What is your favorite PedalPCB Compressor?

[eliosvanpizza]

I'm thinking of building another compressor. Looking for opinions or thoughts on these.

 

[Coda]

I’ve only ever built one: the Byrdhouse. I pretty much only use the high tone setting, both knobs cranked (it’s a Dyna-comp, it is the only way). The Low setting is good for tracking bass…

 

[fig]

To answer, I'd have to have built them all (I my have played through some version of each)...which have you built and what are you looking for in a compressor?

 

[Erik S]

I voted Delegate Boneyard despite never having built (or played) any other compressors.

But that's the kind of quality information you get when you ask the internet...

The General Tso is the next compressor in my wishlist - primarily due to @MichaelW 's regular testimonials. I think he's got build reports/ demos on nearly all of them - I'd go back and read through those if you're looking for a good comparison.

 

[eliosvanpizza]

To answer, I'd have to have built them all (I my have played through some version of each)...which have you built and what are you looking for in a compressor?

I've built the Delegate Boneyard edition. I think I messed up somewhere because it is EXTREMELY subtle. I can't get a squishy comp tone but it works well for sustain and boost. I'm thinking of building something that doesn't rely on a photoresistor.

 

[eliosvanpizza]

To answer, I'd have to have built them all (I my have played through some version of each)...which have you built and what are you looking for in a compressor?

I'm just guessing that there would be some people here who have built 2-3 different kinds. I think I've built 5 overdrive/distortions so far

 

[eliosvanpizza]

I voted Delegate Boneyard despite never having built (or played) any other compressors.

But that's the kind of quality information you get when you ask the internet...

The General Tso is the next compressor in my wishlist - primarily due to @MichaelW 's regular testimonials. I think he's got build reports/ demos on nearly all of them - I'd go back and read through those if you're looking for a good comparison.

I will definitely look into the General Tso. I am hesitant to use photoresistors again but I'm willing to try again.

 

[Feral Feline]

For a squishy effect, I vote for the Creamery.

For something utilitarian (like your Delegate Boneyard), Thumbsucker.

Then I'd build the General Tso,

followed by the Constrictor.


I myself wouldn't bother with the Byrdhouse, Dyna/Ross comps are a Dozen-a-Rupee. They work for other people, though.

 

[eliosvanpizza]

For a squishy effect, I vote for the Creamery.

For something utilitarian (like your Delegate Boneyard), Thumbsucker.

Then I'd build the General Tso,

followed by the Constrictor.


I myself wouldn't bother with the Byrdhouse, Dyna/Ross comps are a Dozen-a-Rupee. They work for other people, though.

For the Creamery, it looks like the MPS4124 are not available on Tayda or Digikey. When I searched google for NPN TO-92, the 2N3904 came up. I'm going to have to do some research if I want to build that pedal.

 

[Laundryroom David]

The Thumbsucker is capable of a lot of squish.

 

[fig]

I'm just guessing that there would be some people here who have built 2-3 different kinds. I think I've built 5 overdrive/distortions so far

Absolutely.

 

[manfesto]

I've built the Delegate Boneyard edition. I think I messed up somewhere because it is EXTREMELY subtle. I can't get a squishy comp tone but it works well for sustain and boost. I'm thinking of building something that doesn't rely on a photoresistor.

You should build a General Tso but with VTL5C4s instead of rolling your own LED+LDR, no headache and sounds *fantastic*.

 

[eliosvanpizza]

You should build a General Tso but with VTL5C4s instead of rolling your own LED+LDR, no headache and sounds *fantastic*.

Hold up, is that something I can use instead of an LED+Photoresistor? Like the 3 pins on each side go into their related components spots?

 

[fig]

It's basically those two components tied together with heatshrink, or a molded casing.

Here's a link to the one mentioned;

Cabintech Global LLC

Specialty analog and digital audio semiconductors, synthesizer, and guitar effects modules from Coolaudio, Xvive, Alfa Rpar, and others

cabintechglobal.com

 

[GizzWizzKing]

I wish I knew. I have finished my Boneyard Delegate this week... but due to a severe lapse in judgment where I left all of my power supplies at my drummers house.... I have not been able to power it up.

 

[spi]

Those Vactrols are significantly more expensive than a led and photo-resistor.

 

[Laundryroom David]

Those Vactrols are significantly more expensive than a led and photo-resistor.

And fwiw I get as much compression as I ever need or want out of the General using led and ldr route.

 

[manfesto]

Those Vactrols are significantly more expensive than a led and photo-resistor.

Yeah but they work the first time, unlike the multiple combos of LEDs and LDRs I tried in my Tso.

 

[manfesto]

Hold up, is that something I can use instead of an LED+Photoresistor? Like the 3 pins on each side go into their related components spots?

I mean, technically, it *is* an LDR and an LED (inside a blackout plastic casing), but it’s manufactured and QA’d by a company with rep and customers to lose if it doesn’t perform up to spec in its intended applications.

So if you don’t wanna risk rolling your own and ending up with a bum LED+LDR combo, and you have a few extra bucks to spare, I highly recommend going with the VTL5C4.

 

[DeadAirMD]

I LOVE the General TSO. It 100% qualifies as an "Always On" pedal in my setup. It doesn't give a ton a "squish", but what it does to my tone is oh so sweet. I'm a treble guy, so this is the perfect compressor for me.