randy_mc
04-25-2005, 04:02 PM
I have been checking out compressors lately.
I used to use a Boss CS3, but let a friend borrow it for a long time.
Lately I've been playing a lot of slide guitar, and the interest in a good compressor came up again.
The Boss squishes the signal hard. It was impossible to dial in a transparent level with a clear attack. If you wind the attack full up, it sounds like it needs sustain. Dialing in more sustain then undoes the attack you just dialed in, and messes with the overall level. "Just can't there from here" type of thing.
Danelectro's Surf & Turf sounded great. But, the plastic case causes RF problems, reliability is suspect, and it occasionally has some issues with pumping the signal.
Aphex makes a nice optical compressor that sounded very clean, very transparent, and very natural. It was really nice, and also has a jack for a direct out.
The Homebrew CPR ends up being the one. Totally transparent, and the attack remains clear. It compares favorably to the Keeley, I am told. The guys at Memphis Guitar and Amp Works had both, and said that the CPR was actually more quiet than the Keeley. They also say that the Keeley attenuates high end frequencies, while the CPR allows a more natural type of chime. The price difference is substantial, with the Keeley going for about $220, and the CPR for $169. I traded something straight across, so I'm not out any money, and feel like I got a great deal.
The CPR goes at the top of the fx chain. I have used it to drive a Fulltone '69, BSM OR treble booster, and Lovepedal Eternity. It works great and doesn't add a lot of noise. Slide leads sing and sustain. Quite a nice one. You Tele twangers might want to check this one out...
Randy
I used to use a Boss CS3, but let a friend borrow it for a long time.
Lately I've been playing a lot of slide guitar, and the interest in a good compressor came up again.
The Boss squishes the signal hard. It was impossible to dial in a transparent level with a clear attack. If you wind the attack full up, it sounds like it needs sustain. Dialing in more sustain then undoes the attack you just dialed in, and messes with the overall level. "Just can't there from here" type of thing.
Danelectro's Surf & Turf sounded great. But, the plastic case causes RF problems, reliability is suspect, and it occasionally has some issues with pumping the signal.
Aphex makes a nice optical compressor that sounded very clean, very transparent, and very natural. It was really nice, and also has a jack for a direct out.
The Homebrew CPR ends up being the one. Totally transparent, and the attack remains clear. It compares favorably to the Keeley, I am told. The guys at Memphis Guitar and Amp Works had both, and said that the CPR was actually more quiet than the Keeley. They also say that the Keeley attenuates high end frequencies, while the CPR allows a more natural type of chime. The price difference is substantial, with the Keeley going for about $220, and the CPR for $169. I traded something straight across, so I'm not out any money, and feel like I got a great deal.
The CPR goes at the top of the fx chain. I have used it to drive a Fulltone '69, BSM OR treble booster, and Lovepedal Eternity. It works great and doesn't add a lot of noise. Slide leads sing and sustain. Quite a nice one. You Tele twangers might want to check this one out...
Randy