Do you use a compressor?

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:49 am

You got that right! That's why I play Rickenbackers and use Canon L series lenses.

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:04 am

I use a Demeter Compulator sometimes, on a low compression setting. I don't care for a really squashed sound bass sound, personally, and this unit suits me fine. With the knob at around 9 o'clock, the peaks are smoooothed out and it adds a little 'glow' to the sound. I can't really explain it. Even though it's a "stompbox" I use it all the time for home recording - I put my acoustics through it, vocals, whatever. Excellent sound. Of course, my 4003 AFG sounds fantastic without it, too.

stevebasshead · Post by **stevebasshead** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:02 am

http://www.ev-b.com/compressors.html - One guy's personal and fairly comprehensive compressor reviews page. As with any review they're subjective but interesting reading nonetheless.

henry5 · Post by **henry5** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:12 am

I've never yet used a compressor I liked, but then I also don't feel I've ever really needed one to get a sound I'm happy with...

fatcat · Post by **fatcat** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:11 pm

I have not seen the need for a compressor yet, but the comments here have moved me to get a Aphex Punch Factory ,I found one online for $79.99+10 S/H.
It should arrive shortly.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:28 pm

Dang, I just paid $99. Where, Don? Mine comes in tomorrow.

xsubs · Post by **xsubs** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:42 pm

Thanks for the link, Stephen. Interesting reading, and as you noted... Everyone's opinion is subjective!
As I mentioned before, I have the Tremulator and really like it; I'm going to try out the Demeter.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 9:53 am

The Aphex Punch Factory came today and I had a little time to play around with it. I just reread the evaluation on the linked site from Stephen, and I gotta say the guy who reviewed it got it right that it is transparent, as Jeff also said, but not totally. Really close. You loose some definition in the roundwound harmonics.

It is also fairly subtle - you can get a decent bit of compression out of it, but never the "clamp!" effect other pedals have. I think it is the right amount.

What he doesn't get right is the compression amount of the LEDs vs the output to a board. I think he missed the point of the two stages working together - the Drive stage sets the amount of compression but also has a gain effect, and the volume stage is set to match the bypass mode (true bypass, BTW), which implies it has dynamic gain and thus would appear to always hit the board with the same level, not "seeing" the compression effect as he stated.

I like it - great for the price.

Now Don, where did you find it for $79.99?!

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:23 am

John - Does it add (improve) anything to the SVT sound?

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:22 pm

Haven't had enough time with it yet, Charly. I had to take a shower and I work until 1am so it will be tomorrow until I can try again. I also used the 3-Pro and not the 2-Pro, so tomorrow it will be all tubes. I also want to try the 4004C too. Didn't have the time today.

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:35 pm

Cool!

fatcat · Post by **fatcat** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:34 pm

John,here's another one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/APHEX-1404-PUNCH-FACTORY-OPTICAL-COMPRESSOR-PEDAL-NEW_W0QQitemZ280104790302QQihZ018QQcategoryZ41414QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 2:06 pm

Thanks, Don. I have emailed AMS seeing if they will match.

Have you got yours in hand yet? Any early impressions?

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:43 am

AMS won't match an eBay-selling company. Oh well.

I played both the 4003 and 4004 through the Punch Factory into the 2-Pro today and it still benefits from compression. So yes, Charly, it improves an SVT from the standpoint of smoothing the playing as a compressor does.

I have noticed if you match the volume setting to the bypass mode very carefully, there is not a big difference in your tone.

There is a change; it gets more pronounced with more compression dialed in, where the highs are rounded off, lowered in volume if you will. The upper registers of the roundwound harmonics, the edge of the ring roundwounds have, is truncated. A bit of throatiness is a result. Not a lot and I noticed it in a quiet room with no one else playing. And it can be helped out by matching the volume when compression is engaged and perhaps a tweak of the treble control. By no means is this gross or anything more than mildly noticable.

I still like the pedal.

fatcat · Post by **fatcat** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 12:42 pm

USPS delivered it to the office yesterday,so it was awaiting me this AM as I was receiving today's sentence(job assignment).The first thing I did upon arriving home....well the second thing I did was open it, and the overall quality impressed me.I used a 9v wart to power it, fed it into my Westminster and played the J bass for a while.My likes it so far! The compression evens out the volume a bit, and lessens the nasty ss clipping which I get iffen I pluck too hard.It also mellows out the clacky clack from a pick.My will have to spend more time fiddling with it ,different amps and instruments,but for now the chores come first.