Amps with compression

[hooda1]

I am interested in getting an amp head with good compression. I need some suggestions on which amp would be good for this. I don't really want to pay much over a grand, but hey I'll do what I haz too. Thanks for your help

[bongomania]

Personally, I think the compressors built into amps tend to suck. That said, many people like the comp in the TC Electronic head(s), so check that out. I haven't tried it myself.

[4Mal]

I like the comp built into the OLD 90's / early 2000's Eden WT amps and you don't need to use much of that grand... It is a one knob thing that seems well designed for live use. I have dedicated stuff to record through ...

[brendanbassist]

I agree with bongo. I got an RH450, but I don't like the compressor at all.

[IntrepidCellist]

The old WT series amp compressor is easily overdriven with a hot signal. I usually have to bypass mine with my passive Dingwall.

The WT405 compressor is alright, but the one in my WT400 gets bypassed all the time.

[jibreel]

I have a TC 450 and I think the compressor is freaking amazing good !!

[hooda1]

Thanks guys for your help.

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by jibreel

I have a TC 450 and I think the compressor is freaking amazing good !!

+1

[craig.p]

I really like the compressor in the Carvin BX250 (and its close micro combo cousin the MB15/12/10). Its attack and release times are just right, soft-knee, so it doesn't barge into the room like other single-knob compressors that have a "binary," i.e. all-or-nothing, feel to them.

[pnut166]

I have a Line 6 LD750. It has a single-knob compressor, and I love it. Very unobtrusive and transparent.

[carbonfold]

The one on my Bassman 300 is alright. Gets the job done

[jastacey]

The Sunn 1200s and the Fender Bassman 1200 Pro have compressors

[eyeballkid]

^^^and good ones!

[jastacey]

If your going to to buy acquire the Sunn 1200s, be aware that there were some thermal issues, and a lot of them we not fixed, so I'd recommend the Bassman1200 pro as that was the finial design, that had the bugs worked out, the power platform was then used for the 800 Pro and the current TB1200 & MB 1200 amps

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Personally, I think the compressors built into amps tend to suck.

+1, if it doesn't have attack, release and ratio controls it's usually not much better than nothing. Good outboard compressors aren't expensive anyway.

[RickenBoogie]

another +1- there are so many great comps available for very little money, it just makes sense to buy one seperately. I'm not aware of a single "built-in" compressor that's half as good as an average stomp box comp.

[hooda1]

Hey everyone thanks for all the input. In the past when I have used compression, I usually just have it on a little bit.

[Staccato]

Roland makes the Bass Cube in 30, 60 and 100 watt versions with compression. That knob/effect on my CB-30 works!

[koobie]

Find the best-sounding amp you can. Bonus if it happens to have a decent compression section. Otherwise just add a comp pedal, a more flexible approach. That said, the compressor in my Hughes & Kettner Fortress preamp sounds pretty good and is easy to use.

[Marko5657]

If it’s having anything on the floor that bothers you, I’m with you on that. This head, Line6 HD400, I believe is not being produced anymore, the HD750s are already gone, but some of these are left.

Line 6 LowDown HD400 400W Rack Mount Bass Amp Head: Shop Bass & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

I like that it’s got a tuner, as well, and actually more features than I would use, but it’s worth checking out.