What's the big deal with the Keeley comp?

[Eva]

Seriously. What's the big deal? I understand it's responsible for the chicken'picken sound, but why? It's a Ross comp clone and it's expensive. Even though the four knob is billed as 'bass, synth' friendly, it squashes too much low end to be useful on bass. For recording? A comp plugin works wonders if you need it; if not, your entire recording will get compressed with mastering. Sustain? Turn it up to where it's useable and it becomes hissy and noisy as hell.

So, why the hype?

~Eva

[zosozep7]

I agree. Its way to expensive for me. I like the Signa Comp by Cmatmods and love my 76RI Dynacomp. Im all set on compression.

[Eva]

The Dynacomp RI is great! What's sad about the Keeley is that it doesn't cost much to build. Would be nice if extreme profit weren't the only motivation behind releasing something

[Blanket Jackson]

Long time DynaComp guy. Bought and sold the Keeley, with same observation as you. Went back to Dyna Comp until my Analogman BiCompRosser got built.

[Eva]

Thanks! I'll check both of those out. Appreciate it!!

[stratmaniac]

<shrug> my Keeley sounds great, been using it for years, and Robert and company have always treated me right. Different strokes I guess.

And I'm pretty sure my right hand is responsible for my chicken pickin' sound, not my comp, but this is a common misconception.

[Eva]

Tone is in the fingers =)

[jpagey]

My Keeley sounds great and is well built. The price was just right.

[lifeinsong]

The Keeley has top notch build quality, it's quieter than most others, and Robert has excellent customer service. It has a certain sound quality that I like and works great before or after my OD's. If it's good enough for Dan Huff than it's fine for me.

[sanhozay]

Why the chip on the shoulder about the Keeley? It's a fantastic & very musical compressor pedal built by a great human and all around stand-up guy. Are there others that cost less? Yes. Lots less that sound as great? No. Are there others that sound better? Subjective. I use the '76 DC reissue & the Diamond but have total earned respect for the Keeley products.

[peridot1]

My Keeley 2 knob was noisey. Sold it. May try the TC Dynamics but I think I'm done with compressor pedals.

[Reckedtrek]

I don't use compressors often, but when I do the Keeley 2 knob does the trick for me. If it doesn't cut it for you, there's no need to get all emotional about it. Just don't use it.

[Eva]

Nothing wrong with a little discussion and questions, right? I'm not slamming the company, just curious about the hype surrounding it. Yeah, it's earned it's reputation, but then again, many things that are overhyped are just that. Differing perspectives is what it's all about. Otherwise, this forum would be pretty darn boring, imho.

[gaboocho]

Wampler Ego Comp kicks butt.

[sanhozay]

Originally Posted by Eva

Nothing wrong with a little discussion and questions, right? I'm not slamming the company, just curious about the hype surrounding it. Yeah, it's earned it's reputation, but then again, many things that are overhyped are just that. Differing perspectives is what it's all about. Otherwise, this forum would be pretty darn boring, imho.

Where's the question? It kind of sounds like a rant and self-proclamation about how you feel about the Keeley compressor. Which is fine, because it's your own interpretation of the pedal that matters, but if you were wanted a discussion you should have worded it a bit more inviting. I don’t even use his pedal and I feel like defending it!

What's the big deal?
It's a Ross comp clone and it's expensive.
It squashes too much low end to be useful on bass.
Turn it up to where it's useable and it becomes hissy and noisy as hell.

But since you feel like talking comps, which compressor on the market is absent of the above attributes?