Compressor pedal: Which is the best choice (2 options)

[Navigator]

I am about to stop buying pedals. I have everything I want except a compression pedal.

Since money is a concern, there are two pedals I am considering right now.

First: MXR M102 Dyna Compressor $69.99 new

Second: Nova NDY-1 Dynamics Compressor $65.00 used

I have looked at youtube videos of both of them. But I was wondering what you all with your extensive talent, experience and knowledge in guitar music think about them. Which one would you get and why? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[strungover]

Been using the Dyna Comp since the early 80's with no complaints. Would not be caught without it.

 

[artdecade]

Dyna is a great pedal and you can't go wrong with it. Gilmour to chicken picking - Its all in there.

 

[Telesavalis]

MXR. If its just a choice between those two

 

[Suicideking]

I have used the Dyna Comp for years and love the way they sound, BUT a few months ago when I needed a Comp I was turned onto the Biyang Baby Boom Compress X.. It is a Dyna circuit but it is True Bypass and MUCH quieter then the Dyna Comp. I actually liked it BETTER then my 2 knob Keeley. At about 58 buck I would definetly put it up against both those pedals in a showdown....

 

[silentechoes]

If I may give another option: I have the MXR Super Comp , and it's the first compressor that I've ever bonded with. You can get the regular Dyna Comp tones, but it also has the addition of the attack knob which can be handy. It is a few dollars more than the Dyna, but if it's within your budget it is worth a look-see.

 

[Navigator]

Thanks for all the replies. I am open to all opinions and options. Hell, what's a few more dollars or even another 20 or 30 or even 40 (but not 50, probably)in the search for the golden fleece (tone). I am going to look at the Biyang and the Super Comp.

No one is familiar with the TC Nova NDY-1 Dynamics Compressor?

 

[oceanman2]

If I may give another option: I have the MXR Super Comp , and it's the first compressor that I've ever bonded with. You can get the regular Dyna Comp tones, but it also has the addition of the attack knob which can be handy. It is a few dollars more than the Dyna, but if it's within your budget it is worth a look-see.

Sorry, I don't know the TC, but I agree with the above, that the SuperComp is a good option. The attack knob is a great feature, compared to the standard Dyna.

 

[RubyRae]

Get a Wilson effects Compressor. Best one for price hands down.
IMO mxr is no good. Compressor is one of those pedals that you need to go good or don't use one. Just my opinion. Good luck.

 

[tbader]

I use the Dyna Comp (the newest revision, rev. F, I believe), and it sounds great to my ears. I used some rewards points on Amazon from my AMEX, and picked it up for about $40 shipped.

Now, I understand that MXR have a filthy habit of claiming that non-TB pedals are true bypass, or at least they used to. I've not seen anyone trace this circuit, but I can confirm that there is a DPDT switch in the Dyna, leaving the possibility that it is millennium bypass.

One good indicator that it is millennium bypass is Jeorge Tripps' (of Way Huge fame) initials stamped right on the PCB. Another indicator would be the Carbon Copy's design, which is also Jeorge's; it, too, is millennium bypass.

In my setup, the Dyna is first (after my PolyTune), and there is no noticeable difference in tone/volume/treble in bypass mode. Now, older MXRs (like my Phase 90) with the infamous "hardwire" bypass cannot usually be first in my setup without degrading the signal. I have to put a buffer (in most cases, my Keeley BD-2) before them, but this method works well. At least, I can tell a difference.

Anyway, the newest JT designed Dyna doesn't act like old hardwire bypass MXRs. Bypassed, my signal sounds just as pristine as if the Dyna were sitting on my shelf.

Good, right? Well, some nuts will disparage others from getting the new Dyna because it lacks the CA3080 IC that the classic designs (and later revisions) had. This redesign, to permit the use of a suitable substitute, still yielded a result that is pretty faithful to classic DC tones. It just sounds good, and I have a feeling that Mr. Tripps is pretty responsible for that.

It's tight, snappy, spanky, gritty, and sustains for days. I use compression mostly for clean arpeggiated patterns (no country squash or spank), so I don't go too crazy with how much I use. Just a smidge is perfect (I've always ran Dyna Comps at 3 and 9, left to right).

That being said, I've been wanting the Barber Tone Press because of the ability to mix the wet signal with the dry. It like how I can clean up my signal a bit more with that pedal than the Dyna. Even with minimal compression settings, my Dyna has the tendency to clip, which gets pretty annoying. I think I have it dialed in pretty well for what I use it for, however.

Anyway, my vote is for the Barber. It's cheaper than most of the Dyna/Ross clones out there, and has a level of functionality that is perfect for tone chasers.

Todd

(Sorry for the novel...)

 

[jefcon1]

No one is familiar with the TC Nova NDY-1 Dynamics Compressor?

I had to google it -too many knobs.
Dyna Comp

/thread.

 

[audiohatemchine]

I had to google it -too many knobs.
Dyna Comp

/thread.

Owned.
Stay away from the ehx soul preacher. I had one for a month and didn't like it at any time during said month so I swapped it for....!

A dyna comp.

 

[Navigator]

Thanks for the opinions everybody.

Tbader: Well, that's not really a novel, more like an essay and a damn good one. Well thought out. I read it a couple of times and will read it a couple more. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it. I took a good look at the Barber Tone Press, no one has it locally and no one online has it for less than $149.99. More than I wanted to spend but if I was at GC and they were able to put one in front of me, I'd probably say what the hell and buy it.

jefcon: Thanks for looking at the Nova. You hit on a point similar to what I was thinking. It seemed to me that there are too many things on it to go wrong.

