flatline compressor

[Keppy]

I just ran the test with my Carvin bass (J-style pickups) as my J-Bass is currently fretless. I ran into an SVT Classic & Ampeg 4x10, so it should be similar to your rig.

There isn't any noticeable distortion with either compressor. I thought it was because my bass has lower output than many of my guitars, but even when I put it in active mode with all the tone controls cranked it stayed clean.

Both compressors alter the tone in noticeable ways. Both reduced low mid/upper bass tubbiness. The OS was closer to the uncompressed bass tone and attack. The Dynacomp adds a good deal of snap to the notes and a bit of a scooped low midrange, with some upper midrange honk. Switching the Dyna to Ross mode (if you are unfamiliar with this mod, check it out on tonepad.com) removes much of the honk. The Dyna/Ross sound is much tighter and more alive, but also further from the original signal.

If I were choosing for you, it would depend on the intended use. For an on-all-the-time comp, I'd go with the Ross for the tightness. I thought the coloration actually improved the tone of my bass. If you plan to switch the compressor on and off mid-song, I'd lean toward the OS to maintain some consistency. The Ross makes the OS sound lifeless and makes the uncompressed signal sound tubby by comparison.

Please excuse the use of terms "tubbiness," "snap," "honk," "tighter," "alive," and "lifeless" in the previous paragraphs. Trying to describe tone always makes me feel like an idiot. 

It should be noted that my Dyna/Ross clone was made with 2SC1849 transistors, germanium diodes, and a .1uF output cap. The output cap increases bass response. The other mods, according to some people here, do nothing. According to others, and to my ears, they change the attack characteristics and reduce distortion. YMMV, obviously.

[23]

Thanks, I really like my Keeley on bass, but like I said its a main stay on a strat board (funk/blues style) I was really interested in the Dyna Comp and from what you said I may jsut use the tonepad and make the ross/dyna. I really appreciate the review. IS there any way to add an attack control on the dyna? More than likely I will rack it and leave it on all the time.

thanks sands

[Keppy]

Check out the 5 Knob Compressor at buildyourownclone.com. It's a Ross clone with added knobs for attack, ratio and tone. If you're good with schematics, you can probably hack any or all of those into the TonePad layout.

[23]

Yeah I already have the attack going into it, need to take a look at the tone........ cannibalized a pedal today for parts now Im gonna see if I can trade for the rest, long list tho.

sands