NostalgiTone Compressor – Bass friendly?

[Clement]

I’m hoping someone can tell me if the NostalgiaTone Compressor is at all bass friendly.  Or are there some component swaps or mods that might help make it so.

Thanks in advance.

[Playsforfun]

Based on the coupling caps (C1,9,10,12)  being 10n and 22n I would say the single NostalgiaTone Compressor is not bass ready. Coupling caps and possibly others (C6, C8, C13) will need adjustment.

[Barry]

You could change the Output capacitor C12 to 100n or 220n. That is where the main low end cut is happening. It is also the easiest Mod that won’t affect how the entire circuit is supposed to function.

If you do that be sure to report your findings.

For Bass I would also use the SW1 in the Up position: 10k (150k shorted). This is the fastest release.

Alternatively, this circuit could be played through a Paramix.

[Clement]

Thanks Barry. I’ll try changing that cap value.  I have a Buff’n Blend board I was thinking of using to retain some of the original bass signal.  Do you see any potential issues with this solution?

[Barry]

This circuit is based on the Ross Compressor so it will invert the phase when used in a parallel situation which is why I mentioned the Paramix. That said if you insert an additional (single) stage circuit in series after the compressor like the Stage 3 Booster then that problem is solved.

I would try the simple Mod suggestions first though as you may be fine with that.

[Jeff24]

Barry, when you say to add the Stage 3 after the compressor, is that a requirement for the Buff N Blend, or the compressor itself?

As long as both are inverted phase, does it make a difference which comes first?

[Barry]

Technically the Stage 3 can go before or after the compressor to solve the phase problem. Due to the nature of a compressor I would not place the Boost in front of it. I would rather have the Stage 3 enhancing the tone following the compressor instead of coloring it (while potentially adding noise) by placing the Boost it in front of it.

[Jeff24]

That makes sense. Thank you.

[Clement]

So you are suggesting inserting both the Compress > Stage 3 in series in between the Send/Return of the Buff’n Blend to solve the inverted phase issue?

[Jeff24]

Yes, with the Compressor first.

[Author]

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