DOD FX84 Milk Box

The DOD FX84 Milk Box is primarily a compression pedal, but also has what they call a frequency expander. The pedal has 1/4" connections for input and output, and is powered by either a nine volt battery or power supply. It can't be rack mounted in any way, as it is a foot pedal.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the DOD FX84 Milk Box is overall very easy to understand. If you are new to compression pedals and are just looking to get into the game, this will be a good transition for you. It simply has parameters for level, compress, hi expander, and attack. The hi expander is something that isn't normally found with compression pedals, but is nice to have in addition. I've never had a need to look at the manual for the FX84, as it is easy enough to figure out how to use without one.

SOUND QUALITY

I can't say that the DOD FX84 Milk Box is my favorite compression pedals out there, but overall it does have a pretty good sound. I've used the pedal in tandem with a Gibson SG and a Vox AC 30, just for some light compression, and this definitely got the job done for just playing around with it to get a tighter tone. It is better for lead than for rhythm in my opinion, as it will give you a nice amount of sustain. It isn't as good for getting tight, rhythmic guitar tones as far as I'm concerned...

OVERALL OPINION

I've used and recorded with a lot of different compression pedals out there, and even though the DOD FX84 Milk Box isn't one of my favorites by a long shot, it still will get the job done. Compared with some of the other compression pedals on the market, the DOD FX84 Milk Box doesn't hold up very well. However, for pedals in this price range, this is a pretty good deal. Even though this pedal is no longer being man, it didn't get discontinued all too long ago, so locating one at a good price should be easy if you're interested in getting one...

The DOD FX84 Milk Box Compressor is a one stop go-to pedal for true analog compression. It features a uniquely wide tonal range and is housed in DOD's high quality craftsmanship. It's built like a tank, like most DOD products. It features a 1/4'' in and 1/4'' out, with an easily changeable 9V in the back.

UTILIZATION

The usage of this pedal in the arena of electric guitar is invaluable. By placing a good compression pedal at the beginning of a long chain of pedals, it allows the player to harness his tone, compress the signal and at the same time boost the level. This allows the tone to hit the pedals at a much 'hotter' or higher volume rate and when it reaches the amp--though admittedly it doesn't sound anything like the original tone of guitar into amp--you'll have a much more malleable and workable tone coming out.

Truthfully, it's a bigger question about to go 'natural' or to go with effects, but even the most 'true-tone' players out there use some kind of effects system to 'consolidate' their tone. There's no sense in singling out any one artist because almost all of them use some kind of compression, be it rack, or analog.

I prefer analog because I use my pedals to get screaming blues/rock tone for my solos. By utilizing the four knobs 'level' 'compress' 'hi exp' and 'attack' on the DOD I'm able to literally change my tone to the room I'm playing. For example, if I was playing lead guitar in a country rock-band I'd dial level at 5, compress at 5, hi exp at 8 and attack at 4. If I was playing rhythm guitar in a heavy metal band I'd level at 7, compress at 7, hi exp at 5 and attack at 7. By messing with the tones a little bit you'll see that heavier compression allows for more sustained distortion and less compression, but a higher knob volume will give you crystal clear tone.

I'm impressed by this DOD Box for its reliability. I leave it on all the time and it's important to watch the knobs, because if you get too compressed for your playing style, you'll be stuck 'til you can reach down and turn that thing down.

SOUND QUALITY

I guess guitarists use compression to better define their tone within the context of all these other frequencied instruments. The sound quality in this pedal seems to simply enhance the natural style of humbucker or single-coil pick up you're using and promote it to a professional sounding level, provided you've got a good amplifier and decent instruments. In its range, I tested others and this DOD is untouched.

OVERALL OPINION

If you're getting into pedals, try this out and you'll see why you don't need eq pedals and all that. With good settings on a compression pedal, the power of tone should be at your instrument, not on some sliders on the rack or at your feet. It's a simple way to smooth out a bunch of pedals; and oh yes, it means you're adding one more to the pile!

What are the effects or types of effects available?
DOD FX84 Milk Box is an analog compressor.

Are they editable? Via an editor Mac / PC? NO
Is it a rack or rack-mount model? Effects Pedal
What technology is used? analog

What is the connection?
Audio input, Audio output
a connection for standard 9 volt supply (I sometimes use with 12 volt carefree)

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple? Yes, except perhaps for the 1st version or names are more exotic "quarters cream pasteurization and spill" (Level, Compress, Hi exp, attack) exp Hi strengthens notes and harmonics acute

The manual is clear and sufficient? unnecessary manual
Editing sounds and effects is it easy? found very quickly on a low

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough? yes, very high compression
Which instruments do you use? Ibanez SR1100 bass active kind SR1500 ...
Passive bass (JB + barto)
In all cases the result is there.
The expander treble is very nice.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using? 2 years
Did you try many other models before buying it? Mxr M87, Markbass Comp Trace Elliot Dual ...

What is so special that you like most and least?
most is the very high level of compression (Compress positioned at 11 o'clock max)
The expander treble is very nice and helps bring out the harmonics of the strings played to empty or small footnotes of the handle.

least
Becomes very noisy if you would pass the position at 11:00.
For this position we are already in compression than other compressors do not even reach the end of the race.
The attack can quickly turn into overdrive.

How do you rate the quality / price? since random chance (30/60 €)
With experience, you do again this choice? Yes I play 2 spots daily, I became casi indispensable. I has two versions, I can not find any difference between the two versions ... if this is the side rather nice look of Moo cow camo that's okay.
I get almost the same sound with a MXR M87.

This review is for use with a bass.
On guitars I do not know (I just think that the guitars have six strings small ridiculous ... poor!)

- Analog Compressor
- Strong box
- 1 input + 1 output
- Battery compartment very convenient
- 9v DC power supply jack -
- Always switch the famous black plastic, with which I have, nonetheless, never had a problem
- Bypass-type FET, as in Boss

UTILIZATION

The use is not necessarily the most intuitive, since the first series, the parameter name was ... Hmmm ... Say very personal: "Cream", "Pasteurization" ... etc.
Me, I like the ravings of DOD!

So for those who have a foot in this series:
- QUARTER = Volume output
- CREAM = compression ratio
- Pasteurization = a parameter that seems unlikely to create high harmonics
- SPILL = attack time

Once we got it (and if you know how to use a compressor) is childish!
Note that this type of pedal is placed, in general, first thing in the chain, just after the wah-wah type effects and auto wah.

SOUND QUALITY

YES!! Very good sound! The tendency of the compressor is clarity! The sound is very colorful ... I mean the stamp, because, of course, the envelope is processed, it is the goal!
Once properly adjusted, the pedal produces a very clean attack, sustain is strongly accentuated ... It also enhances the breath, but that's normal, it is in principle the compressor ...

I put "10" by comparing the sound quality for the price!

OVERALL OPINION

Difficult to do without a good compressor when you have tasted, so it helps to professionalize the sound!

Ebneter Kate, an American who has more than 200 pedal, said he was one of the best compression pedal that she knew! Obviously, one should not compare it to a black finger tube at 250 dollars, but ...

With DOD there are often surprises! Some are downright nazes pedals (or some distos fuzz, for example) others are safe bets (the analog chorus type 690 or FX60, FX65), and others are misunderstood and undervalued! the better, it gives the opportunity to acquire an excellent product for 40 euros! The value for money is excellent!