Compression Recommendations

I'm looking for a compressor that adds a nice sheen for my funk/R&B group and some lovely squish for slide playing. I really liked the tone of my MiC JangleBox (apart from the noise) but it's increasingly clear the pedal is not that well made.

I know this topic has been covered countless times before, but my situation is slightly different in that a lot of the usual suspects are unavailable in my area and I'm looking at keeping my purchase <$180 CAN.

Here are the compressors that are readily available in my price range. Which ones would you give the nod to?

- Carl Martin Classic Opto
- Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone
- Diamond Compressor (a bit outside my range at $189)
- Malekko Comp (apparently this is more of a mid-boost than a compressor)
- Red Witch Grace compressor
- Solid Gold FX Compression Machine
- Analog Man 3-knob
- Akai
- T-Rex Comp-Nova

So far, I've tried the standard Dyna-Comp and the Visual Sound Route 66 and neither blew me away. The Dyna-Comp had possibilities but the standard pedal didn't quite achieve what it was trying to do (which is why the Whirlwind Rochester Red Box intrigues) and the Route 66 was terrible - a Strat through an AC-30 sounded better with it out of the chain. No clue where to get a modded CS-3, and the stocker didn't do much for me.

Please give me your best recommendations. Thanks in advance. :smile:

Not familiar with any of the ones you've listed, but I play an MXR DynaComp that was modded supposedly to Ross specs (making it a DynaRoss), and it's great. Lots of folks do the mod, but I had JHS do mine. Only certain versions of the MXR can take this mod, though - I believe version E and earlier (or is it E and later?).

However, I can say of all the ones I tried when I initially shopped for mine, the MXR was the best - but again, that didn't include any on your list.

I like the Strymon OP.1, but I seem to like everything that Strymon does. I've never heard anything bad said about the Diamond...I don't have any experience or know anybody that has any experience with the others that you have listed...

http://www.strymon.net/products/ob1/

Are you against trying another dyna-comp style?
I havent tried one, but ive heard really ,really good things about the '76 reissue script logo dyna-comp. you can find them for less that $150 on amazon.

Are you against trying another dyna-comp style?
I havent tried one, but ive heard really ,really good things about the '76 reissue script logo dyna-comp. you can find them for less that $150 on amazon.

Actually, I liked what the standard Dynacomp was going for but it just wasn't there yet. That's why I'm looking at the Whirlwind Rochester Red Box (unfortunately the store that claims to carry it no longer does) or the DC RI. Unfortunately, Amazon.ca only carries the block logo model and shipping from the US would be a cast-iron bitch. :roll:

The best stomp box compressor I have ever used is the Rothwell Love Squeeze. If you can afford the others, you can afford this.

Every review I've ever read about it was good.

I'm pretty certain ProGuitarshop.com do a video of it. It's simply an excellent compressor which does not add unwanted noise to your tone.

MXR Custom comp...

I have a Diamond Compressor and really love it. I leave it on all the time. However, it's not in your budget (new) and doesn't do the squishy sound as well as some of the other compressors you mention.

The best stomp box compressor I have ever used is the Rothwell Love Squeeze. If you can afford the others, you can afford this.

Every review I've ever read about it was good.

I'm pretty certain ProGuitarshop.com do a video of it. It's simply an excellent compressor which does not add unwanted noise to your tone.

Sorry, you need to read the original post. The compressors I posted are the only ones readily available in my area, which is why I wanted a recommendation from that list.

Save your money and get a Wampler Ego Compressor. You won't be sorry.

The Diamond is worth every penny. Ego Compressor is also a stellar comp (order online?). Either one will do what you're after.

Save your money and get a Wampler Ego Compressor. You won't be sorry.

What he said.

Boss CS2, but the Wampler Ego gets in the same territory.

I like the Carl Martin. Very underrated.

What about the Keeley at $229?

Another option in your price range might be the BBE Bench Press, designed after the vintage Ross Compressor at $149. I have some other BBE stuff that be a great banb for the buck.

The Keeley is a bit more than you're wanting to pay, but most of the good compressor pedals are around $200. Perhaps the BBE is the ticket. Guitar Center carries the BBE line. You can also check out what's available on line at Pro Guitar Shop or Jet City Music. Most these online type of businesses ship allover the place.

http://proguitarshop.com/effects/compression-pedals.html

http://www.jetcitymusic.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=89

Can't live without my CS-3. If it's good enough for Vince Gill, it's good enough for me.

Barber Tone Press.

Some great suggestions...I like the Rothwell Love Squeeze best, but bought a Diamond instead and really love it. Some coloration relative to the Love Squeeze, but one I like a lot. I too leave it on all the time in front of all my pedals.

since no one is staying within your parameters, I will suggest the Vox Snake Charmer. .

I have a modded Boss CS3 and it sounds good.

Save your money and get a Wampler Ego Compressor. You won't be sorry.

+1 on the Ego Compressor. The tone knob will get you into the Janglebox territory. Plus the blend knob really adds to the flexibility. Worth the $$.

Or for good cheap tone, a Biyang Baby Boom compressor, I picked one up used for $40 you can get one new for about $60 shipped. I prefer it over the newer Dynacomps that I've owned and also 0ver the Boss CS3.

