Compressors: Dyna-Comp vs. Boss CS-1 or 3?
I'm currently running an EHX Soul Preacher for my clean tone but find that it "boosts" the low end too much (I realise that it's probably just a perceived boost due to the compression) so I've resorted to running an EQ after it to kill some of it (and boost the low mid's a smidge).
I've read that the Dyna-Comp tends to kill some low end and was wondering if anyone has experience of one compared to the Soul Preacher?
The other compressor I've been looking at is an old CS-1 due to it's "treble" mode, which as far as I understand, doesn't boost the treble but rather emphasises it over the low end. Would this probably get me where I want?
The other option is the CS-3 with it's tone knob... but I'm not so sure on how that works, is it boosting things or cutting? People seem to dislike the CS-3 on the whole though.
I don't have the biggest budget to play with but can source each of them for about £50. So other suggestions around that price range are welcome too.
I'm going to throw in another suggestion. A used Visual Sound Comp 66, or the Route 66 if you need a Tubescreamer too.
The Comp 66 is based on a dynacomp, but it also has a bypassable tone knob. It also has a noisegate on the newer versions. Might be worth a look if you are already considering the dynacomp.
I appreciate it is out of budget new, but I see them on ebay from time to time around that budget.
I've had an old-style Soul Preacher, CS2 and CS1 (though not a CS3) and prefer the CS1.
The Soul Preacher had a treble switch but I found it boosted the hiss too much, as well as being physically too big.
I've had a CS1 almost since I started playing guitar, so maybe I'm being subjective, but it has always 'sounded' (I know that's probably not the best term for what compressors do!) better than any other compressor I have tried. Pretty transparent and the treble/ normal switch really 'lifts' the sound which I have always liked for doing jangly rhythm or snotty, sustained distortion for lead parts. It's not too great for humbuckers where you can really hear the squashing on clean sounds, but with distortion it's fine. I prefer it to the CS2 in as much as it feels a little less 'refined'- the CS2 always felt a little too polite.
To be honest, I have only tried other compressors because my original CS1 conked out, I also had a Marshall Ed (quite adequate and ok for the price) and a Behringer Boss-a-like (I didn't like it). I was fortunate to snag a mint CS1 off Ebay for £60 recently (after much searching for a good one) so am back with that again. It does for me anyway.
+1 for the visual sound. I've got the old one, which doesn't have the tone bypass or a noise suppressor. It is dead quiet, even when run at moderate gain (has masses of clean boost available), so long as a good power supply is used. As I only have a cheap one, I use a battery in this and it's silent. Batteries last a while, too.
I never actually thought about the Visual Sound stuff. I use an Ibanez Super Metal after compression for a little "pushed" sound so it could actually work quite well. How does the tone knob work? Does it cut some bass as you turn it up in addition to adding some treble? Price wise seems thomann have them for £95, I'm sure I could stretch to that.Originally Posted by guitarfishbay
Jangly cleans is pretty much why I use a compressor. I play Jaguars into a Fender Vibrolux custom which is why I'm a little scared of the treble switch boosting the highs (everything is bright enough as it is haha).
My amp is hissy enough, so I won't be able to hear the noise anyway
The tone control basically works like the one on your guitar. Max it for a very bright attack (still useable), turn it right down for a bassy, wooly sound. I tend to have it at about 2 o clock, to add some jangle. The gain I have at 10 or clock, as a boost. It has a ton more, though. The sustain knob basically sets how squishy the sound is. Max it for a country esque level of squishy, or change to taste.
It sounds weird, but I pretty much leave mine on for all cleans, with the sustain low. It seems to be like*cooking with salt: everything just sounds better. It works great with drive pedals before or after it, too, thanks to the tone control. And the buffer is magic. Seriously, if I could buy this buffer by itself...
Another alternative that has leapt to mind is the mxr comp. Much more limited, but great tone. I'd sooner sell my soul than my route 66 though.
So it's more along the lines of a RAT's filter control than say, a DS-1 where it's just killing treble rather than adding bass etc...?
I use my Soul Preacher in a similar manner, on all the time (well in the "clean" loop of the LS-2) with the compression and level at about 1 or 2 o clock.
How do you find the Tube Screamer side of the pedal?
I love it. It has more gain and volume than a regular one. It also has a bassy boost switch, which is useful. So basically a modded tubescreamer.
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