Bass Compressor Choices

jar546 · #1 12-30-2007, 07:18 AM

Yeah another thread but I am trying to get all information fresh in one spot.

I noticed that when it comes to compression (those who use it) there is never one brand or model compressor that stands out as overwhelmingly recommended or popular. As a matter of fact, the more I talk to compressor users, the more choices I find out about.

Does it really matter if it is made specifically for the bass?

I hear about the EBS Multicomp but it only has 2 adjustments and if I am using a compressor I want to be able to adjust the: input, threshold, ratio, attach, release time and gain.

There is no doubt that I want and need some compression. The big question is which one gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Thanks

basadam · #2 12-30-2007, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jar546

Does it really matter if it is made specifically for the bass?

Yes and no. Low&high freq signals behave differenly. If I remember correctly, highs peak faster than lows. If the circuit checks highs to see if they're above threshold, then lows will be attenuated before they get a chance to peak. For a given pedal with a usual Comp and Gain controls, there is no telling how it actually checks the threshold, how fast it acts and what's the comp ratio.

Quote:

I hear about the EBS Multicomp but it only has 2 adjustments and if I am using a compressor I want to be able to adjust the: input, threshold, ratio, attach, release time and gain.

I don't have it but I believe it has internal trim pots to set threshold and attack(?); but I'm not sure.

Quote:

There is no doubt that I want and need some compression. The big question is which one gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Thanks

I happily use a Carl Martin. It has separate Threshold, Comp and Response adjustments (and a Gain as well), eliminating my concern above. It's expensive but it gets the job done. It's also dead quite.

In general I don't like compressors with a single Comp control. I like to tweak my settings myself. But I have a fairly good grasp of compression concept. If it wouldn't be Carl Martin, I would get a rack compressor. But some like the simplicity of single knob control.

Making a recommendation is quite difficult. But my experince tells me that a compressor is one of the things that you definitely, absolutely should not go cheap. May I humbly suggest that the first thing you should do is to drop "best bang for the buck" from your specs? Because IME "best bang for the buck" compressors are usually the one that suck most.

RickenBoogie · #3 12-30-2007, 07:39 AM

There's tons of info around here, but I'm gonna throw the TRex Squeezer at you. I tried a number of other comps, and the Squeezer does it for me, also has all the required controls you mentioned, and quiet, and a wee bit overpriced, ok, sorta not cheap but works like a champ.

bongomania · #4 12-30-2007, 08:16 AM

Check out the FAQ and reviews in my sig.

prsbass · #5 12-30-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jar546

As a matter of fact, the more I talk to compressor users, the more choices I find out about.

Join the club. I've tried an a$$-ton(that's ten butt-loads less than Bongomania) of compressors and have only been happy with two. They turned out to be in the "expensive" end of the pool.
Retrospec Squeeze Box
Demeter VTCL 2
Neither of them are in production anymore either.

I'd suggest buying used so you don't take a big financial hit if it turns out you don't like the first few you try.

Planet Boulder · #6 12-30-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Check out the FAQ and reviews in my sig.

Your reviews have been EXTREMELY helpful to me for some of the compressor choices I've made. I almost wish we could somehow tack a link to your reviews at the top of the site.

bongomania · #7 12-30-2007, 12:05 PM

Actually the stickied FX forum FAQ contains a link to the "megathread", and the first post in the megathread contains a link to my page. I think if they linked directly to my page it would seem too much like "official endorsement" of my opinions.

TrevorOfDoom · #8 12-30-2007, 12:10 PM

Demeter Opto-Comp!! Demeter Opto-Comp!! Demeter Opto-Comp!!

jswingchun · #9 12-30-2007, 07:58 PM

+1 for bongomania's mega thread. I bought the BBE opto stomp based on his reviews and I like it a lot.

incognito89x · #10 12-30-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Check out the FAQ and reviews in my sig.

