BBE Opto Stomp V2

Well, this is a compressor pedal pad ... Who ... The sound ... From the instrument. A nice description.
This is V2 (mustard yellow, with monocle and mustache). Besides the cosmetic changes, the switch-15db attenuator present in the original has disappeared (but was it really necessary?).
The design of the beast is simple: input / output (so far, so much the better, eh ...), a footswitch on / off (what a good idea, too!), A pretty blue LED blinding if viewed too long, and two knobs (output and threshold) used to adjust the output level and the level of compression respectively.
Also note: the opto stomp is troubaïpasse (true bypass, what).
For the rest, bah is classic, but powerful: 100% metal for the hull of the craft, 100% metal knobs and 100% for the plastic battery cover. This is the only item you can imagine evil age, provided that exclusively uses 9volts batteries (using an external power supply is of course possible). For the rest, RAS.
The format is also conventional (same pedals many EHX size, for example). In sum, not what is bigger, but not what is smaller either. Yes, my comments are sooooo informative.

UTILIZATION

Simplicity of design, ease of use: it adjusts the compression according to his need, and corrects the output level in a second time in order to get something similar when the pedal is on or off. And that's all.
This is one of the strengths of this pedal has since rapidly effective and ready to use effects. When you're like me, that is to say tired advance the idea of ​​having to adjust the 3-band active preamp for a bass, it's still the top. In return, the purists / perfectionist / engineers / 10 BAC will find the machine a bit limited ...

SOUND QUALITY

I use an active bass (Cort Artisan B5).
Enooooooormes advantages of opto stomp:
- No coloring of the sound of the instrument: it remains faithful, never distorted, even with strong compression.
- No breath, even pushing the knobs thoroughly.
Compression is effective. Discreet but effective. Basically, this is exactly what you expect from a compressor.
BUT ... Because there is a "but", and a big "but". This friendly Opto Stomp, laaaargement recommendable far has still a huge failure. Some do will not care, others will find simply unacceptable: Opto Stomp makes noise. Yes, well, say it suggests a number of noise, sound artifacts (well, they are real, huh). They are certainly very little audible, but still standing. And inevitably, it breaks the myth.
Specifically, it takes the form of very slight rattle, audible to the attack of the note, but also as residual echo. It is difficult to describe, but it spoils the fun.
These sounds are almost inaudible when playing slap (do not ask me why), but they are clearly distinguished playing fingers. Unworthy of a product BBE.
My extensive research (internet magic ...) seem to confirm that it would be a fit for Moustache version, which does not exist on the default model V1 ...
Still, I find myself obliged to put a note below average. But what a pity, though.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for almost 1 year. The effect is permanently; say that I learned to deal with what remains in my opinion the only flaw (the noise). Apart from that, it would be the perfect compressor for bass, simple, effective, transparent.
Value: hard to say. It would be a 9/10 if there was not this persistent problem. But suddenly, I give him just above average. I still do not understand how the quality control has been let out of the production lines a whole generation of a model with a defect as great ... And once again, it seems that either not a manufacturing defect, but rather a real design flaw.

This is an optical compressor pedal in the new version. One input and one output jack format a knob "output" to the output level knob and a "threshold" to the level of the effect. Compared to the first version, only the mini switch "pad" has disappeared, so we find ourselves with only two settings, it could not be simpler. All built into a sturdy and rugged metal housing.
Currently missing catalog BBE but replaced by its version OptiComp gray case.

UTILIZATION

Far from the gas plants to the kings of hacking, the settings are extremely simple, manual in English is not used much. Everything is a story based on the dosage of each taste. We spend a very soft compression and very discreet a "pompous" if you push the knob to its maximum.

SOUND QUALITY

For a pedal of this range, no doubt it will suit the vast majority of users. It is very effective, especially with very soft full transparency, the sound of my bass is fully respected. To this we can add a total lack of breath and we are left with a product of high quality and high performance without excessive settings kind. Personally I set the effect level between 6 and 7, this is the setting that works best for me.

OVERALL OPINION

Initially I had gone to buy a compressor pedal fairly upscale type T-Rex Comp Nova MXR M87 or. Then, on the advice of online, I did test this Opto Comp and it is without hesitation that I chose it perfectly met all my criteria for a sum well below its competitors . Combining simplicity, efficiency, robustness, this is the type of pedal that engages and we no longer extinguishes