Tube amp with built-in compressor -- any favorites?

szusman · #1 06-28-2010, 08:40 PM

I am thinking of picking up a tube amp (hybrid design is preferred) with a built-in compressor. I know there are several available... I am especially fond of Mesa Boogie equipment, but have only really tried the Walkabout. I play in a pop-rock group, similar to Dave Matthews Band. Any favorites you'd like to share?

Achtane · #2 06-28-2010, 08:44 PM

The Hartke HA3500 fits your description, but personally I find the compressor to be a little "too much". I'd rather just run the bass into a compressor pedal. However, they aren't too expensive, shouldn't be hard to find and I do really like mine.

WJGreer · #3 06-28-2010, 08:47 PM

The Mesa M9 Carbine is a hybrid amp with a built in compressor. It has a very accurate, tight tone - not wooly at all. If that seems consistent with your tone goal, check one out. It, along with its little brother the M6 Carbine (which has somewhat less power and lacks the compressor) are very popular at the moment.

JimmyM · #4 06-28-2010, 11:13 PM

built in compressor =

never heard one that was worth a crap, not even in the best amps made.

Son of Bovril · #5 06-29-2010, 03:43 AM

The EBS heads have nice built in compression maybe check out the new fafner, as does the eden Navigator, but thats a separate preamp. The pedal idea is not a bad one IMO check out the markbass or EBS pedals

Bassist30 · #6 06-29-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

built in compressor =

never heard one that was worth a crap, not even in the best amps made.

I agree. Most really act as a limiter rather than a compressor.
But they will say compressor on it. Even at the price you pay for the amp do you really think it will have a good compressor in it. Limiter maybe.

RickenBoogie · #7 06-29-2010, 06:37 PM

+1 just find an amp you like, and add a comp pedal to it. Too many great amps that don't have a )crappy) built in comp you're missing out on, like the Walkabout. That head paired with a big enough speaker cab, (and compressor pedal) absolutely kills in a rock band.

Spencer! · #8 06-29-2010, 06:37 PM

A tube amp is a compressor!

KsPiNeSh · #9 06-29-2010, 08:34 PM

FWIW I find the compressor on the M9 to be passable. Not the greatest, but as long as you aren't expecting magic or looking to gracefully squash the crap out of your signal you will be satisfied.

Alex1984 · #10 06-29-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

A tube amp is a compressor!

Yes, I seem to recall that tubes provide a natural compression, but didn't wanna pass on any false info.

disssa · #11 06-29-2010, 10:56 PM

Trace Elliot V8!
The Compressor is not the greatest, but works fine...

Son of Bovril · #12 06-30-2010, 01:46 AM

I guess the quality of compressor you need is determined by what you wanna do with it at the end of the day... if you want subtle dynamic adjustment/a specific tone then a better comp is needed which you may not find as a built in option. If you just wanna squash the sound or limit your signal then you can probably get away with some of the built in ones...

IMO though you should not just buy a head because of the compressor it has in it. compression is not gonna fix the sound of a bad sounding amp, rather get the head that gives you YOUR sound and then see if you still need a compressor...