The guitar version is fantastic, the captain didn't really have an idea what the knobs do. He was just twiddling the ones that had the most obvious effect :) Should have used some settings from the leaflet, the guitar example settings are very good for the guitar version.
I agree Compressors are har to demo, what you really need is a visual, like a DB meter and perhaps a waveform, Loved this demo! the Cali is definitely on my shopping list
Little correction with the statement in regards to attack at about 7:35: you got this backwards, a *slow* attack will give you a more percussive sound as the initial attack comes through where a *quick* attack will clamp down quicker making for a "softer" sound. Slow attack/quick release is usually a more desired sound for bassist. Love your demos gentlemen!!
gords913 , I'm just stating what is common knowledge to recording engineers. The compressor still does what it's supposed to with a slow attack/quick release, but it gives a more natural tone and allows the initial attack through which will enhance the groove. You can do whatever you want of course, to do the opposite gives you this real smooth sound good for leads
gords913 , I only use compressors live and for recording. Lots of guys prefer never to use them as FOH will compress bass anyways. I wouldn't spend that kinda money on a Cali76 just to shut up some naysayers, it's something you gotta try for yourself as it affects your playing and how you sit in the mix. Even the most transparent ones will do this. I have the Empress and love it, much cheaper than the Cali BTW. Good luck
I ended up buying a Cali76CB a couple of years ago. And here I am, listening to YT videos of it while I'm working because I just love the sound. What this video doesn't do a great job of explaining is the that Cali76CB actually can be a super colorful compressor in an outrageously pleasing way. Frankly, it you abuse it a bit, you can even push into a light breakup. I've never been more happy spending nearly $300 on a pedal that "doesn't do anything" lol. Anyway, if you're on the fence, I highly recommend. It's "never sell" kinda gear.
Really appreciate the time and effort that went into this demo, great video editing! I think it's a bit hard to compare the settings when we're just 'ear-balling' to try find a similar tone on the three. Without some extensive research and comparison beforehand (and maybe some tests running them into a DAW) we're comparing three different settings on three pedals. Then again, maybe the three pedals are designed so differently that they innately have different sounds.....
The ratio effectively works like this. A 5:1 ratio means for a 5db increase going in, you get a 1db rise in output. For a 20:1 ratio, 20db more in at the front results in a 1db rise in output etc
The blend setting on the CALI is allowing about 25% unprocessed signal through the pedal, so that is why the effect is less noticeable on it. You're hearing processed and unprocessed together whereas with the other pedals, there is no blend, so the entire signal is affected.
i agree but also if ur just aware of that in the first place u can mentally accommodate but i imagine it fools a lotta people who arent into audio engineering
Seriously considering selling my MXR bass comp for the Cali. My bass is fairly low end heavy, I tend to EQ to have a nice boom to my attack with a mid boost and a slight low end boost. The HPF seems perfect for me, and while the MXR is incredible for the price, it has a crazy fast attack which I don't think I like. But it's a compressor, the MXR does the job perfectly, upgrading to the Cali would give me a sound that is only noticeable different when I play by myself and look for the difference. God damn it the GAS is too much!
Interesting it has a HPF. Great for slap and a pick. I would like to have a LPF just to compress the low end as well. Very transparent pedal could be very easy to over compress maybe? The best feature was the meter on the Boss. Great to see how much you’r compressing. Boss and CALI are close the Electro Harmonics better for guitar maybe. Boss is a great choice if you can afford the CALI76 then its up to you. Really enjoying all about the bass videos.
The hpf knob controls how "bassy" the signal is that hits the compressor's detector. Not a band bypass function. This knob is great for balancing how hard the compressor clamps down on notes from a b string for example.
The Cali is so subtle, you can turn the knobs however you want you'll hear no difference. ;-) I am listening here with quite a reasonable homestudio set-up..tascam-marantz-yamaha-magnat sub.. Boss probably best price/performance imho
Agreed, in this video the cali falls flat.. i wouldn't say that was the pedals fault though. If you have a decent working knowledge of compressors and an ear tuned to hearing it's effect, the cali is a steal for it's price. To my ear it's comparable to genuine 1176 rack units; most of which fetch over a grand. I'm gunning to get a pair and hear what it sounds like crunching the fuck out of drum over heads.
