Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Comp anyone?

[schenkadere]

I've heard some nice demos...I can pick it up locally...and I'm in the market for a comp. Any users or comments? I'm tempted.

[lefty73]

If it's in good shape give it a whirl. I dug it (wound up going with a Joemeek FloorQ) but the parallel compression (able to blend in your original attack) and the tone controls are super cool.

[schenkadere]

Originally Posted by lefty73

If it's in good shape give it a whirl. I dug it (wound up going with a Joemeek FloorQ) but the parallel compression (able to blend in your original attack) and the tone controls are super cool.

You like the Joe Meek better?...cuz that's another option.

[lefty73]

To my ears the Joemeek is a better bona fide compressor. It doesn't feel like an effect, if that makes any sense. Also, I was hunting for a compressor that can handle electric bass and acoustic guitar as well, and I felt like the compression curves programmed into the Philosopher's Tone were a little too slanted towards 6-string electric guitar.

[artdecade]

Good sounding compressor. I hate that it takes a 12-18v power supply and that it uses that Zvex "sideways" orientation. Personally, I would just grab a Boss or MXR.

The Joe Meek is great, but it is a studio type compression. I would actually relegate it to the studio, because I have concerns about how it was built.

[gtrguru]

I don't like the philosopher's tone as a compressor because you can't adjust the attack. It was ok to switch on for an 80s lead, but it wasn't for me.

[ChipOnly]

Yeah, no attack control - would have gladly swapped the grit out for attack. It clamps down pretty hard, and then raises the level back up - that's what folks call pumping, right? Well, I couldn't get over it. Even at low settings, it is pretty squishy, but tonally I found it to be pretty neutral.

Another thing to be aware of is that I've read the "blend" is actually a compression ratio, and not a clean blend like on the tone press, wampler, or doubleback...

The sustain is pretty impressive though, and if you are interested in it for that - comp as an effect, not subtle - you are more likely to dig it. 18v may or may not mean another wall wart for you, and the lengthwise orientation (and jack placement, both on the right...!?!?) could be a bother.

[Charlie Davis]

Love it a lot. I have owned a Boss and an MXR and it sounds better than those big time. Thanks to the blend control you can make it a very transparent compression, or make is squish more like an MXR.

Overall very versatile and the Grit gives you another tonal option.

[Charlie Davis]

Oh, and the additional voltage is essential to it. At 12V, I didn't think it sounded great, but at a full 18V, it really opens up and thats when you can get it very transparent (if that's what you're going for).

[guit30]

I like the Wampler Ego Compressor, rumor has it there will be a new one in Classified for a good price.