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Need help?Do you have a question about the Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass and is the answer not in the manual?
Plug in your bass or other instrument.
Connect to your amp or other effects pedals.
Use a 9-18VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply (min 100mA).
Adjusts gain and amount of compression applied.
Sets compression ratio, from 4:1 to 20:1.
Adjusts attack and release times simultaneously.
Determines the output signal level.
High-pass filter sweeps from 20Hz to 350Hz.
Blends in a dry, uncompressed signal.
Plug in your bass or other instrument.
Connect to your amp or other effects pedals.
Use a 9-18VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply (min 100mA).
Adjusts gain and amount of compression applied.
Sets compression ratio, from 4:1 to 20:1.
Adjusts attack and release times simultaneously.
Determines the output signal level.
High-pass filter sweeps from 20Hz to 350Hz.
Blends in a dry, uncompressed signal.
The Cali76 Compact Bass is a studio-grade FET compressor pedal designed specifically for bass guitar, drawing inspiration from the classic UREI® 1176® compressor. This pedal aims to provide bass players with the rich, dynamic compression typically found in high-end studio equipment, but in a compact and pedalboard-friendly format. It's engineered to enhance the natural characteristics of your bass, offering a range of compression styles from subtle leveling to aggressive, punchy effects, all while preserving the instrument's inherent tone and dynamics.
At its core, the Cali76 Compact Bass functions as a sophisticated audio compressor, designed to control the dynamic range of your bass signal. It achieves this by reducing the volume of loud sounds and increasing the volume of quiet sounds, resulting in a more consistent and controlled output. The pedal incorporates a parallel compression feature, allowing users to blend their dry, uncompressed signal with the compressed signal. This technique, popular in studio environments, enables the user to achieve the sonic benefits of heavy compression—like increased sustain and punch—without sacrificing the natural attack and dynamics of their playing. This parallel blend is crucial for maintaining a lively and expressive performance, even under significant compression.
The pedal features several key controls that allow for precise shaping of the compression characteristics. The 'IN' control adjusts the input gain, which directly influences the amount of compression applied. Higher input gain leads to more significant compression. The 'RATIO' knob sets the compression ratio, determining how much the signal above the threshold is reduced. This ranges from a gentle 4:1 ratio for subtle leveling to a more aggressive 20:1 for pronounced compression effects.
A unique 'ATT/REL' control simultaneously adjusts both the attack and release times of the compressor. This combined control is designed to offer the most musically intuitive settings, allowing users to quickly dial in responses that complement their playing style. A slower attack time allows the initial transient of a note to pass through uncompressed, emphasizing the pluck or pick, which is ideal for percussive playing. A faster release time ensures the compressor quickly recovers between notes, contributing to a more articulate and dynamic feel. Conversely, a faster attack time will clamp down on the initial transient, smoothing out the attack, while a slower release can provide longer sustain.
The 'OUT' control manages the overall output level of the pedal, ensuring that the compressed signal can be matched to the input of an amplifier or other effects, or used to provide a boost.
A particularly important feature for bass guitar is the 'HPF' (High Pass Filter) control. Low frequencies in a bass signal can often overwhelm compressors, leading to undesirable pumping or squashing effects. The HPF sweeps from 20Hz to 350Hz, allowing the compressor to react primarily to higher frequencies, such as the attack of the picking hand, rather than the fundamental low notes. This intelligent design ensures that the compressor works effectively without stripping away the crucial low-end presence of the bass, preserving its natural warmth and depth.
Finally, the 'DRY' control allows for the precise blending of the dry, uncompressed signal with the compressed signal. This is the heart of the parallel compression technique. Turning this knob clockwise adds more of the dry signal, providing a natural boost and allowing the player to achieve the feel of hard compression while retaining natural playing dynamics. At its fully clockwise position, this control can add a significant boost to the dry signal, enhancing its presence.
The Cali76 Compact Bass is designed for straightforward integration into any bass player's setup. It features standard 1/4-inch input and output jacks for connecting to an instrument and an amplifier or other pedals. The pedal requires a 9-18VDC center-negative power supply, with 18V recommended for optimal performance and increased headroom, which is particularly beneficial for bass signals with wide dynamic swings.
Metering is provided through an intuitive LED indicator. A red light signifies no compression, while an orange light indicates active compression. The brightness of the orange light correlates with the amount of gain reduction, offering a visual cue of the compressor's activity. A yellow light illuminates when gain reduction reaches 27dB, and maximum compression is indicated around 38dB. This visual feedback helps users understand how the compressor is reacting to their playing and allows for precise adjustments.
The pedal offers versatile applications, catering to various playing styles and sonic preferences. For "Parallel Compression," players can blend the compressed and dry signals to achieve a hard-compressed sound and feel while maintaining natural playing dynamics. This is achieved by setting the compressor for significant gain reduction and then using the DRY control to mix in the uncompressed signal.
For a "Percussive, Lively & Fat" tone, the pedal can be set with a slower attack time and a fast release time. A slower attack allows the initial transient of each note to pass through, accentuating the start of the note, which enhances percussiveness. A fast release ensures the compressor quickly recovers between notes, making phrases sound more articulate and lively. This setting is excellent for slap bass or funk lines where note definition and punch are paramount.
For "Dynamic Control," the pedal can be configured to provide natural compression that balances dynamics across various playing techniques. This involves finding a sweet spot with the RATIO and ATT/REL controls, often combined with a medium HPF setting. This ensures an honest translation of lower string dynamics while still providing consistent output and sustain. This setting is ideal for players who want a transparent compression that enhances their natural playing without drastically altering their tone.
The robust, all-metal enclosure is built to withstand the rigors of live performance and touring, ensuring durability and reliability. The compact size makes it easy to integrate into crowded pedalboards, offering studio-grade compression without demanding excessive space.
The Cali76 Compact Bass is designed for reliability and minimal maintenance. As an electronic pedal, it primarily requires a clean and stable power supply within the specified voltage range (9-18VDC, center-negative) to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Using a high-quality, regulated power supply is recommended to prevent noise and potential damage from power fluctuations.
The jacks and controls are built for durability, but like all electronic devices, they benefit from occasional cleaning. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, potentially affecting the smooth operation of the knobs or the integrity of the connections. A soft, dry cloth can be used to wipe down the exterior of the pedal. If any controls feel stiff or scratchy, a small amount of electronic contact cleaner can be applied, though this is rarely necessary with high-quality components.
The internal circuitry is designed for long-term stability and does not require user adjustment or maintenance. The pedal is a sealed unit, and opening it is generally not recommended as it could void the warranty and expose sensitive components to damage. In case of malfunction, it is best to consult the manufacturer's support or an authorized service technician.
The LED metering system provides a clear visual indication of the pedal's operation, allowing users to quickly diagnose if the compressor is engaging as expected. If the LED does not light up or behaves erratically, it could indicate a power supply issue or an internal fault.
Overall, the Cali76 Compact Bass is a "set it and forget it" type of pedal once the desired sound is dialed in. Its robust construction and high-quality components are chosen for their reliability and sonic performance, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance and allowing bassists to focus on their playing. The design prioritizes studio-grade sound and performance in a road-ready package, making it a dependable tool for both professional and amateur musicians.
General| Type | Compressor |
|---|---|
| Technology | Analog |
| Blend Control | Yes |
| Bypass | True Bypass |
| Power | 9V DC |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ |
| Output Impedance | 1 kΩ |
| Controls | Ratio, Attack, Release |
| Release Range | 50ms to 1s |