The Biyang sounded interesting but couldn't find one ... I am thinking Dyna Comp. or custom comp or super comp ..... !!???

 

[teleNtweed]

I have been on the compressor hunt for awhile. Keeley, aman, boss, regular dyna, ego, line 6 constrictor. I am currently waiting on an mxr custom comp. I'll let you know. If it does not work i may try a barber and if that does not work... I give up!!

 

[Suicideking]

Google is your friend....

Biyang Compressor http://www.amazon.com/Biyang-Compress-Guitar-Compressor-Pedal/dp/B004F1FBYU/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

11 Gauge is the one who turned me onto this pedal in the first place and I have been raving about it ever since. It was cool to look for this link for you and see his review on the bottom of the page here at amazon. You can also find these on Ebay for the same price just go to Ebay and search for Biyang Baby Boom Compress X...

 

[looney77]

I've used a dyna for years and always been happy with it. I'd like to have the '76 because I like the cursive "script" writing on it, but that's just me being stupid.

I will say this about the Biyang. It is probably very good. SKing and 11 gauge have tons of knowledge and experience and also very good taste. If they like it, I'm sure most of us would too. I've just never had a reason to scrap the old dynacomp of mine.

TC electronics does make some very good stuff, but I've never heard anything about that pedal and I see them used all the time. Not very good signs, but who knows?

 

[Flakey]

I use the Dyna Comp (the newest revision, rev. F, I believe), and it sounds great to my ears. I used some rewards points on Amazon from my AMEX, and picked it up for about $40 shipped.

Now, I understand that MXR have a filthy habit of claiming that non-TB pedals are true bypass, or at least they used to. I've not seen anyone trace this circuit, but I can confirm that there is a DPDT switch in the Dyna, leaving the possibility that it is millennium bypass.

One good indicator that it is millennium bypass is Jeorge Tripps' (of Way Huge fame) initials stamped right on the PCB. Another indicator would be the Carbon Copy's design, which is also Jeorge's; it, too, is millennium bypass.

In my setup, the Dyna is first (after my PolyTune), and there is no noticeable difference in tone/volume/treble in bypass mode. Now, older MXRs (like my Phase 90) with the infamous "hardwire" bypass cannot usually be first in my setup without degrading the signal. I have to put a buffer (in most cases, my Keeley BD-2) before them, but this method works well. At least, I can tell a difference.

Anyway, the newest JT designed Dyna doesn't act like old hardwire bypass MXRs. Bypassed, my signal sounds just as pristine as if the Dyna were sitting on my shelf.

Good, right? Well, some nuts will disparage others from getting the new Dyna because it lacks the CA3080 IC that the classic designs (and later revisions) had. This redesign, to permit the use of a suitable substitute, still yielded a result that is pretty faithful to classic DC tones. It just sounds good, and I have a feeling that Mr. Tripps is pretty responsible for that.

It's tight, snappy, spanky, gritty, and sustains for days. I use compression mostly for clean arpeggiated patterns (no country squash or spank), so I don't go too crazy with how much I use. Just a smidge is perfect (I've always ran Dyna Comps at 3 and 9, left to right).

That being said, I've been wanting the Barber Tone Press because of the ability to mix the wet signal with the dry. It like how I can clean up my signal a bit more with that pedal than the Dyna. Even with minimal compression settings, my Dyna has the tendency to clip, which gets pretty annoying. I think I have it dialed in pretty well for what I use it for, however.

Anyway, my vote is for the Barber. It's cheaper than most of the Dyna/Ross clones out there, and has a level of functionality that is perfect for tone chasers.

Todd

(Sorry for the novel...)

I just picked up the Dyna Comp (I had one 30 years ago) but I really wanted the Tone Press but price became an issue @ 60.00 vs. 149.00. Anyways I opened up the Dyna and noticed a small white pot in the middle of the board. looks like it can be turned with a small screwdriver. Any ideas what this does?

 

[Navigator]

I went with the Dyna Comp. One of the major chains had a nice shiny virgin new one. 64.95+. The sound was nothing special with just the Dyna Comp and the guitar alone (although I didn't spend much time with the DC and just the guitar alone). The Dyna Comp with a carbon copy delay and a Big Muff w/ tone wicker had great sounds; another great combination was the the DC, the CC and a Boss SD-1 with a mod called "tubescreamer on steroids"; great sound from that. Yet another combination with a unique tone I really liked was the DC, the CC, an EH Dr. Q envelope filter, and a Boss DS-1 with a "tube emulator" mod. All these combinations had excellent sustain. US Standard Stratocaster; Vox Night Train; 1x12 Cab with a Marshall Heritage Celestion G 12 speaker.

In regard to compressors, many people on Tdpri have said that theirs is alway on. I understand why now. Thanks for all the information. It helped a lot. I like the Dyna Comp. I think I am going to keep it.

 

[jefcon1]

In regard to compressors, many people on Tdpri have said that theirs is alway on. I understand why now. Thanks for all the information. It helped a lot. I like the Dyna Comp. I think I am going to keep it.

Congrats on the DC. In regards to compressors being "always on", any pedal I've owned for less than a month is "always on". If I ever buy a ring modulator things are going to get ugly. Seriously, I use a DOD FX80b compressor. I took it off the board a couple weeks ago, but I'm missing it terribly. It is my only true "always on" pedal.