Boss pedals are always an Affected Effect and a bit false. Something that some love. The Cali does have something that feels more natural, maybe a bit airy. The MXR may stifle things a bit, but for the money does give something that works.
The guy on the left does not know what he's doing with the cali76 for him to say that this compressor, you cannot hear an effect is because he had the dry button at 9 o clock. It should have been at 12 o clock to hear a difference
I was actually pretty impressed with the Bass Preacher. The Boss was my least favorite by far: it has that plasticy-sounding top end vibe. I think the main advantage of the Cali was the clean blend, so it would be interesting to hear it up against something like the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass for a more fair comparison.
I wonder how much of an upgrade this would be over the JHS Pulp n Peel v4. Wondering if I should sell and buy the Cali76. Of course the JHS wasn’t made for bass.
@Andertons, Does Nathan play in a band or does he have projects? He is an amazing bass player and I'm wondering if he is also involved in some more serious work.
You mean you don't think Andertons TV is serious work ;) But yes, Nathan plays bass for Frost, deps for the Blockheads quite a bit, and is the guitarist (not bass player) for Level 42!
I never realised Nathan was the guitarist for Level 42 - I take my hat off to him once for that gig alone because they're amazing (and he's great playing with them), and secondly for being brave enough to be a bass demoist whilst also playing alongside Mr Mark King! Nathan's an awesome bassist (probably learned a thing or two over the years I'll wager) but I sure wouldn't have the balls to do that - nice work sir!
I've been watching tons of compressor demos, with headphones, because I know I need one eventually. I have to be honest and say I can't hear allot of difference between wet and dry. I'm wondering if the TH-cam audio format removes the dynamics. Maybe also I need to feel how hard I'm playing to understand how my signal is being compressed. If anyone with experience can offer advice, that would be cool.
There's a trim pot inside the Preacher, likely threshold, solves the gain and noise problems And we're all so glad the spazzy knob spinning Captain has left bass stuff to the bass players. B'bye!!
From my point of view, the cheap compressor just sounded nasty. The Boss sounded a bit dull compared to the Cali, but for that much of a price difference it makes the most sense for live use. I can see people who do recording going for the Cali or those that just need the sound to be right.
Yep, there are tons of basses in the store they haven't looked at yet. Compressor pedals would not be anywhere near the top of my list to make videos about.
These guys are having WAY too much fun to be getting paid...Must be charity....lol btw.. I suppose I will be saving $$ for that cali76. That's some sweet "squash" goin' on there at 15:10. Thanks guys.
I had second-hand embarrassment from the end of the video but honestly the BOSS performed really well here. As someone who doesn't play bass but records it all, the BOSS is a great bargain. But the Cali does have an upper hand in several areas. I'll have to look into the guitar version.
I guess I could use a compressor for playing live, but for home recording I would probably always stick with a passing plug-in. (I have the Scarlett one that came with a Focusrite interface.)
I always dreamed about owning one but the price was outrageous to me sickening honestly. But then one I was playing at a show and this other bass player had a clone version spot on the same design sound and little gem light, he told me it cost him $70 my jaw dropped clean off and I ordered one when I got home didn’t even unload my gear out of my car straight to the computer and looked it up forked over my cash and a little extra cash for next day shipping I couldn’t wait. It called the CALL76 instead of cali76 it’s a shameless ripoff to the dot but it work great I love it maybe even better in total I believe it was $102 that’s including tax and $26 next day shipping still cheaper than $360 for the original plus tax more close to $390 or $400 no pedal is worth that much that’s pure greed
Hilarious.... I am told you can use the compact bass for guitar also and it gives the HPF option (which reduces the compression effect on lower bass strings)....
So it doesn't reduce the amount of compression on lower strings. It filters the detection signal that dictates WHEN the compressor kicks in (based on your attack, release, how hard you're hitting the threshold). Low frequencies can confuse detection circuits, so to say (just like with analog octave effects), so this gets around that but other than giving the compressor a more accurate reference signal, the HPF is not going to change the sound of the compression - just let the compressor do its job more accurately.
Really don't get these guys. They just waffle on, twiddling knows. Maybe if absolutely starting out, may give basic ideas. But they rarely bother to actually "set" a sound...
After this demo people are likely asking even more why to spend their money on an effect they can barely hear. Better don't fiddle knobs while demoing a compressor.
