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James... « Best comp in its price range »
Published on 10/01/11 at 10:34There are really two theories with pedal compressors. You either have a ton of control over your threshhold and attack, or you just get the normal two know volume and compression deal. MXR is very clearly a simple side to this coin. I remember a few years ago this was one of the few compressors out there. The mind with a lot of players was that a compressor was a compressor and that was the end of the story. So you just got a boss or an mxr and called it a day. These days you have a lot of choices and in different price ranges. This is in the lower end of the ranges and the control layour reflects that.
UTILIZATION
If you can't figure this out you have no business using a comp. It's got a sustain control. That's basically it. How much do you want? Most players are going to keep it around noon. Honestly it would be nice if MXR would have one of these with a fixed at noon control and just an on off switch. EHX has been doing this kind of thing with some of their pedals and it seems like a good idea.
SOUND QUALITY
Here's the thing. I've used about every comp out there. From the $300 boutique ones to the mid priced stuff to the cheaper ones like this. For the most part you get what you pay for but there are exceptions. I use this pedal in my beater rig. It's basically a Thinline tele with a Vox AC15 and some rendom pedals. I would have to say I run my knob at about 11 oclock most of the time. I don't like it to sound overbearing which can be an issue with this pedal at times. It's not as transparent as a Diamond comp which is obviously a lot more. This pedal will get you that nashville sound though, and in the sub $80 range I think this is your best choice for a comp. Yes, the script comp is a bit better. But in my opinion it's not worth the extra. If you're going to spend over $100 or so I would get a Keeley or something even nicer.
OVERALL OPINION
Like I said, great value for the sound quality. Not it's not going to sound like a Keeley or a script logo. But those are a bit pricier and not everyone wants to drop $160 on a compressor. This is a great beginner comp or just for people who aren't crazy about them. I recommend.
UTILIZATION
If you can't figure this out you have no business using a comp. It's got a sustain control. That's basically it. How much do you want? Most players are going to keep it around noon. Honestly it would be nice if MXR would have one of these with a fixed at noon control and just an on off switch. EHX has been doing this kind of thing with some of their pedals and it seems like a good idea.
SOUND QUALITY
Here's the thing. I've used about every comp out there. From the $300 boutique ones to the mid priced stuff to the cheaper ones like this. For the most part you get what you pay for but there are exceptions. I use this pedal in my beater rig. It's basically a Thinline tele with a Vox AC15 and some rendom pedals. I would have to say I run my knob at about 11 oclock most of the time. I don't like it to sound overbearing which can be an issue with this pedal at times. It's not as transparent as a Diamond comp which is obviously a lot more. This pedal will get you that nashville sound though, and in the sub $80 range I think this is your best choice for a comp. Yes, the script comp is a bit better. But in my opinion it's not worth the extra. If you're going to spend over $100 or so I would get a Keeley or something even nicer.
OVERALL OPINION
Like I said, great value for the sound quality. Not it's not going to sound like a Keeley or a script logo. But those are a bit pricier and not everyone wants to drop $160 on a compressor. This is a great beginner comp or just for people who aren't crazy about them. I recommend.