BossAreaForum

Pepe wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:01 am

laurie wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 15, 2023 1:32 am

Knobs... all I see is knobs... so many knobs!

What about using concentric potentiometers?

I like the concept. But a couple of thoughts. Concentric knobs make the design really complicated - needs two boards instead of one. Expensive - the pots and knobs are Not Cheap. Plus it is too complicated for mere mortals to deal with.

The design would be too outlandish for me, but I like where it's going, Laurie.

Consider that having the threshold on an internal trim will only work if you only ever use a single instrument. If you have a 2nd guitar that's louder for example, you'd want to adjust the threshold.

Dirk wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:24 pm

The design would be too outlandish for me

I'm feeling the same. I've always thought simpler is better. However, I've felt every other compressor I've owned was lacking something. Will complexity solve that? I dunno...

Dirk wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:24 pm

Consider that having the threshold on an internal trim will only work if you only ever use a single instrument. If you have a 2nd guitar that's louder for example, you'd want to adjust the threshold.

An excellent point. THanks!

I've only ever bonded with the T-Rex Comp Nova, which I think is brilliant, but is definitely not a 'strident' compressor

I have CS-1, CS-2 and CS-3 and some DOD compressors, and don't particularly care for any of those

I'm starting to lean away from building something and toward a Boss CP-1X.

Does anyone have any direct experience with, and thoughts about, this pedal?

Wait a minute ... I always thought that the CP-1X was digital.

Pepe wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 15, 2023 5:26 pm

Wait a minute ... I always thought that the CP-1X was digital.

Yep. But it is getting almost unanimous 5 star reviews.

I'm still tinkering with a design for a compressor.

I bought a Dynacomp and hate it. I have no love for the CS-1, CS-2, and CS-3.

I have access to optical parts and have half a design for a precision optical compressor in my head. It won't be like the mockups previously in this thread.

I'm fiddling around with the optical compressor. I have a first hack at the "control" circuit breadboarded. This is the circuit that takes the incoming guitar signal and turns it into a DC control signal to control the optical coupler.

I haven't listened to it yet, but I believe I have Compression, Threshold, and Attack controls working properly.

Sounds like a good basis!