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Comments
The Suhr is the keeper for me and is the only one I now have. The Xotic was a close second but the Suhr is just a bit more controllable.
I now wouldn't consider a comp without a blend control as it really helps to keep some sparkle on the notes. The Koji has ended my comp search.
For the Sultans-type tone, with a pedal with a clean blend, you could get it with the Ego Compressor set pretty low, or the Origin Cali/Sliderig set pretty low, too. The Origin is quietest but most expensive. The Demeter Compulator and Maxon Optical Compressor can both do early Straits Tones but have no clean blend. They're relatively quiet though.
Basically for low noise comps, avoid Dyna/Ross types and most accurate Orange Squeezer types.
Having been through the Boss CS-1, 2 and 3, Boss BC-1X, Analogman Squeezer, Providence Velvet Comp, 3 mxr Dyna Comps, mxr Custom Comp, mxr Bass Compressor, Guyatone Driving Box and ST-2, Bearfoot EverGreen (v. nice), FEA Labs Opti FET (v nice), Biyang Compress X, Suhr Koji, EHX White Finger, Maxon RTC600 (vv nice), VFE White Horse (v nice), Empress Compressor, Keeley Compressor Pro (vv nice) and a couple more that I can't recall atm, the Origin Effects is a clear leader imo. If you can source a big box version with the onboard transformer, so much the better, but the standard Compact Deluxe is excellent and many people speak highly of the SlideRig, though I found the fixed attack a bit limiting (!).
If you are just starting out with a comp then getting one with a visual display of the applied compression is really helpful. The Origin (big box ver), Keeley Pro and Empress have the best displays imo with Maxon RTC and MXR Studio/Bass Compressor also excellent. A display isn't essential (and only recently started appearing) but they're invaluable to help in understanding exactly what is going on (The Empress is esp. good in this regard as it can display input and compression simultaneously).
Xotic SP
Wampler Ego
Keeley Compressor Plus
Keeley Compressor Plus sounds fun
Probably the quietest pedal comp I’ve tried and it works very nicely for adding body and sustain.
It's not what I would call a "clean" or "transparent" compressor. Most settings introduced distortion to the sound. The only usable, clean, compression I could get was with everything at 12 0'clock and the switch set to "Single Coil". I wanted to like it but, for me, it just dirtied up the sound. Some folks might like that. Not me. Onward...
It is the only compressor I've ever been happy with, the only one that's stayed on my board.
But... what that probably says is that it's quite distinctive and ticks all my boxes.
And because I know other people have loved all the compressors I've had and didn't get on with.
I think you'll have to suck it and see.
But yep, 4 knob Wampler -- love it.
So I'm on the lookout again. To tide me over, I got a s/h Mooer Yellow comp.
BYOC 5 Knob - like many it's based on an old design but it does feature the blend control. Cheap option if you're handy with a soldering iron.