ROAD TEST
BOSS CP-1X & BC-1X Compressor Pedals
By Hal Rodriguez
The new CP-1X and BC-1X from BOSS are the company ’ s latest guitar and bass compressor pedals , respectively . They are powered by the company ’ s Multi- Dimensional Processing ( MDP ) technology and provide multiband compression that offers greater control over the dynamics of one ’ s playing without colouring the instrument ’ s tone .
Features The CP-1X and BC-1X feature four control knobs , making them familiar and simple to use . On the CP-1X , there is a Level knob to adjust output , an Attack knob to adjust the level of a note ’ s initial attack , a Ratio knob to adjust how much the signal will be reduced , and a Comp knob that allows you to determine at which volume the compression starts to kick in .
In addition to the Level , Ratio , and Comp knob ( labeled “ Threshold ”) on the BC-1X , there is a Release knob to adjust how long the compression lasts .
Visually , the pedals stand out among BOSS ’ s well-known offerings as they both feature a Gain Reduction Indicator . This displays the amount of compression being applied at any time and is useful when dialing in settings . Both stompboxes also boast 18-volt input electronics to accept high output pickups and digital circuitry to produce less noise than other compressor pedals .
CP-1X Sound & Performance For the past several years , I ’ ve been using BOSS ’ s previous compressor pedal , the CS-3 , on guitars and bass to tame transients when playing . The CS-3 did the job in creating a more even sound with more sustain and made instruments feel easier to play ; however , it does colour one ’ s tone and has a recognizable “ squashed ” character , which not all players find desirable .
When comparing the CS-3 with the CP-1X side by side , I was immediately impressed that BOSS ’ s new compressor sounded transparent . Not only was my guitar ’ s tone uncoloured , the CP-1X acted like a clean
boost pedal by increasing my output and enhancing my tone . The sound was richer , with more sparkle and detail in the highs and a fuller low end without an artificial “ squashed ” sound .
At the default 12 o ’ clock setting , there was enough compression to switch comfortably from different dynamic techniques such as delicate fingerpicking to heavyhanded funk strumming without harsh volume peaks . When switching from playing aggressive rhythms to lead , the CP-1X amplified single note lines enough to make melodies and licks stand out .
By increasing the level of attack , I was able to get a punchier , cutting tone and players that enjoy that “ squashed ” compressor sound can get a more aggressive compression effect by cranking the Ratio knob . Raising the Comp knob enabled me to get compression at softer playing levels , which was useful for getting an even sound when fingerpicking lightly . Alternatively , I was able to set it so that the compression only kicked in whenever I played hard , leaving softer guitar passages untouched and more dynamic .
BC-1X Sound & Performance The difference between the CS-3 and BC-1X was even more dramatic . Although the CS-3 offers adequate compression for bass , the BC-1X provided a louder , transparent tone with thunderous lows and brilliant highs . The boosted output , enhanced tone , and natural sounding compression from the BC- 1X would even make it an asset for recording bass direct .
It was a joy to play with the BC-1X as I could switch between playing fingerstyle and slapping and popping without worrying about dramatic changes in volume . Similarly , difficult legato or tapping passages sounded
more even with the BC-1X on and harmonics rang out with plenty of sustain . Turning up the Release knob was effective in making sixteenth note basslines played with a pick sound more even , which would be useful for rock and metal bassists . Jazz bass players that want more dynamics will find that lowering the Ratio and Threshold knobs results in a more subtle compression effect .
Summary Guitarists and bassists looking for a natural sounding compressor should seriously consider adding BOSS ’ s CP-1X and BC-1X to their rigs . Unlike other multiband compressors , these stompboxes are simple to use and tone-conscious players will be happy to find that they also function as a clean boost . Players that use a variety of dynamic techniques will find that their performances become more even and articulate without losing the nuances of their technique and tone .
I think the best pedals are the ones that can be left on all the time , and the CP-1X and BC-1X certainly deserve to be .
Hal Rodriguez is a published writer , musician , and freelance music transcriber who has done work for artists such as Oz Noy and Derryl Gabel .
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