Best Bass Compressor

[maluco]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Oye hermano, todos los productos Symetrix son buenos, se incluye el 565E. Se puede leer comentarios de otros compresores (en ingles) en mi pagina "Compressor Reviews" avinculado por abajo. Si hay preguntas, se puede pedirme con mensaje privado.

ok

[carlitoswhey]

gotta say that EBS makes the most fun comp pedal. its for sure, an effect pedal, juxtaposed to an affect pedal (what compression should do) EBS is fun. EHX black finger gets the job done in a more proper fashion.

[maluco]

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

For Stick, multiband compression works really well. I was at a Stick recording seminar taught by Greg Howard and he was using the multiband software compressor in Logic. (I think it was Logic.) He was using the compressor more as a limiter because the Stick has such a huge attack transient it competes with the kick drum. Roll off the sub sonic lowend also and that helps to keep things tame. The Thumpinator might be good for that.

im ned stereo comp ....stick is a bass+guitar or double guitar in diferent moments stereo symetrix or ashly clx52 is the coice ...........thanks

[Bassnut62]

re Keeley - actually it's a very good compressor on bass. I've been using the 4-knob one for about 18 months and it's very transparent. It doesn't take low notes out of the game for me (I use a 4 string tuned EADG).

It can be a little hissy; but then you get to control attack and clipping easily from outside; so for me those pros outway the con of a slight hiss, which is only noticeable when not playing anyway.

Having said that I would love to try a Demeter Compulator; but then it has no attack or clipping controls, both of which are especially useful if you use a lot of effects pedals like me.

[maluco]

ehhh guy .......art tcs ........what is your experience ?is a tube and vca ...is good ?

[maluco]

and drawmer 241 ?

[adunham1]

I use a DBX 163x that I got on eBay for $50. I had always read good reviews about these and gave it a try. I really like the way it compresses without taking tone from my bass. Works well for me.

[gregmerrill]

+1

[Blah114]

I don't particularly, lately, care for the EBS compressor.. it seems it sometimes gives a tube/Ampegish sound.. like an overdriven sound.. I am not sure the pedal's not going bad.. I've had it for 10 years.. I use a voodoo power supply.. I cannot tell a difference between a cheap Boss compressor and the ebs.. that's just me..

[bongomania]

TBH it does seem like EBS pedals "go bad" over time, more than other pedals. I won't say that's the case for a fact, but it is my impression.

[funkyzebulon]

To me the Markbass Compressore is by far the best compressor I've ever had !!
I own two (one for each pedalboard, one as a limiter, the other as a standard compression), and I can't imagine replacing one of them.
Holy piece of gear !

[EduardoK]

Originally Posted by bongomania

TBH it does seem like EBS pedals "go bad" over time, more than other pedals. I won't say that's the case for a fact, but it is my impression.

I have probably 6 or 7 EBS pedals and must confess being sad about having to agree with you bongo.
After having spent not a small amount in buying them I have the impression none of those 5-7 pedals is working like it should. Maybe that explains why you see quite a few used EBS pedals for sale...
So why EBS comp is there as one of your favorites in your "compressor thread"... ???111...???
Not to speak negatively about the brand as I think EBS combo bass amps are simply incredible!

[bongomania]

Yeah... It's tough, having to downgrade a pedal from "one of the best" to something so potentially damaging as saying it breaks over time. I also have been hearing more and more negative experiences with reliability of the Demeter, as well as poor service from Demeter for those people having problems.

And even then, think about how many EBS and Demeter pedals have been sold over the years, compared to all the smaller and newer pedal makers. If all the other "best" ones were sold in the same numbers, maybe they would have the same degree or instances of failure or poor service. Who knows?

I guess I will make a note of it in the review, because Boss, Ibanez, DOD, they all produce far more pedals than EBS and Demeter, and they'll go 20, 30 years before showing signs of wearing out.

[dpbass66]

has anyone on here tried an RNC? Studio grade comp. Its the only one Ive ever owned and just completely kills. Total control over ALL compression variables.

Its not a pedal, but its is small (about 1/3 rack space, i dont rack it, just keep it in my gig bag).

[cybersnyder]

For me, the EBS sounds great, is easy to use, compatible with standard 9V Boss power and doesn't take a lot of space on my pedal board. I still need a Jaques Fatburner to fulfill my inner TLev.

[boynamedsuse]

Originally Posted by adunham1

I use a DBX 163x that I got on eBay for $50. I had always read good reviews about these and gave it a try. I really like the way it compresses without taking tone from my bass. Works well for me.

That sums up my experience as well. The problem with most compressors I've tried (including for guitar) is that they mess with your attack and that doesn't seem to be a problem with the 163X.

[JT_Copy9]

I am considering an Alesis 3630. Anyone had any experiences with this? I think it is pretty new though.

Thanks.

[bongomania]

The 3630 has been out for almost 10 years. There's a review of it in the links in my sig, and a search in this forum would tell you more.

[Jawbone]

Isn't the Fairchild 670 still the "best" compressor for $60,000. BTW: you'll need 2-3 to get the job done right so that's a mere $180,000. Probably easier buying some studio time somewhere. However, UA sells a plug-in for your DAW at $150.00.

You guy could start carrying around a Macbook or iPad and load all those bells and whistle into a s/w environment for a lot more flexibility and less weight.

For the most part, if you're recording anything good - it goes through your stomps and pedal board then into a DAW with a lot of s/w plug-ins. Most studios want to add the effects at the s/w level anyway and remove your stomps. Now for live gigs just carry around the macbook, build a scene with multiple tracks (effects) for each of your songs that need effects and use one toggle/stomp to cycle through the scenes. Or you can sync the DAW to your set list similar to a DJ. It's actually pretty effective.

[JohnDavisNYC]

You can get a 670 from Antony DeMaria for like $18000... And you only need one.

John