ilovefuzz.com

Ok the time has come and I want a comp. I'm leaning towards the Diamond. Should I just get that and be happy and squishy or should I reconsider my options? Share your opinions folks, because I don't want to buy a $200 comp and then end up getting pissed off.
Max

The Diamond comp is easy to find.
Go at a music store and try one.

I'm not a comp guy so I can't give you any other advice.
But I heard the Diamond doesn't suck your tone as much as other comp.

I don't know too much about compressors but Ive had my eye on pigtronix's king philosopher. Maybe worth checking out.

In before Dev!
This dude had a lot of spare time and a compression obsession:
http://www.ovnilab.com

Bongomania from Talkbass has the most ridonkulously complete review site specifically about compressors.

http://www.ovnilab.com/

I think that most of his reviews are from a bass player's standpoint, but they could still be useful for guitar peeps...

EDIT: d'oh! MEC got in before me!

EDITx2: here's a quick link to Bongo's faves: http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/toppicks.shtml

Dude go for the diamond, mad professor pcb forrest green, or the bear foot pale green. All are very transparent and great for being a buffer at the beginning of your chain, evening out dynamics ever so slightly, slightly increased sustain, and boosting your signal if needed. I hate real heavy compression but can't live without just a touch. I tried a bunch and those three were very similar...just ended on the pale green last.

MEC wrote:In before Dev!
This dude had a lot of spare time and a compression obsession:
http://www.ovnilab.com

jrmy wrote:Bongomania from Talkbass has the most ridonkulously complete review site specifically about compressors.

http://www.ovnilab.com/

I think that most of his reviews are from a bass player's standpoint, but they could still be useful for guitar peeps...

EDIT: d'oh! MEC got in before me!

EDITx2: here's a quick link to Bongo's faves: http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/toppicks.shtml

Thank you guys for posting this link. I learned some stuff from the FAQ about compression and EQing and such. Kewl.

i got a philosophers tone in a cheap pedal bundle
now i rarely turn it off
it really gave my amp(ss) a bunch of texture that wasnt there
i never tried any other comp or even compared demos though
but i didnt know i needed it till i hit the switch

boss cs2?

I like the Demeter Compulator a lot... but I use it more as limiter at the end of my chain to keep volume changes to a minimum.. reminds me I need to take a look at the diamond for a second comp..

Mudfuzz wrote:I like the Demeter Compulator a lot... but I use it more as limiter at the end of my chain to keep volume changes to a minimum.. reminds me I need to take a look at the diamond for a second comp..

they make a diamond specifically for bass that looks sweet. but then i remembered I don't have a bass and it's pointless for me to even look at bass pedals


as far as other comps go, I think I'd have a hard time buying a Bare Foot strictly on principle. Something about their pedals just makes me scratch my head at the price/features ratio.

For bass or guitar?
Bass: Markbass Compressore is the tits. So's the Empress, and the Aguilar and Diamond both look nice. (Although I liked the Boss LM-2 too ... shoot me)

On guitar I can't get past the noisy old Dynacomp

But yeah, go read bongo's page.

Empress.

madmax1012 wrote:

Mudfuzz wrote:I like the Demeter Compulator a lot... but I use it more as limiter at the end of my chain to keep volume changes to a minimum.. reminds me I need to take a look at the diamond for a second comp..

they make a diamond specifically for bass that looks sweet. but then i remembered I don't have a bass and it's pointless for me to even look at bass pedals


as far as other comps go, I think I'd have a hard time buying a Bare Foot strictly on principle. Something about their pedals just makes me scratch my head at the price/features ratio.

Meh while I agree the barefoot stuff is a bit pricey but they do hold thier value well if you decide to sell. Also I know the guys that makes em (he live down the street from me) and he's a cool guy.

I love compression, but I can only really speak to bass comps. I currently run the MXR Bass Comp, which I love since it has a lot of controls, and the LED meter helps a lot. I ran the Philosopher's Tone before that, which could give you absurd amounts of sustain, but it really didn't have a way to make it subtle. It squashed even at the most minimal settings.