I bought the Bi-Comp as the idea of 2 different compressors in 1 small box very much appealed to me. I have already used an excellent Ross clone (Barge Concepts RC-2) so knew what to expect there, but the OS was a new effect to me.
Compared to the RC-2, the Ross side of the Bi-Comp was noisier (although still very quiet), but otherwise the same (except the RC-2 has a switch for restoring the low frequencies which, IMO, puts it above the Bi-Comp).
I really could not get on with the OS side though. At 'factory setting' for the internal trimpot there was, for me, an unacceptable amount of noise. Twiddling with the trim control did allow me to reduce the noise (and make for slighter more 'squash') but, at the point at which the noise was acceptable, the output of the OS was less than unity gain, rendering it pretty much useless unless I had it on all the time.
Furthermore, I wasn't actually that impressed with the OS anyway. Clearly it is an effect which has gained legendary status but to be honest I didn't hear what the big deal was apart from maybe a subtle hint of added warmth/grit.
Reliability/Durability:
Ease of Use:
The Ross side - v easy.
The OS side - I couldn't get a satisfactory sound, unless I wanted an intrusive amount of noise or a drop in volume when engaged.
Customer Support:
Overall Rating:
A great idea, in theory, but let down by the noise on the OS side.
Don't get me wrong; the noise is not that great, and will not be heard in live band context, but for recording or use with overdrive pedals after it, it is very off-putting.
I sold the Bi-Comp on eBay for a handsome sum, and put the RC-2 back on my board where it has remained, unlikely to again be replaced.
