Barber Tone Press vs Strymon ob.1

[Kluch]

I've seen a few forums around this topic, but none directly about these two compressors. Most of the music I do is in contemporary/alternative rock, usually in church and I'm looking for an "always-on" compressor that is transparent and really helps with sustain (I usually play a strat). I would really like my attack preserved if possible which is the only reason I'm leaning aways from the ob.1, but I also need to get a clean boost... don't know which way to go. Who's got experience with these and can give me some info!

 

[digiTED]

I have experience with either of the ones mentioned but I will make the forum faux pas of suggesting another: Diamond Comp. It's a great one to consider for your stated needs.

 

[Kluch]

Yea I've heard a lot of good things about the diamond... I was looking for a less expensive buy (considering it doesn't have the flexibility of a boost).

 

[digiTED]

Yea I've heard a lot of good things about the diamond... I was looking for a less expensive buy (considering it doesn't have the flexibility of a boost).

IIRC the Diamond is the same cost as the OB.1 (maybe even cheaper used since it appears to be more popular and common) and boosts when the volume knob is past noon. I use mine more as a boost and EQ sweetener than a comp most of time.

 

[Kluch]

Gotcha, yea, I was just hoping to get a 2 for 1 deal for a 200 buck pedal...

Any other users?

 

[Jules-RM]

The Tone Press is REALLY transparent, so much so you wonder if it actually does anything, but it does help sustain.

I ended up preferring my Keeley Comp to it tho, something about it and Strats just sounds magical.

 

[dapeegoo]

I use the ob.1. I love how it saves space and it is really transparent.

 

[Rod]

Ive had a tone press but prefer the Diamond..never had an ob1

 

[Kluch]

Thanks guys! I'd love to hear more... especially from anyone with experience or past experience with the ob.1 and it's ability to retain your initial attack (mores o at lower compression settings)

 

[orogeny]

big fan of the tone press here. blend knob is fantastic at going from sparkly clean boost to squishy let me step on my muff now sustainia.

 

[Footbutt]

I had a Tone Press. For whatever reason, I didn't keep it around. Had a OB.1 recently... It's as good as they say! Really clear compression and useable boost too.

 

[Bruce Lychee]

I have the OB.1. Transparent is definitely the right word for it. Also has a nice boost function.

 

[Godspeed64]

I'd recommend the MXR Bass Compressor on guitar.

You can set a late attack to preserve your dynamics and a late release for sustain. I used to use a CS-2 which beat out many compressors, most recent being an FGC but the MXR M87 smokes. Oh there's no tone knob also; the pedal preserves your EQ so it is transparent.

 

[Goodwood Audio]

Recently played the OB1. Pretty subtle. Quiet. Only one knob for compression though so it isn't exactly the most versatile.
The boost is fine but not amazing.

 

[pedals4life]

If you want a sweet compressor go get yourself a wampler ego comp.

 

[onwingsoflead]

Tone Press or FX Engineering RAF Mirage comp.