Compressors with blend and tone controls....

Lewy

I love my old 2 knob Keeley but it would be nice to be able to have some more control and let some dry signal through. Seems like a fair few to look at. The Keeley Compressor Plus seems like an obvious choice as I already like the basic sound and also seems to be keenly priced, but I see that a bit more dosh opens up a load more....Wampler Ego, Thorpy Fat General, Origin Cali76 etc.

Anyone done extensive comparison of these and care to offer any opinions? I know the thing to do is get out and try them but that's not going to happen. This will be a web-research-and-punt-and-get-rid-if-I-hate-it type of deal as is most of my GAS

In case it's relevant, I run my comp after my overdrive.

Oh and pm me of you've got something for sale.

simonk

Look for an old Barber Tone Press. Great little
compressor.

timbuk02

I don't have one, and can only dream, but the Drybell Unit67 looks quality.

And Drybell offer a 14 day return policy on it, if you read down to the bottom of their product page...

fretmeister

Cali76 Deluxe
Empress
Keeley Pro

All very good indeed.


Here’s the bible

http://www.ovnilab.com/

robinbowes

timbuk02 said:

I don't have one, and can only dream, but the Drybell Unit67 looks quality.

And Drybell offer a 14 day return policy on it, if you read down to the bottom of their product page...

I've got one of these but I've not really used it all that much as I mostly use a Helix.

However, when I have hooked it up and given it a whirl I've been impressed. It's one of those pedals that you don't notice all that much until you turn it off.

The EQ characteristics are well-chosen, ie. they seem to operate at useful frequencies. You get high and low, and a mids control modelled on the Rangemaster pedal.

The compressor is DryBell's take on the Urei 1176 compressor and has minimal controls. You can control how much signal you feed in to the compressor (High / Low switch), and the blend between the direct sound and the compressed sound (Sustain control).

Would it satisfy someone looking for a compressor? I'm not sure - the only way to tell is to try one.

R.

Brad

I was always very anti compressors but I've finally come round to working them into my rig and feel like I'm getting the benefit. I use a Wampler Ego Mini on a small board and Cali76 on a big board but both are before drive. Not had chance to try after drive yet...

The Ego mini is great and I'm very happy with it. Not totally convinced by the worth of the toggle switches so the full size Ego might be preferable for you? In spite of that it sounds great and does what I need.

However the Cali76 is really something special, the hype seems justified here in my opinion.

Whether I continue with compressors long term I'm not sure but I'm very happy with these two at the moment, particularly the Cali76.

prlgmnr

I have a Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone which is great.

rossyamaha

Don't forget the Xotic SP Comp. Great little thing. 

mattdavis

I think the Keeley compressor plus also has blend and tone and more wallet friendly. 

fretmeister

rossyamaha said:

Don't forget the Xotic SP Comp. Great little thing. 

I found that to be quite noisy at the high ratio setting.
It was annoying as otherwise I liked the sound of it - for guitar anyway.

It sucks balls on bass as there is a very noticeable low end roll off.

Lewy

Thanks for the insights all. I have a ThorpyFX Fat General on the way

fretmeister

Cool.

I really will have to try one of those at some point.

NorthernStomps

Lewy said:

Thanks for the insights all. I have a ThorpyFX Fat General on the way

Dang, I could have sold you one cheap(ish) got one of the large enclosure models with some money off. 

I should have got in there quicker! 

https://www.northernstomps.com/product-page/thorpy-fx-fat-general-compressor