I just did some test runs on my new Rocktron Big Crush compressor. It cost me $55. It had some nice heavy-duty casing.
Initial findings1. The noise was very bearable! I would bet if you hate the noise of the Boss CS-3 you'll probably like the Big Crush.
2. The
Sustain was useable from 0 to max! You can hear that your notes get that violin sustain without the irritating splatter of other compressor pedals. From what I have heard the MXR Dynacomp has this drawback, but I haven't compared them side by side yet.
3. The
Attack was also very useable from minimum to maximum. Less means less churpy pick sounds; great for Allan Holdsworth/Greg Howe runs. With the Attack increased, I noticed that I get more aggressive picking dynamics. By doing some fast-picking, you can hear the churps but they don't get overpronounced.
4. The
Level was very good at giving a clean boost to the guitar's sound. With low-output pickups like a Strat, you can get a tad more overdrive, somewhat like a TS9 in minimum gain and unity master volume - MINUS THE MID HUMP.
Overall, my initial assessment of this pedal makes me want to recommend this to those who want a greatly-designed compressor for a cheap price. Maybe I do need to A/B them with a Boss CS-3, Keeley Compressor, MXR Dynacomp, and other compressors you may have.
As for soundclips, I need at least 10 requests to demonstrate them... Or maybe video na lang?