I honestly never get tired of Nathan and Lee's crazy musical intros/interludes - It's the 90s brought back to life :p
The guitar version is fantastic, the captain didn't really have an idea what the knobs do. He was just twiddling the ones that had the most obvious effect :) Should have used some settings from the leaflet, the guitar example settings are very good for the guitar version.
Worth watching for the electro house performance of "Come on baby" - brilliant!!!
I agree Compressors are har to demo, what you really need is a visual, like a DB meter and perhaps a waveform, Loved this demo! the Cali is definitely on my shopping list
Little correction with the statement in regards to attack at about 7:35: you got this backwards, a *slow* attack will give you a more percussive sound as the initial attack comes through where a *quick* attack will clamp down quicker making for a "softer" sound. Slow attack/quick release is usually a more desired sound for bassist.
Love your demos gentlemen!!
At least IME you get more "snap" with these settings.
gords913 , I'm just stating what is common knowledge to recording engineers. The compressor still does what it's supposed to with a slow attack/quick release, but it gives a more natural tone and allows the initial attack through which will enhance the groove. You can do whatever you want of course, to do the opposite gives you this real smooth sound good for leads
gords913 , I only use compressors live and for recording. Lots of guys prefer never to use them as FOH will compress bass anyways. I wouldn't spend that kinda money on a Cali76 just to shut up some naysayers, it's something you gotta try for yourself as it affects your playing and how you sit in the mix. Even the most transparent ones will do this. I have the Empress and love it, much cheaper than the Cali BTW. Good luck
We share the same thought as a mixing engineer
@@andrewhintz3113 Your totally right
I ended up buying a Cali76CB a couple of years ago. And here I am, listening to YT videos of it while I'm working because I just love the sound. What this video doesn't do a great job of explaining is the that Cali76CB actually can be a super colorful compressor in an outrageously pleasing way. Frankly, it you abuse it a bit, you can even push into a light breakup. I've never been more happy spending nearly $300 on a pedal that "doesn't do anything" lol.
Anyway, if you're on the fence, I highly recommend. It's "never sell" kinda gear.
Really appreciate the time and effort that went into this demo, great video editing!
I think it's a bit hard to compare the settings when we're just 'ear-balling' to try find a similar tone on the three. Without some extensive research and comparison beforehand (and maybe some tests running them into a DAW) we're comparing three different settings on three pedals.
Then again, maybe the three pedals are designed so differently that they innately have different sounds.....
I think longer attack holds the compressor back from compressing leading transients and preserving these gives more percussive sound.
Personally, when I think of bass compressors, I always think of the EBS MultiComp and Seymour Duncan Studio Bass.
The ratio effectively works like this. A 5:1 ratio means for a 5db increase going in, you get a 1db rise in output. For a 20:1 ratio, 20db more in at the front results in a 1db rise in output etc
I see, so would the first number in the ratio increase as the knob is turned clockwise?
Boss actually sounds most transparent. I like what the Cali does to the top end though, both compresses but sweetens it.
The blend setting on the CALI is allowing about 25% unprocessed signal through the pedal, so that is why the effect is less noticeable on it. You're hearing processed and unprocessed together whereas with the other pedals, there is no blend, so the entire signal is affected.
Unless the levels are even, it's a pointless comparison. That could have been done by taking 2 minutes before shooting the video.
i agree but also if ur just aware of that in the first place u can mentally accommodate but i imagine it fools a lotta people who arent into audio engineering
"Come on baby" "I'll be there in a minute" XD
Seriously considering selling my MXR bass comp for the Cali. My bass is fairly low end heavy, I tend to EQ to have a nice boom to my attack with a mid boost and a slight low end boost. The HPF seems perfect for me, and while the MXR is incredible for the price, it has a crazy fast attack which I don't think I like. But it's a compressor, the MXR does the job perfectly, upgrading to the Cali would give me a sound that is only noticeable different when I play by myself and look for the difference. God damn it the GAS is too much!
Interesting it has a HPF. Great for slap and a pick. I would like to have a LPF just to compress the low end as well. Very transparent pedal could be very easy to over compress maybe? The best feature was the meter on the Boss. Great to see how much you’r compressing. Boss and CALI are close the Electro Harmonics better for guitar maybe. Boss is a great choice if you can afford the CALI76 then its up to you. Really enjoying all about the bass videos.
