Wampler 'Ego Compressor'

[chptunes]

Yes, my Ego Comp arrived yesterday. I've read that Wampler's first edition of the Ego was a four knob unit with sticker graphics. My Ego is the latest screen-printed five knob edition. Too, I must say that the Blue Sparkle finish looks far nicer in person.. and, the Blue LED is ultra bright.

I turned her on for just a few moments last night. I set all the controls for the center of the earth to noon.. strummed a big open chord. My first thought - pristine. Making only minor adjustments as I continued to jam, all of the controls proved to be useful and very sensitive. I nudged the 'Tone' and 'Blend' controls back from noon a little.

The reading I've done tells me that Barber invented the 'Blend' control concept for pedal compressors. And, I did own Barber's Tone Press compressor before I started using Dr. Z amps and Tone Tubby speakers. I might appreciate the Barber more with my current gear, but the Ego's 'Blend' control is working just fine. A dramatic range of dry versus compressed signal is available. Turn 'Blend' all the way down, your tone seems unaffected completely. Turn it full up, and every other control is even more sensitive because all of your signal is affected.

In summary, the Ego Comp looks great! It has very tweakable controls, and a nice pristine tone. I am typically a minimalist, almost always choosing simplicity, but I instantly appreciate the added controls that Wampler offers with the Ego Comp.

Thumbs up.

[chptunes]

..thought I'd post a pic.. those settings are what I was using last night. Unity gain, and a nice pristine compression. Still, my dynamics are very responsive to pick attack.. which is a necessity for me. I'm still happy with the Ego..

[Mark N]

Mmmmmmmm! Nice Corey! At those settings do get any of that clickity clack stuff goin on?

[chptunes]

Well Mark.. there's still plenty of adjustment available in both directions. With these settings, I achieved plenty of compression without the "clack".. at just a touch above unity gain.

The "clack" is available with the Blend control full up. As is the "delayed attack" sound with the Attack control down low.

I'd normally say "who needs five knobs on a stompbox".. but, the Ego Comp thrives with all these controls. If someone wants to buy a pedal compressor, but worries about the inherent drawbacks.. I'd suggest the Ego Comp, because of it's huge flexability.

[Mark N]

yeah I was wondering at those settings and I do realize the possibilities with this pedal must be numerous! I still want one! lol