Your "I finally found the one" compressor?

[NewarkWilder]

Short version--currently use the BJF PGC, think it may be overkill price-wise for my needs since I don't really use a whole lot of compression. I also absolutely cannot deal with something noisy.

Longer version- Ok so, yeah, I just don't use a whole lot of compression. Don't need any country spank or whatnot. I've been using the BJF PGC for a couple of years now, less for compression but more for the tonal "sheen" it gives you. Its beautiful, really is. But I'm starting to take compression more seriously--but I'm also not sure which direction to go here. I was very underwhelmed by the one optical compressor I tried, the Frantone "Sandwich" --but evidently I wasn't alone since it and the entire company tanked--and the Diamond definitely seems cool but there is some other stuff out there (and coming out) that I'm interested in too.

Must have--very low noise, adds something nice to your tone ie: no "dulling" effect, basic sustain/compression functionality without needing to go extreme in either direction, and if I actually make the decision to ditch the PGC, it'd have to be for something cheaper, and hopefully in a small box. Top of the list right now are the Fromel Velvet Vice (optical) and Wampler Ego Squasher (non-optical, I believe)

Anything else I'm missing? ALSO--how is the tonesuck on old boss CE-2s? I've heard they are really great for certain applications, like heavier rock/doom type stuff.

Suggestions are most welcome and appreciated, thanks!

 

[chart #3]

The CS-2 (probably you didn't mean CE-2 which is the Chorus Ensemble) is pretty much a Ross-like comp AFAIK (not 100% sure). The CE-1 was optical (came out from the ashes of the Roland AS-1 Sustainer) but it's told to squish to death and doesn't get many good reviews...

My fave is the White Finger by Electro-Harmonix I'll never part with that one. This + DMM and I'm in heaven. It's pretty overwhelming though, but in a way that I like.
In general I'm more on the optical side of things. I think VCA-based comps are overrated (which doesn't mean they aren't great for certain things), but that's just me

 

[WrapAround]

I've been using an IndyGuitarist modded CS-3 for the last couple of years.

 

[erksin]

Diamond.

 

[Blanket Jackson]

Anaolgman BiCompRosser. I've tried dozens of others, nothing else comes close. Gotta get on a long waiting list, but worth ever day.

 

[NewarkWilder]

oh yeah, CS-2 for sure. I always mix those 2 up.

I haven't really looked that hard at the White Finger, mostly 'cause its so big... hah. but I should probably have a listen and then judge. Maybe I can actually find one to play nearby!

 

[-DC/AC-]

I'd check out the RAF Mirage. Makes your clean tones sparkle, and I have it set to a slight volume boost which sounds great before my Cmatmods Signa Drive.

 

[NewarkWilder]

Diamond.

this is kinda my default fallback--never heard anyone say a bad word about it. probably good reason for that, I just wanted to get a survey of the landscape since its been a couple years since I really paid attention to anything new out there

 

[enocaster]

Sounds like GAS and nothing more. You already own a great comp - what is it not doing for you?

 

[erksin]

this is kinda my default fallback--never heard anyone say a bad word about it. probably good reason for that, I just wanted to get a survey of the landscape since its been a couple years since I really paid attention to anything new out there

All the things you say you want in a comp describes the Diamond to a T.

The Tilt EQ is fantastic, I use it almost as a much as an EQ pedal as I do a Comp.

Just get one and be done.

 

[baltimoretim]

Demeter Compulator. It's versatile and very quiet. Works well as a clean boost, too, if you keep the compression knob turned down and crank the volume.

 

[mahler]

Mad professor...? I'm not a big comp guy though.

 

[NewarkWilder]

Sounds like GAS and nothing more. You already own a great comp - what is it not doing for you?

well, its true, I have a top shelf comp for sure. I just don't know if I really need top shelf, I just need effective for certain things, and the PGC isn't really 100% of what I want out of a comp. I figure if another one is out there that does give me 100% of what I want, and ends up putting some $$ back in my pocket, why not give it some consideration. More like anti-gas really

 

[lespauldoc]

I loved my CMATMODS ross clone... until I found the Barber Tone Press. It has the same great "Ross Sound" but a bit more transparent and it has a "blend" knob to blend your dry vs compressed sound. I use the blend knob turned all the way to compression only for that ross 'jazz" sound when needed (or to sustain a smooth Tubescreamer type pedal.... think "Phish"), or I blend about 50-50 when playing acoustic, or playing my electric as I would an acoustic. This allows for the pick attack/rhythm to be heard, but the notes are leveled off.

Very versatile and absolutely noiseless, even at high sustain settings there is very little hish.

 

[Last]

The Tilt EQ is fantastic, I use it almost as a much as an EQ pedal as I do a Comp.

Absolutely agree with the above. I use it very much the same way. That little knob does soooooo much for your sound.

 

[frankencat]

For me I would say it's a toss-up between the Diamond and the Wampler Ego. I could easily see having both. <Heads over to the pedal emporium.....>

 

[TheMandolinGuy]

I love my Diamond. But like everything else I went back and forth on it. That's why I'm on my 3rd one now but it's here to stay. I haven't tried them all, but my compressor search is over. It's a keeper for the price and quality.

 

[Whiskey N Beans]

Farndurk's Burgs is the best I've played or heard in a pedal.

 

[sutherland]

For a while it's been the Forest Green Compressor, but I just got in the Analogman Mini BiComp and it's equally as flexible and has loads of transparency and squish (depending on what mode). Being able to stack the two sides makes it ever more versatile and I haven't even gotten around to tinkering with the internal trims.

 

[HBob]

Had a Boss Cs-2 for years. Hiss. Colors the tone a bit. Got a Blackbox Oxygen. Good for extreme squish. But the noise gate (needed) can destroy note decay. I've kept it for certain things. Sold the Boss. Even though David Gilmour has used one for years. I finally got an HBE Compressor Retro (CPR) and am very happy with it. Dead quiet. Can be very subtle or nice 'n' squishy.