The hpf knob controls how "bassy" the signal is that hits the compressor's detector. Not a band bypass function. This knob is great for balancing how hard the compressor clamps down on notes from a b string for example.
The Cali is so subtle, you can turn the knobs however you want you'll hear no difference. ;-)
I am listening here with quite a reasonable homestudio set-up..tascam-marantz-yamaha-magnat sub..
Boss probably best price/performance imho
Agreed, in this video the cali falls flat.. i wouldn't say that was the pedals fault though.
If you have a decent working knowledge of compressors and an ear tuned to hearing it's effect, the cali is a steal for it's price.
To my ear it's comparable to genuine 1176 rack units; most of which fetch over a grand.
I'm gunning to get a pair and hear what it sounds like crunching the fuck out of drum over heads.
I own the Cali76 and it is great.
Boss pedals are always an Affected Effect and a bit false. Something that some love.
The Cali does have something that feels more natural, maybe a bit airy.
The MXR may stifle things a bit, but for the money does give something that works.
The Cali76 wins by far! In every way.
All the about bass.
Meh! a little dislexia has never hurt anybody!
Oops - dyslexia rules KO!
Are belong to us.
just bought a darkglass super symmetry compressor. it is sooo transparent. and its more affordable than the cali i think
OMG - You guys are fricken hilarious in the bit at the end of the video.
The guy on the left does not know what he's doing with the cali76 for him to say that this compressor, you cannot hear an effect is because he had the dry button at 9 o clock. It should have been at 12 o clock to hear a difference
so in the middle? or all the way to the left?
The EH is a klon of the red MXR comp plus the attack switch. So, sustain is the amount of comp.
I was actually pretty impressed with the Bass Preacher. The Boss was my least favorite by far: it has that plasticy-sounding top end vibe.
I think the main advantage of the Cali was the clean blend, so it would be interesting to hear it up against something like the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass for a more fair comparison.
I really like the MXR compressor for bass. And feature-wise it could rival the Cali76.
i have the m87 , it is a wonderful comp
Mattias Söderlund same here
I also use the MXR Bass comp
Good compressor. I use.
Had the M87. Because it can't compress for its life.
0.06ms of attack is a joke.
I haven't laughed as much when Ross Geller was making music in Friends...
Who keeps giving lee all these gadgets for the opening jam. 😂
Would love for Nate to pop up on That Pedal Show. Wadda I know, I'm just a bass player.
Thanks fellas that last 4 minutes had me laughing so hard!! Hilarious!!
Conclusion: The 76 has an dry level, and the boss has a GR meter. That's pretty much it.
I wonder how much of an upgrade this would be over the JHS Pulp n Peel v4. Wondering if I should sell and buy the Cali76. Of course the JHS wasn’t made for bass.
compare the 76 with the mxr bass compressor and seymour duncan bass compressor please.
can we get a bass distortion pedal that is a sample of Nathan making distortion sounds?
"Sustain" is the threshold, not the ratio @15:48
@Andertons,
Does Nathan play in a band or does he have projects?
He is an amazing bass player and I'm wondering if he is also involved in some more serious work.
Nathan plays in the prog band Frost, check them out frost.life/
Thanks Brian!
You mean you don't think Andertons TV is serious work ;)
But yes, Nathan plays bass for Frost, deps for the Blockheads quite a bit, and is the guitarist (not bass player) for Level 42!
I never realised Nathan was the guitarist for Level 42 - I take my hat off to him once for that gig alone because they're amazing (and he's great playing with them), and secondly for being brave enough to be a bass demoist whilst also playing alongside Mr Mark King! Nathan's an awesome bassist (probably learned a thing or two over the years I'll wager) but I sure wouldn't have the balls to do that - nice work sir!
seanevans Isn't Nathan Mark's little brother?
The title is "All About Bass", I guess it should be "All About The Bass". I'm gonna get a lot of hate for this.
gets none LOL
I've been watching tons of compressor demos, with headphones, because I know I need one eventually. I have to be honest and say I can't hear allot of difference between wet and dry. I'm wondering if the TH-cam audio format removes the dynamics. Maybe also I need to feel how hard I'm playing to understand how my signal is being compressed. If anyone with experience can offer advice, that would be cool.
