Xotic SP vs Fairfield Accountant

algroves1

I’m looking for a small sized comp for my board. Really like the sound of the Cali 76 CD but don’t want to spend that much, and it’s too big to fit my space. 

Wanting something to add sustain so I can avoid needing extra gain for bluesey playing. Will be paired with a Klon, Wampler Euphoria and a Tweed Princeton. 

Any my opinions about either one?

Thanks!

mburekenge

I just got a red sp as they were on special offer in guitarguitar for £100. I tried the wampler... liked it a lot. The Fairfield accountant was great as well.

Try GG see if they have still got the sp. Bargain for £100 new imo

Majorscale

Owned all three that you mentioned. Still have the Cali and the SP....

algroves1

Majorscale said:

Owned all three that you mentioned. Still have the Cali and the SP....

Thanks - how come you chose the SP over the Accountant?

Cheers

Al

Fuengi

The Fairfield Accountant is fantastic but it does have a distinctive voice, so not for everyone. Love mine. 

Listen carefully to the YouTube demo's. 

Majorscale

algroves1 said:

Majorscale said:

Owned all three that you mentioned. Still have the Cali and the SP....

Thanks - how come you chose the SP over the Accountant?

Cheers

Al

The Fairfield didn’t sound bad but as Fuengi said, it has a voice, it adds a warm “grittyness”. I prefer transparency and cleanliness from a compressor, especially when using it for clean tones.

merlin

I have an Empress. Genius pedal, made by geniuses, played by people who need and love totally transparent compression. 

Wazmeister

I reckon I've tried the bulk of the well known Compressors, and they are the strangest of pedals. Some I've loved, and some I've genuinely disliked. Here's my two penneth, and as ever, YMMV...

1.) Fairfield The Accountant

- This could be one of those 'always on' pedals for me.
- Very quiet in use (critical for me)
- Can add a lovely bit o' hair (break up) 
- Has an endearing and musical sound

2.) Xotic SP (and related others)

- Can be a bit nosier on use
- The beldn knob is lovely
- A more traditional comp pedal

3.) Cali 76 (and derivatives) 
- Gorgeous sounding
- Very well made
- Very expensive

I own the Cali 76 CD and the Fairfield Account. I have owned, and miss, the Cornish OC-1 which is subtle, but the quietest comp I've ever used.

If it was me, I'd buy the cheaper Origin Effects for pure comp and cleans, and the Accountant for flavour and a hint of break up.

Hope this helps

MrMusic

+1 SP comp, i run it always on 90% of the time and cant live without one!

Dominic

Fairfield is great but a bit odd......it's very percussive and gives a little thump with each note which is great for chicken picking but otherwise a bit annoying ..........it does give you a massive gain boost on the middle and higher settings 
I also find it has a latency on the more compressed/limited settings

mburekenge

Of the three mini conpressors i tried the accountant added the nicest 'something' to the sound but had the worst comoression if that makes any sense.