As you guys know I am in the process of revamping my rig to trey-like effects. I say trey-like because I know with my budget, my current gear, and my lack of Jedi-ness (and apparently my overuse of hyphens...) I know I won't actually be able to sound all that close to him, but nonetheless the search is on....
I've narrowed it down to a few key choices as far as Ross clones go because unfortunately a real Ross is a bit too much at this point:
1. Analogman 3 Knober- you guys don't seem to fond of these for some reason, yet a lot of other guys on some other forums really like them. Care to elaborate?
2. Keeley 2 Knob Comp- Only heard positive things about it and it's the same price as the Analogman. How do you like yours Walker/ IamWilson?
3. Cmatmods 3 knob or 4 knob- Anybody ever played one of these? I can't seem to find all that many reviews
4. Barber Tone Press- The concept is totally cool, it's on the cheaper side, and as with the Keeley I've only heard positive things
Any advice is appreciated! Thanks guys
From everything I heard I like the BOSS CS2 (not CS3) ... Check it out on YouTube. I think it stands up great against these other Ross Clones.
With that said, I'm looking for one on Craigslist so if you see one...IT'S MINE!!!
The Analogman Bi-comp also has a great reputation. Give it a look
Quote from: the_great_lemon on December 22, 2011, 08:26:43 PM
As you guys know I am in the process of revamping my rig to trey-like effects. I say trey-like because I know with my budget, my current gear, and my lack of Jedi-ness (and apparently my overuse of hyphens...) I know I won't actually be able to sound all that close to him, but nonetheless the search is on....
I've narrowed it down to a few key choices as far as Ross clones go because unfortunately a real Ross is a bit too much at this point:
1. Analogman 3 Knober- you guys don't seem to fond of these for some reason, yet a lot of other guys on some other forums really like them. Care to elaborate?
2. Keeley 2 Knob Comp- Only heard positive things about it and it's the same price as the Analogman. How do you like yours Walker?
3. Cmatmods 3 knob or 4 knob- Anybody ever played one of these? I can't seem to find all that many reviews
4. Barber Tone Press- The concept is totally cool, it's on the cheaper side, and as with the Keeley I've only heard positive things
Any advice is appreciated! Thanks guys
In this case I'd definitely buy used, you can get either the Keeley or the Analogman in the $150 range if you look hard, they're definitely out there though. Barber effects kick a** in general and the Tone Press is pretty popular over on TGP
TGL- I really really love my Keeley 2 knob, mine is really old though and a little different from the one's that Robert is making these days. However I don't think that should mean the quality is any better or worse than his more current production, I think he's probably just made more adjustments in the design to get it to where he wants it to be. I have come across a MIA Ross and MIT Ross in the last couple months and the Keeley beats them both in transparency and reliability. However there really is something about the tone of the original MIA Ross Compressor that is like no other. Even if I decide to keep this USA Ross Comp that I currently have, there is no way I'll sell my Keeley because I know I would regret it. Long story short, if you think you can swing the $300+ to get a Ross, get one. And rest assured if you decide it's not for you, you can sell it and get your money back anyway. But if you can swing $150 or so for the Keeley 2 knob (used) I would have to say that is the best value.
The keeley was too transparent for me. Not enough squish. Walker reviewed a bunch of comps not too long ago if you want to search out that thread. I have a mit ross for sale on ebay right now for $175.
I know what you mean soud d! I am really torn between going with the Ross or the Keeley, I like them both for very different reasons. The Ross just makes a little too much noise for my liking when I'm not making music. If I can squish the Keeley and Ross into 1 pedal and take what I like of each I think I would soil myself!
Also, pretty funny about the MIT Ross on Ebay because I saw that the other day and wondered if it was a StrangeDesigner's listing because of the mention of Trey.
Quote from: IamWILSON on December 23, 2011, 01:12:23 AM
The Ross just makes a little too much noise for my liking when I'm not making music.
Bonepicker amps makes the Tight Squeeze compressor and it has an internal downward expander (or noise gate) that kicks in when the sustain knob is set high. This automatically quiets down that typical noise you get when using high ratios. Sounds sweet right? Only good luck getting ahold of that dude. I've been trying to get mine for almost a year.
Anyway, I have an adjustable noise gate in my currently compressor. Even with my TS-9 on full gain, my gate keeps the signal dead quiet when I'm not playing a note. If anyone has noise issues, I suggest even a single noise gate pedal right infront of your compressor.