What about reviewing the epiphone viola?
URAI 1176 with dry/wet? has´t LA Compression become usual lot later than the 1176 has been released? i never seen a revision one with dry/wet option.
There's a trim pot inside the Preacher, likely threshold, solves the gain and noise problems
And we're all so glad the spazzy knob spinning Captain has left bass stuff to the bass players. B'bye!!
please review the Darkglass amp! !!!!
From my point of view, the cheap compressor just sounded nasty. The Boss sounded a bit dull compared to the Cali, but for that much of a price difference it makes the most sense for live use. I can see people who do recording going for the Cali or those that just need the sound to be right.
Jesus that is the subtlest compression
"Come on baby!"
clunkless is a great word
It would have been nice to have a Keeley in the mix.
I made my personnel shoutout with the Keeley Compressor Pro and the Cali76 Compact Bass. The Cali76 wins.
It would be cool to see more basses ✌🏼️
Yep, there are tons of basses in the store they haven't looked at yet. Compressor pedals would not be anywhere near the top of my list to make videos about.
Come on, baby!
These guys are having WAY too much fun to be getting paid...Must be charity....lol btw.. I suppose I will be saving $$ for that cali76. That's some sweet "squash" goin' on there at 15:10. Thanks guys.
Are you going to review Darkglass microtubes 900?
The plural form of Juri.
Brilliant.
I think lee and bass player r hilarious and get along better than with chappers dude.
I had second-hand embarrassment from the end of the video but honestly the BOSS performed really well here. As someone who doesn't play bass but records it all, the BOSS is a great bargain. But the Cali does have an upper hand in several areas. I'll have to look into the guitar version.
I guess I could use a compressor for playing live, but for home recording I would probably always stick with a passing plug-in. (I have the Scarlett one that came with a Focusrite interface.)
That last comparison made my eyes hurt.
Did you mention that the Cali 76 is based on a Urei 1176?
I always dreamed about owning one but the price was outrageous to me sickening honestly. But then one I was playing at a show and this other bass player had a clone version spot on the same design sound and little gem light, he told me it cost him $70 my jaw dropped clean off and I ordered one when I got home didn’t even unload my gear out of my car straight to the computer and looked it up forked over my cash and a little extra cash for next day shipping I couldn’t wait. It called the CALL76 instead of cali76 it’s a shameless ripoff to the dot but it work great I love it maybe even better in total I believe it was $102 that’s including tax and $26 next day shipping still cheaper than $360 for the original plus tax more close to $390 or $400 no pedal is worth that much that’s pure greed
Too bad you didn't also do the mxr bass compressor
Hilarious.... I am told you can use the compact bass for guitar also and it gives the HPF option (which reduces the compression effect on lower bass strings)....
So it doesn't reduce the amount of compression on lower strings. It filters the detection signal that dictates WHEN the compressor kicks in (based on your attack, release, how hard you're hitting the threshold).
Low frequencies can confuse detection circuits, so to say (just like with analog octave effects), so this gets around that but other than giving the compressor a more accurate reference signal, the HPF is not going to change the sound of the compression - just let the compressor do its job more accurately.
So hard to hear... perhaps you should have tracked the bass into a DAW to show the effect (rather than hear it which is a little difficult)?
"UDAAAAH! UDAAAAH! UUUUUDDDAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
Can you guys compare the cry baby bass and the mini version. Thanks
They're the same pedal, different sized enclosures.
these people do NOT understand how compressor works... for example, HPF does NOT work the way they explain etc.
The mean guy makes me inferior on my bass.Now I gotta go practice.
The Boss won.
I wish he would let the bass player manage his own tones. It seems like he doesn't know what the knobs do.
Cali76 setting is too bad;
Second.
I have to ask. What's with the chicken???????
Really don't get these guys. They just waffle on, twiddling knows. Maybe if absolutely starting out, may give basic ideas. But they rarely bother to actually "set" a sound...
After this demo people are likely asking even more why to spend their money on an effect they can barely hear. Better don't fiddle knobs while demoing a compressor.
can we see some basses
Too much dry to hear the pedal.
Funny. But too much /Manu bla bla.....sorry ☹️☹️☹️
please review the Darkglass amp! !!!!