Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/08/09 at 05:14
(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.
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.