Also for what it's worth, Cmatmods told me his circuit is a true copy of the Ross. I got Mike Shubin to buy one and he loves it. Who is Mike Shubin you ask?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6IsegwGyxY&feature=BFa&list=PL464EAC500BE0D7C9&lf=plcp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6IsegwGyxY&feature=BFa&list=PL464EAC500BE0D7C9&lf=plcp)
I have an Analog man Bi-Comp which I thought was the greatest thing ever.
...until I got my grey Ross.
Nothing touches it.
Quote from: patrickstefanski on December 23, 2011, 11:22:48 AM
...until I got my grey Ross.
Nothing touches it.
I'm sure! My only concern is the noise that an old unit like that could produce as a byproduct, especially if it's after overdrive pedals. How noisy is yours? Compared to the Analogman?
Also, considering I have never played with a real compressor before (only a boss cs-3 *gag*) I am looking for one to help maintain the dynamics that I've come to know and love. Or, is that just a matter of setting the sustain/compression control lower?
Analogman was noisier then my Grey Ross. Any compressor will add some noise.
Quote from: picture_of_nectar on December 23, 2011, 04:25:13 PM
Analogman was noisier then my Grey Ross. Any compressor will add some noise.
My Keeley hardly adds any noise. I usually have the sustain set to around 9-10 o'clock and level around 1 or 2. Also, it's in my chain right after 2 ts9s (and my "always on" ts9 is set with level dimed). Hence why I really like it that it runs them very quietly.
So, as it turns out I was able to get a great deal on an MIA Ross Compressor from a good friend of mine! ;D What's even better is I can try before I buy. I'm heading over tonight; I'll report back later with my findings or what I'm expecting to do, to buy.
So if I were to spill the cash, what kind of power adapter should I use from my PP2? Any helpful tips from any Ross owners?
Quote from: the_great_lemon on December 29, 2011, 04:39:00 PM
So, as it turns out I was able to get a great deal on an MIA Ross Compressor from a good friend of mine! ;D What's even better is I can try before I buy. I'm heading over tonight; I'll report back later with my findings or what I'm expecting to do, to buy.
So if I were to spill the cash, what kind of power adapter should I use from my PP2? Any helpful tips from any Ross owners?
You indeed are a very lucky lemon! I'm currently running mine by PP2 with the battery clip adaptor because I'm also running an original ts-808 w/ the little 3.5mm plug??? (the one that looks like the 1/8" size power from old adaptors). If you have all the original power cables that came w/ the PP2 you should have 1 of the battery contacts and 1 of the smaller plugs as well. Good luck lemon... I'm sure you'll like it, especially if the price is right!
Scooped up that Ross last week, so I'm still figuring out how to play with a more compressed signal... In fact, the reason why I was hesitant at first about getting a compressor was because of the amazing open and dynamic sound the Sweet Honey provides. Any one in the market for a transparent and smooth OD, it's pretty much perfect. It's a little bright with the Focus knob past 11:30-12. Btw, anyone know what the deal is with the BJF design thing? I've seen some pictures of the (original?) BJF Sweet Honeys on TGP, and I've always wondered. Did Mad Professor get the rights to the circuit or something? anyway, ramble over...
The butt simple settings I brought up when I first plugged the compressor in (sus. 9:30 level 12:00) have fared me so well that I have barely moved them. Totally smooths out turning on either drive pedal and adds epic sustainnnnnnnnnnn, and is damn quiet for a 30+ year old box. Also improves the already great wah: makes it pop really well. Loving the change, but I've been looking into getting a 4 loop switcher (w/ tuner out) from loop-master because of the tone suck when it's off.
Why would you ever want to turn it off? ;D
Hey sour, finally found that thread you mentioned where Walker reviewed a bunch of different comps. There was a lot of great information in there, must have been one hell of a time! Anyone that doesn't know much about compressors in general should give it a look. (its called "Ross Mods" i think....)
Still loving the new Ross too. I can use the Output to control the overall level of my board which is great because I can totally isolate my pedals from the BJs input. Now that I got my fancy new Dunlop reissue Adamas in the mail, all my dynamics are back because I have total control. I had been using Red Jazz IIIs for a while now, but this makes it a challenge to get every note clean a perty, which will help my technique tremendously.
Ohh and I'll try to remember to take a picture of my board while my friends script phase 90 is taking up some space....
Script phase 90 is sooo good. Could be a contender for MVP on my board.
is yours the one with the led installed from the factory, or the handwired one? My friends is the former and its not impressing me too much
I think the led in mine was installed by Analogman. It was modded by him, not sure exactly what he did besides that.
