Aphex 1404 punch factory

This is simply a compression effect that also can double as a D.I. box. It has 1/4" in and output and a XLR output for the D. I. function. This is an analog pedal. It cannot be edited through a computer, but really there is no need for that. No, it is not rackable.

UTILIZATION

The sound coming out of this little guy is quite good. As for editing, its simple enough with Drive and Volume knobs on the front, passive/active selector and wet/dry switches on the back. Also a ground selector. It also has an LED meter on the front to monitor you level/compression. I have never looked at the manual as it is pretty easy to understand by just looking at it.

SOUND QUALITY

I use this primarily for my Bass but also run my guitar through it from time to time. Yes, the sound is reproduced very well and the compression can be transparent and subtle to crunchy punchy. I notice some color to the sound when you really compress it, but for the most part its transparent. Its a pretty solid unit and I have to say, for what I paid for it, its amazing.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about it is the LED. I have never had a stomp box compressor with LED feedback before. It helps a lot when you are on stage and can't get a true representation of your sound due to amp placement and crowd/bar noise. I can't say that I dislike anything about it. I got it for $25 which was a steal. If I had to replace it, I wouldn't feel bad about spending $140 on it. I give it a 10 out of 10 for sound quality. I use an Analogman Bi-Comp for my guitar but I didn't like it as much on the Bass. This is an optical compressor and for some reason I always prefer Optical compression on a Bass. Yes, I would definitely buy this pedal again.

Optical circuit compressor made in USA.

- Switch to low active (very useful)

- Integrated DI output with the possibility to turn the effect on or off the output.
Possibility of supply with 48V phantom power console by the XLR connection.

- DB meter LEDs, very helpful too.

- 2 knobs, and roll!

UTILIZATION

What I like with this compressor is the ease of use and the final result really excellent, with only 2 buttons, and it does not need more. So I struggle to consider other low as MXR compressors with 5 or 6 buttons ... The manual I did not read it, but honestly, no need! You turn the volume between 8 and 10, and you slowly turn the "drive" button until the desired punch (for me between 4 and 6). The dB meter is not just a gimmick, it allows me to know the exact level of reduction to adjust the image settings of my studio. In this regard, the Aphex claims as a studio-quality compressor, and you will soon understand why.

SOUND QUALITY

Absolutely brilliant. But BEWARE, as cited in the previous review, keep in mind that this is an optical circuit and the effect is not as marked a VCA compressor or other guitar oriented voluntarily mark the "pump" circuit the image of the country and funk sounds good slap. The purpose thereof is to reproduce studio a transparent and efficient compression. It must pass almost unnoticed but work best balance signal. For that, it is wonderfully good job. Sure, you can hardly notice the effect, but this is precisely why it is done. It balances the signal, smooth excessive peaks and enhances the bass notes too, and must, restitution really great bass, excellent transparency. It adds punch and dynamics to your sound, without fluff and frequencies without being too strong, too. The purpose of a low compression studio quality. The difference may seem small at first listen, but once you turn it off, big empty!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 months on bass. I tested quickly on guitar, but it is for the 6 strings I prefer something stronger to clean, and no compression on saturation for already compressed naturally. For this reason it is moving clearly for bass. I had at the time the Boss CS-3 Digitech Bass Squeeze The nothing to do with Ahpex which is very, very, very far ahead. It's simple, it's all the time on, I can not imagine for a second game without this compressor since I first activated. It is upstream of my pedalboard just after the tuner, it is here that proves to be the most effective, as it renders it a perfect signal to the rest of the effects. I also use it for recording directly into the sound card and a signal as well balanced, this is a feast for the rest of the mix. Bassists, if you want the ideal compressor for 4 strings, go ahead and do not waste your time with Boss and company. The price is worth it.

Very good optical compressor fairly easy to adjust (tx compression and volume).

This is not an EHX black finger, he shall restore the grain of the bass.

If the instrument does not ring, it will not come.
DI integrated (very good for recording)

UTILIZATION

Very simple, we rule the tx and the compression volume.

No méoire.

SOUND QUALITY

Used with a 5-string bass, the compressor is very quiet because it does not affect the sound of the bass.

OVERALL OPINION

Sold for some time, I had more useful and I was looking for something stronger in tone.