For funk r&b, you might want to consider Wampler's Ego Compressor. Although it might be out of your price range as it's about the same price of the Diamond Compressor you listed.

-Jagg

Are you willing to order things online?
Just last week I received my MXR Custom Comp from amazon for about 100 bucks. Great purchase!! Ive never tried a vintage dynacomp, but from what i hear, the custom comp is basically a script logo dyna comp (which costs about 50-60 bucks more) but with attack and trim controls, and a power-out for external powering. So far i love it. it can get great chickin pickin sounds or just be a really great, subtle effect to give you "oomph."

If you are using a compressor in a live application then something like a Barber Tone Press or an MXR Compressor is sufficent. Heck you can order a pre-made 5-knob compressor from BYOC via Axe And You Shall Receive (http://www.axeandyoushallreceive.com/store/page1.html). They are Canadian.

For funk r&b, you might want to consider Wampler's Ego Compressor. Although it might be out of your price range as it's about the same price of the Diamond Compressor you listed.

-Jagg

I checked my local shops and the Diamond lists for $189 while the Wampler lists for $209. Is the Wampler worth the extra $$$?

Here are the more pricey options available in my area (before tax).

- T-Rex Comp Nova ($209)
- Wampler Ego Compressor ($209)
- Jam Pedals Dyna-ssor ($210)
- Mad Professor Forest Green (PCB) ($205)
- Maxon CP101 ($230)
- Xotic AC-Comp ($200)

- I'd like to try before I buy, which is why I want to keep it local and not buy online. However, if I'm desperate I might try that MXR Custom Comp if it's the Dyna with better components.

I love my Hartman Compressor.

The only one I like more is the Wilson Effects Compressor. Super sweet squishy funky tone.
Truly great Ross clone, but new and good price. Highly recommend checking it out.

I checked my local shops and the Diamond lists for $189 while the Wampler lists for $209. Is the Wampler worth the extra $$$?

Here are the more pricey options available in my area (before tax).

- T-Rex Comp Nova ($209)
- Wampler Ego Compressor ($209)
- Jam Pedals Dyna-ssor ($210)
- Mad Professor Forest Green (PCB) ($205)
- Maxon CP101 ($230)
- Xotic AC-Comp ($200)

- I'd like to try before I buy, which is why I want to keep it local and not buy online. However, if I'm desperate I might try that MXR Custom Comp if it's the Dyna with better components.

Why are you looking at the more pricey ones if you already have a set budget? The MXR will work just fine, you can get one at Long and McQuade for $125 CAN. They have a store in Toronto

Why are you looking at the more pricey ones if you already have a set budget? The MXR will work just fine, you can get one at Long and McQuade for $125 CAN. They have a store in Toronto

I can actually afford to go above the budget I set. I'm just trying to figure out whether it's worth it.

Yeah, I know the L&McQ on Bloor. I'll definitely check out the Custom Comp if and when I get the chance.

IMHO no it's not worth it. When your playing live with other instruments in the mix, and then add in the crowd and the sound of the PA, I can assure that no one will be coming up to you and complimenting on what kind of compressor your using.

It always best to get something affordable and can be easily replaced very quickly.

I got my MXR Super Comp at guitarcenter for 44 bux...it's awesome..well rounded too!

A quick update: I ended up hitting the L&McQ and tried out a batch of pedals.

MXR Dynacomp: I liked what it was trying for, but it felt and sounded like MXR cheaped out on the components. It didn't quite reach the classic tone it was trying for, and the noise floor was pretty high.

Boss CS-3: same.

MXR Custom Comp: I really wanted to like this one but I noticed little difference in the sound whether it was on or off. Maybe that one was messed up but it was the only one in stock and I need to get that compressor in my pedalboard for an upcoming gig.

JangleBox Byrds model: the sales guy was pushing this as it was used so the price was marked down. Sounded great but not worth the $250 price tag, IMO.

MXR Dynacomp Script model: this is the one I ended up taking home. Loved the sound, didn't like the fact that there's no AC adaptor or a light to tell whether or not it's on. Nevertheless it really worked for me; was everything the Dynacomp was trying to be. I have an adaptor that plugs into the battery clip so I can run it off my 1-Spot, so that's not an issue. I guess I'll have to live without the LED.

Thanks, everybody, for all your thoughts and suggestions. Most appreciated. :smile:

EDIT: forgot to mention that an MXR 108 Classic Fuzz and a set of Schaller straplocks mysteriously followed me home. :wink: I'm also mentally preparing the Wife for the sudden arrival of a P-Bass at some point. I think she's resigned to it. :cool:

I checked my local shops and the Diamond lists for $189 while the Wampler lists for $209. Is the Wampler worth the extra $$$?

Speaking for myself, it is worth it. I currently own the Diamond and it is too subtle (transparent) for my liking. I'm looking for a more in your face type of comp. I tried the Wampler Ego and it totally blew me away. You can get the Ego for under $200.00 online. Some will cover shipping. You definitely want to try before buying though. What might sound good to some may not be what you want.

-Jagg