I'm looking to pick up a backup of sorts for my Ross...I was hoping to pick it up at GC this weekend. Anyone played an MXR Custom Comp or Script Dyna-Comp? Any other suggestions? Thanks guys 8)
The MXR Custom Comp is great.
As far as Ross type comps go, I have really been enjoying my Retro Sonic. It seems to have more headroom than others that I tried, its on the gentler side of compression of the those others as well which makes it easier to dial in (still has plenty on tap) and it seems to be voiced slightly sweeter, which is nice as some Ross comps can be pretty dark sounding.
Pigtronix wants me to try their comp, it seems more tonally transparent which I am not sure if I like - I want some bass roll off, but it might have more sustain and headroom, plus it apparently works great with volume knob work. It needs 12-20v though, so on my pedalboard, I would probably run it with a Godlyke voltage doubler.
Quote from: the_great_lemon on April 06, 2012, 12:05:50 AM
I'm looking to pick up a backup of sorts for my Ross...I was hoping to pick it up at GC this weekend. Anyone played an MXR Custom Comp or Script Dyna-Comp? Any other suggestions? Thanks guys 8)
Lemon, how much are you looking to spend on your backup Comp? PS, not sure if you saw, but SourD procured a '78 Ross for me a few weeks back so now I finally have one of my very own! Psyched with it - sounds great.
Though SourD, I will say that I think there is a differnce in my Ross as opposed to your Grey Ross that you let me demo. I liked yours better I think....do you know if there are any differences between the two (chips, etc.?)
Trying to keep it under $150. I'll try to head to the evil GC tomorrow and check out the MXR Custom Comp.
And yes Walker, I did see that! Congrats and welcome to the club ;D Just curious, how do you like it in comparison to your Keeley? Does the lack of the two extra knobs bother you at all?
@ Heady: Is that pigtronix comp they want you to try the Philosophers tone? The PGS demos sounded perty with that one!
Yep, they were really selling me on it. They wanted me to switch from 2TS9s>Ross to Fat Drive>Philosopher's Tone (or at least TS's and the PT). I really like the bass-role-off of the TS's and Ross though and I think both of Pigtronix's pedals preserve the bass more: the Artinger is warm and so is my Bassman.
I mentioned some of this in my volume pedal thread, but at least one or two of those guys over there are Phish fans, love Trey's tone (don't try to copy it though), but he said he thinks it is a terrible way to go about it. I have yet to see a Phish inspired rig with either of those pedals to my knowledge though.
I would consider trying one or both of those pedals if they had a bass tone control, but I have the bass completely off on my amp, so I can't really pull it back any more if I switch to gear that has more low end. Although my Artinger sounds great straight into the amp (which ought to have more bass than when using a TS and Ross). But I digress.
If anyone has more experience, I would love to hear!
I really enjoy the Barber Tone Press. $159 It has a blend knob that really lets you dial in your dynamics.
Quote from: Walker done done on April 06, 2012, 10:00:49 AM
Though SourD, I will say that I think there is a differnce in my Ross as opposed to your Grey Ross that you let me demo. I liked yours better I think....do you know if there are any differences between the two (chips, etc.?)
No difference. Mine was modded to be true bypass and has an l.e.d. added but neither of those mods would make a difference. True bypass is not needed for me because the pedal is always on.The same tantalum caps. The same chip. I think the only difference is that yours has not been used very much. Like someone bought it and stored it in a closet for 34 years. Tell your wife I recommend that you play through it for at least 6 hours a day for the next couple months. Let those component values start to drift slightly. All joking aside I do believe that there is somthing to that. The aging process seems to add "mojo" to gear. I usually prefer older pedals. Early 80's ts9's, ross comps, late 70's-early 80's mxr pedals, which leads me to my favorite low cost ross backup, the early 80's block logo dynacomps can be had for less than $100 most of the time and they sound great. The ones with no l.e.d. and battery power only. Ross pedals were mxr copies remember.
Since I also recently bought a Ross Comp I took apart my old (late 90s as indicated on the board) Dynacomp. On the other side of the circuit board there was a little trim pot (not accessible unless you literally disassemble the whole thing). I turned it to the left about a 16th of an inch or so and put it back together. For what its worth it made a huge improvement. The basic non script red Dynacomps are pretty much worthless resale wise so I didn't care much. But as a backup it would work fine and they are really cheap. I grabbed mine for $25 at a local store. Just missing a single screw on the back. Otherwise flawless.
My cmat mods comp has a similar trimpot. I was told it is a bias of sorts for one if the chips or similar and once it's set you should not have to touch it. I'm sure that plating with it will make a difference in tone; better or worse. I haven't messed with mine.