.
