Review

you (or at least your tone). Most bassists
who have spent time in a studio understand
the benefits of compression: by boosting a
signal when it dips below a certain dynamic
level and attenuating it when it eclipses a
specified peak, a compressor helps smooth
out the dynamic inconsistencies that can
make a bass sound uneven and amateurish.
Live, compressors can be especially effec-
tive in balancing slap-and-pop dynamics,
and can be crucial components in signal
chains subject to volume spikes (from over-
the-top fuzz pedals, for example). Of course,
there’s a bit of danger involved: at extreme
settings, a compressor can squash dynam-
ics in an artificial-sounding, non-musical
way. Aguilar president Dave Boonshoft, an
accomplished player in his own right, cer-
tainly understand the benefits and risks
involved. Modeling the TLC Compressor
on some of the outrageously expensive com-
pressors he’s used on sessions, Dave is now
attempting to bring it to the people in a
compact, versatile, and affordable package.
While some stompbox compressors are
short on functionality, offering minimal con-
trol of level and sensitivity, the TLC is con-
siderably more involved. In addition to its
LEVEL control, the TLC offers control over
ATTACK time (the speed at which compres-
sion kicks in),
THRESHOLD (the dynamic
point at which compression engages), and
SLOPE (the ratio or degree of compression).
It all amounts to a stompbox that you can
use on stage or in the studio to better con-
trol your dynamic character. I loved how
the TLC evened out my sometimes erratic
pickstyle dynamics, and how it imparted
sweet-sounding sustain to plucked notes.
For my own style, I find its best to set com-
pression such that I’m just barely able to
know when it’s engaging. With the TLC,
finding that optimal setting was a cinch.
With killer functionality, slick design,
and sick sounds, this pair of pedals from
Aguilar certainly measures up the high stan-
dard the company has set with its amps and
cabs. If you’re looking to smooth your sound
with compression, fuel your funk with sub-
octave effects, or pimp your pedalboard
with the pair, by all means check out the
TLC Compressor and Octamizer. BP
SOUNDROOM
56 BASSPLAYER.COM | FEBRUARY 2010
Originally printed in February 2010 issue of Bass Player. Reprinted with the permission of the Publishers of Bass Player. Copyright 2008 NewBay Media, LLC. All rights
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