Arion SCO-1 Compressor

I currently have a Boss CS3 compressor, but I like a VERY compressed, snap tone. I don't have much to spend on any equipment, so I'm shopping around wisely.

I know there are better compressors for more money and maybe even the same money, but I am just looking for anyone's opinions and expertise on this pedal specifically. I've read mixed reviews, but more good than bad. The main things I am wanting to know-
-Is it very noisy (hiss, hum, etc)? I know all comps are noisy but is it too much on high compression settings for a very clean amp
-I'm not gigging, but hope to in the future (later this year perhaps). I take very good care of my pedals. Will it break with careful use? I've read that it either lasts forever or a few weeks
-Would it make too much noise when paired with my Boss (the settings on the CS3 do not make it noisy. There is only a very faint noise, but it is more than tolerable and acceptable)?
-Would you recommend it?

I'm not really in the market for other comps at the moment, I just am interested in this one. If too many are against this pedal, I will likely change my mind, but for now I think I want this one :razz:


http://www.arionpedals.com/Arion-Stereo-Compressor-Effects-Pedal-p/sco-1.htm?CartID=1
It will be about $45 with tax and shipping

Well, in case you haven't seen the other recent threads....

For poco dinero there are:

The BBE Orange Squash
BBE Bench Press
DOD Milk Box (FX84)
DOD FX 80 and 80B
GFS makes a compressor for about 50.00

I bought my Bench Press NEW for 50.00
My Orange Squeeze was used for 50.00
My DOD was 60.00 (a bit high, but was the only thing I could find while I had the funds)

I'd avoid Arion because they do have plastic casing, unless they changed.

I've read a few threads on those pedals, but nothing on the Arion. That's why I posted this one :) The chorus has an almost legendary status these days, I wanted to find out more about the compressor

I have a MIJ Arion SCO-1, if you want to get one look for the older MIJ version, the later ones (made in Sri Lanka) are just not made as well.

I've only used mine once, when I got it (too many pedals!), but I don't remember it being very noisy. Seemed like a nice comp to me. They used good components in the MIJ pedals, and I like the fact that most of them are stereo, even some of the distortions!. I don't see any problem with the plastic cases, unless you want to jump on them (which I don't).

I would suggest you do a search on Ebay for the SCO-1, save the search so they send you daily updates on the new auctions, and locate a MIJ pedal in mint condition. They go for pretty cheap, I think I paid less than the price you quoted for my MIJ. I don't have any direct experience with the Made In Sri Lanka SCO-1, so I don't know if they are more noisy than the MIJ version, but in general the original Japanese Arion's are better made with better components. I do have a couple of Sri Lanka SCH-Z's, and they are all right, but I bought them because the Japanese SCH-1's are going for outrageous money on Ebay.

Just my opinion. I'm sure the one you're looking at will work OK, but I would recommend the earlier Japanese version or get the BBE Orange Squash or Bench Press. They don't make the Orange Squash any more, but there are still a bunch of new ones around on Ebay.

Al

Ironically enough, I just pulled this exact pedal (Arion SCO-1 Japan-made version) out of storage this evening because I've been wanting to put a compressor back in my chain. I put this one and another oldie side by side (the MXR Commande series Sustain). I tried them both with a Dano Cool Cat Fuzz and an EHX Double Muff.

Side by side - in my opinion, the MXR totally smoked the Arion in sound quality and in the actual sense of "sustain". The Arion has more controls (Level. Tone, Sustain, Attack) but I found that it thinned out my sound in an unpleasant way, while the MXR thickened it a touch. Also, that switch on the top (Direct/Mellow or Short / Long) doesn't appear to do anything.... Maybe it has something to do with using the 2 outs.... but I guess I'd have to find the manual on that one.

All this to say, for what it's worth, I wouldn't recommend the Arion SCO-1. But if you really think you want one, definitely try it before you buy it.

PS - not sure this makes a difference or not, but it didn't perform very well in front of the dirt boxes but did a little better after them. It wasn't very noisey, but it also didn't really provide much "squash" either.

cheers, ew

Ironically enough, I just pulled this exact pedal (Arion SCO-1 Japan-made version) out of storage this evening because I've been wanting to put a compressor back in my chain. I put this one and another oldie side by side (the MXR Commande series Sustain). I tried them both with a Dano Cool Cat Fuzz and an EHX Double Muff.

Side by side - in my opinion, the MXR totally smoked the Arion in sound quality and in the actual sense of "sustain". The Arion has more controls (Level. Tone, Sustain, Attack) but I found that it thinned out my sound in an unpleasant way, while the MXR thickened it a touch. Also, that switch on the top (Direct/Mellow or Short / Long) doesn't appear to do anything.... Maybe it has something to do with using the 2 outs.... but I guess I'd have to find the manual on that one.

All this to say, for what it's worth, I wouldn't recommend the Arion SCO-1. But if you really think you want one, definitely try it before you buy it.

PS - not sure this makes a difference or not, but it didn't perform very well in front of the dirt boxes but did a little better after them. It wasn't very noisey, but it also didn't really provide much "squash" either.

cheers, ew

The switch on the top of the Arion Comp determines what comes out of the "B" output when you run it in stereo.

Al

The switch on the top of the Arion Comp determines what comes out of the "B" output when you run it in stereo.

Al

Aha! That makes sense...I was running it in mono. Thanks.


ew