Keeley Bassist Low Frequency Optimizer - Chromalux Custom Shop Edition

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Product Description

The Keeley Bassist Low Frequency Optimizer is a professional-grade compressor and limiter pedal designed specifically for bass guitar. This Chromalux Custom Shop Edition offers enhanced aesthetics and the same renowned Keeley performance.

Pedal Visual Description: The pedal features a robust enclosure with a distinctive Keeley Electronics logo (a stylized 'K' within a square) prominently displayed. Below the logo, the brand name "KEELEY ELECTRONICS" is clearly printed. The product name "BASSIST" is presented in a large, bold font, followed by "LOW FREQUENCY OPTIMIZER" and the special edition designation "CHROMALUX CUSTOM SHOP EDITION". The top panel is equipped with three rotary control knobs: THRESHOLD, COMPRESSION (marked with ratio values), and GAIN. A small LED indicator light is positioned near the THRESHOLD control, serving as a visual cue for compression activity. A durable footswitch is located at the front of the pedal for engaging or disengaging the effect.

Controls Explained

THRESHOLD

This control sets the threshold, which is the point at which the compressor begins to reduce the signal's volume. Lower settings engage compression more frequently, even with softer playing. Higher settings require louder playing to activate compression, making it more subtle.

Note: For optimal setup, adjust THRESHOLD by observing the indicator LED. Aim for the LED to change color only during your loudest playing passages for subtle compression, or have it change more frequently for a more noticeable effect.

COMPRESSION (RATIO)

This potentiometer adjusts the compression ratio, determining how much gain reduction occurs above the set threshold. A ratio of 1:1 means no compression. Higher ratios (e.g., 10:1, INFINITY:1) provide more aggressive compression, acting as a limiter at extreme settings, which can result in less dynamic range and a more "squashed" sound. Lower ratios offer a more transparent and less perceptible compression.

GAIN

The GAIN control allows you to adjust the output level of the pedal. It can be used to restore volume lost due to compression or to boost the signal for driving an amplifier. This pedal can provide significant output boosts (up to +20 dB).

Tip: If you experience increased noise when boosting the GAIN, review your THRESHOLD and COMPRESSION settings to ensure they are not overly aggressive.

THRESHOLD INDICATOR LED

This LED provides visual feedback on the compression activity. It glows green when no compression is active (signal is below the threshold) and turns red when the signal exceeds the threshold, indicating that gain reduction is being applied.

FOOTSWITCH

Engages or disengages the effect. [Footswitch Icon]

Specifications

Effect Type: COMPRESSOR/LIMITER
Power Requirement: 9V DC, center negative, 50mA+
Input/Output: Mono Instrument Input, Mono Instrument Output

Basic Setup Procedure

Set the THRESHOLD control to your desired level. For a more perceptible compression, set it so the indicator LED changes rapidly as you play. For subtle compression or limiting, adjust it so the LED only changes at the highest playing levels.
Adjust the COMPRESSION (RATIO) to your preference. Turning clockwise increases compression; counter-clockwise decreases it.
Set the GAIN control to compensate for any reduction in volume caused by compression, or to achieve a desired output boost.

Attack and Release Characteristics

This pedal does not feature dedicated ATTACK and RELEASE controls. Instead, it employs a fixed, ear-pleasing value of 125 dB/second, common in high-quality compressors. Feed-forward compressors with true RMS detection, like the Bassist, utilize a single time constant. A timing capacitor then dynamically adjusts the ATTACK and RELEASE times based on your playing dynamics and input signal level, ensuring a responsive and natural feel.

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