Best cheap compressor?

Invisible_Kid · #1 01-26-2011, 10:51 PM

I recently bought an incredibly awesome Bass MicroSynth. After testing it today, I decided that a compressor would help greatly with sustain and the overall sound of the Bass MicroSynth, but since this is the first time I've ever really looked at compressors, I need help from you guys. So,

1. Do you use a compressor, if so, what is it, and how do you like it?
2. What compressor would you recommend?

EDIT: I'd also like to add that I don't have much money, and I'd like something on the cheaper side.

SoonerMatt · #2 01-26-2011, 11:01 PM

http://www.ovnilab.com/

http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/toppicks.shtml

walker rosewood · #3 01-26-2011, 11:01 PM

^^^ beat me to it.

Bongomania's site: http://ovnilab.com/ (seriously, is this a sticky yet?) Any and all things compression around here default to him.

The BBE Opto Stomp is the top pick for cheap but good. Although there has been recent design changes that might affect that.

Zoa · #4 01-26-2011, 11:02 PM

www.ovnilab.com. Best compressor resource in existence, compiled by our own Bongomania.

Rob22315 · #5 01-27-2011, 03:56 AM

Two cheapo's I use - the Behringer BLE-100 and the BBE Opto Stomp. The BLE-100 was about $21 from bhphotovideo. It's a copy of the Boss bass limiter/enhancer in plastic packaging. It also has some noticeable hiss. The compression/limiting effect on the BLE-100 works great - the controls are simple and effective and it provides hard limitation when needed. I didn't notice any major artifacts or weird effects except for the excessive hiss noted above. If you turn your treble down and leave the 'enhance' knob on the limiter turned down, this is much less noticeable.

I got the Opto Stomp used for $55. It's a much gentler compression but still effective. It's very quiet - no added hiss or artifacts (although some report hearing a slight buzzy ringing on older models). There were some volume level issues on the older units too but a new model has been released that's supposed to be free of either of these issues. My copy works great but I can't say how many might have these oddities.

The ovnilabs web site has some other recommendations for inexpensive compression you might try as well.

rob_thebassman · #6 01-27-2011, 03:59 AM

to be fair you've got to spend quite abit of money for a good compressor, i've had the behringer ble-100 and it was noisey and changed the tone of my bass

warwick.hoy · #7 01-27-2011, 12:29 PM

The LMB-3 is decent for the price.

chuck norriss · #8 01-27-2011, 12:52 PM

I recommend the Markbass Compressore tube compressor ($200). Wait for a sale at your local store or at that chain store. works for guitar + bass + acoustics.

Chrisk-K · #9 01-27-2011, 03:39 PM

I'm waiting for the MXR Bass Compressor. It won the best bass gear award at NAMM 2011 by a bass magazine, I think.

maturanesa · #10 01-28-2011, 02:21 PM

Boss Limiter/Enhancer

tombowlus · #11 01-31-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

I'm waiting for the MXR Bass Compressor. It won the best bass gear award at NAMM 2011 by a bass magazine, I think.

Yup, it won one of our Best of Show awards for the 2011 Winter NAMM.

mozarwasagenius · #12 01-31-2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Yup, it won one of our Best of Show awards for the 2011 Winter NAMM.

Can you comment on what swayed you to give it that award? I am very interested in this product

BrandonBass · #13 01-31-2011, 12:41 PM

DoD milkbox hands down. Id rather use it over some comps that cost more than twice its price. Its not as transparent as some other compressors out there, but it doesnt bother me as it colours the tone in a good way. And it can go from mild to squashing. Only bad thing is its out of production now, and ill prolly go frantic is mine breaks down(touch wood).