You've shattered the faith I held in my Aphex Punch Factory

bongomania · #11 12-30-2007, 09:32 PM

Sorry about that! Of course it's always better to believe your own ears rather than be influenced unduly by someone else's opinion on the internet.

That said, see if you can find a chance to A/B the Punch Factory with any of the units I recommend, you'll find it educational one way or another.

diechris · #12 12-31-2007, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incognito89x

You've shattered the faith I held in my Aphex Punch Factory

might be a good thing!! you play a lot cleaner then you thought and dont need your placebo anymore

incognito89x · #13 12-31-2007, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Sorry about that! Of course it's always better to believe your own ears rather than be influenced unduly by someone else's opinion on the internet.

That said, see if you can find a chance to A/B the Punch Factory with any of the units I recommend, you'll find it educational one way or another.

Hehe yeah. I did like that the Aphex was transparent. The only time I could truly tell it had a noticeable effect was when I had the fuzz and wah both running. One time I forgot to switch on the Aphex and I could definitely tell it curbed some of the super-bright high end with the toe down.

Of course I'm also very susceptible to opinion about what equipment is good, and am always look to waste money on new toys to try out.

grovest · #14 12-31-2007, 11:30 AM

Jar-

Unfortunately - and predictably - there is no 'the one'. My advice for you is to buy a used compressor, possibly off of the TB classifieds (which as of my posting has a neat Trace compressor pedal), for a reference point. The pedal could be sold again for a similar price as you descend the rabbit hole.

Have fun and keep your ears open.

Planet Boulder · #15 12-31-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incognito89x

You've shattered the faith I held in my Aphex Punch Factory

That was actually a review with which i disagreed. I found that it provided the perfect amount of compression for my needs but, as always, YMMV.

fokof · #16 12-31-2007, 11:52 AM

I love absolutly adore the FMR RNC. ( Sorry Bongomania! )
An amazing piece of gear for that price.

If budget is no object , The LA-3A from Universal audio or the BSS DPR901 are the ticket.

jar546 · #17 01-01-2008, 09:07 PM

After this thread and reading about 6 other related threads and checking out some sites specific to compressor reviews (some from guys on this forum) I can now say that I am completely confused and realize that there are more choices than I thought.

I am no closer to making a purchase than I was before I started this.

I did, however, find a Boss Limiter Enhancer as a leftover display item at a GC and bought it dirt cheap. It certainly is no compressor but does some of the job and unfortunately adds too much hum/noise.

I wish there was an easy answer or less choices but with so many choices it makes it really hard.

I have a clean sound with my LMII and Eden D410XLT so I need somthing that will give me a solid tube sound for my classic rock songs. Thoughts to narrow that down?

fraublugher · #18 01-01-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jar546

I need something that will give me a solid tube sound for my classic rock songs. Thoughts to narrow that down?

maybe a tube pre is what you want instead?

i use a punch factory for my upright , its amaxing.

cheers,
John

bongomania · #19 01-01-2008, 09:26 PM

FWIW the LMB-3 is a compressor, even though they label it a "limiter"; it just has a different action than their pedal that they label a compressor. I actually think the CS-3 does a better job of limiting than the LMB-3 does. Labels are one more thing to confuse you.

Also, as illustrated above, a lot of people disagree with my opinions of the FMR RNC and the Punch Factory. We all have different ears, expectations, etc. and that's par for the course.

I realize this post will not help you make any decisions, in fact I'm making everything more vague and confusing. C'est la vie.

The very best classic-rock tube sound I've heard from a pedal is the BJFE Blueberry. A lot of people here like the Sansamps or the EHX English Muff'n for that purpose as well.

lunarpollen · #20 01-02-2008, 04:42 PM

I'd like a vintage-sounding compressor that doesn't squash the roundness out of my tone and that doesn't accentuate fret clank and string squeak. I'd like something that can help acheive late 1960's era McCartney-type tones and even out the apparent volume and thickness of notes from top to bottom ("With a Little Help from my Friends," "Penny Lane," etc.).