All user reviews of 4/5 for the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger

Compressor pedal for guitar or bass operating on two technologies: optical coupling and LED lamps (2x 12AX7 EHX). We choose between two compression modes: full LED or LED lamps +, between two types of effect: compression or squash (a kind of gate) input gain + output, and finally compression ratio. Switch true bypass relay (if the power supply is cut off the pedal, the pedal automatically switches to bypass, this is very handy).

UTILIZATION

We were told many things about this pedal, for good or not, I do confirm that: getting a nice clean sound is quite delicate. There are two reasons: the BF is made to work with low impedance, so if possible with a pre-amplified signal and then an active instrument. It is not desirable to try to boost the signal by increasing the gain, because it may significantly degrade the sound and add a big breath. BF is not a preamp, the input level should be sufficient, without being line level, if it saturates! It limits the blow quite use. Deuxio, the settings are all very interactive, it should not look bad to get what we want. For example, the input gain plays a lot on getting the compression. This is the control in the second set after the compression. At the same time we must not push too, or else watch the breath or saturation (which is not nice at all).

SOUND QUALITY

Side sound reproduction, wholesale, simply put:
- The lamp mode is punchy, moderately compressed, with a characteristic hump in the midrange.
- The LED mode is less hot but more "spicy", perfect for funky casseroles.
- The counter mode is very hairy, gains should be very low to avoid saturating.
- Squash fashion behaves both as a sustainer and a limit. There must be more gain to compensate for the loss of volume. I do not like this method because it seems to lose momentum, but it can be nice to smooth an instrument without too much sustain.

My favorite setting is the following, on acoustic and electric guitar:
Location: ahead in the effects loop of the preamp AMT SS11.
Mode: Comp / Lamp, Input gain: 10h, Output gain: 10am Compression: 13-14h.
I get very hot and very compressed sound. This setting back substantially all of the lower levels means all breads and glissers strings! But that's what I love the most, for me to play clean then.

In fact, the quality of sound from this pedal is simply excellent, once it is left tamed.

OVERALL OPINION

I took me months before allowing me to post a review, story to go around. Initially I bought it to warm up a POD (but nothing did). Then I plugged into a preamp tube, wondering if it was justified ... Then I had to change the lights, I had to remove because I had bad contacts and I really failed to sell it short, it was a bit I love you me either. Plus it takes up so much that it has an interest to be essential! And with patience, I finally found what I wanted. It perfectly complements my preamp, so I keep it.

Compressor Lamps

-2 12AX7, photocell electric compressor

-5 Knobs: COMPRESS (compression) LAMP / LED (switch to select the type of compression); sqsh / NORM (attack time), PRE-GAIN (adjusts the signal), post-gain (volume)

Diode d -1 tmoin erglage compression

-1 Activation switch on / off

-No edition of sounds (no memory)

-Fairly bulky compared to effects pedals that we are used (must accommodate two lamps (also trs being protected well), this explains that.

I do not put that 8 because the on / off foot dsagrable is frankly, hard dclencher made a big "clong", but the pots are of quality.

The wire of the supply is ridiculously fragile, but it's also ... 12 V / 1 ampre and works.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is relatively simple though gnrale labore enough for a compressor, five pots of rglage seems a lot to beginners, but closer examination they each have a function trs pr precise.

The manual is insignificant, a small piece of paper at the bottom of the box and dbrouille you with a.

SOUND QUALITY

Compression is effective and beautifully colored particulirement by the lamps must be said that ... two pedals in one 12AX7 has almost oversized.

Once found the right one rgal rglage is no need to touch it except to the studio, but APRS me it is too noisy for this purpose is the stuff of scne.

Attention, proper rglage is the limit of breath, not easy to find.

I bought it because I n'tais not satisfied with the compressor too discreet for my DB ROLAND 900 and I admit that there is no picture ... the big bass sound is expected in the temp Rant the ridges.

I think it can equally well be used with other amplified instruments because it provides a "prsence" indisputable.

In short it is more than a good job, but 170 we expected no less when same!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for six months, but left twice in default for SAV production ... I confess I n'tais not used to with Electro Harmonix and d ... lais back way too long ...

Since he oprationnel confess that I can not do without it as it boosts its presence in my sound, I use the output of a Sansamp Bass Driver and these two effects alone than enough to get a round and warm from of any prs little stuff.

Enough said.

UTILIZATION

Careful to respect the neutral and phase feeding on the pedal. Let me explain. If your power supply does not keyed (mine was purchased in the UK and the adapter did not land, so it is possible to plug in one direction or the other), but he is important to respect the meaning, despite the a priori of each on the fact that it is not important since it is the alternative! Big mistake is VERY IMPORTANT.

In my case the first test the power supply was "inverted" which had the effect of adding a big breath unbearable as the engagement of the effect.
By turning the PSU, the breath has disappeared. Amazing is not it?



SOUND QUALITY

So that's the sound quality is of course to the rendezvous. His warm, beautiful harmonics, beautiful vintage compression. The bass sound is magnificent.

OVERALL OPINION

7.5/10

I use it since yesterday, and I think it is possible to use it on vocals too.

For 150 euros is not bad.

(Originally written by Bk basse/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Tube compressor

-Two 12AX7 tubes, optical compressor

- Five controls: COMPRESS (compression ratio), LAMP/LED (compression mode), SQSH/NORM (attack time), PRE-GAIN (input level), POST-GAIN (output level).

- Compression indicator

- On/off switch

- No memory

- Quite bulky (compared with usual effect pedals) due to the tubes and their protections.

I give it only an 8 because the on/off footswitch feels much too hard and it makes noises. But the controls have a good quality.

The external PSU cable is very fragile (a 12volt / 1 A PSU is included).

UTILIZATION

The configuration is very easy but also comprehensive for a compressor: five controls seem to be a lot in the beginning but each one has a very precise function.

Very short and poor user's manual: only one sheet of paper!

SOUND QUALITY

This compressor is very effective and it adds a nice color to the sound due to the tubes... two 12AX7 in a single pedal might be too much.

Once you find the right setting you won't need to touch the pedal again, unless it's a studio session. But I think the signal to noise ratio is too low for that anyway. It's a stage product.

Caution: it's not easy to find the right setting, and it might generate a bit of noise.

I bought it because I wasn't satisfied with my Roland DB900 and this compressor is actually very different... I finally have that big bass sound with limited peaks I was expecting.

I think you can also use it with other electric instruments. It clearly adds presence to the sound.

It's a bit expensive, but it's worth it because it does a great job.

OVERALL OPINION

I've only had it for six months but I've send it twice to the service center already because of a manufacturing defect... I wasn't used to this with Electro Harmonix... And I waited a long time before getting it back...

Ever since it started working properly I can't play without it anymore. It enhances my sound a lot, adding more presence to it. I connect it to the output of a Sansamp Bass Driver, and these two effects are enough to get a round and warm sound in almost every setup.