Which Compressor Pedal do YOU like

CTC564 · #1 12-12-2011, 05:08 PM

...and why? I might be in the market for another compressor pedal.

I have an EBS Multi Comp but don't seem to hear much of a difference when it's activated...regardless of where I set the toggle switch

Just seems to be a fancy gain...

Am I missing something?

spaz21387 · #2 12-12-2011, 05:16 PM

I Dont use them. Every compressor pedal/rack mount I have tried made my sound feel limited. I use alot of fuzz in my sound so they just dont work for me.

otherclef · #3 12-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaz21387

I Dont use them. Every compressor pedal/rack mount I have tried made my sound feel limited. I use alot of fuzz in my sound so they just dont work for me.

Wow... I may be coming to that same conclusion

armywalaby · #4 12-12-2011, 05:18 PM

I used to have a boss compressor/sustainer, but to me it seemed to act more like a sonic maximizer. But, I have seen guys use that pedal on a squier bass into an old peavey 15 and make it sound like an SVT....I use a Hartke BA5500 head that has an onboard compressor with one knob and I love it.

NOVAX · #5 12-12-2011, 05:21 PM

Youre not supposed to necessarily hear a compressor working unless you want an 'effect' as opposed 'signal processing'. Compressor/Limiters by loose rule should be set to catch your peaks, make your overall levels more consistent and uniform, and possibly add a little (or a lot of) color to your sound. I rock a dbx 160A in the rack or an Ibanez BP-10 on the floor and love them both for dynamics management. Peace.

RickenBoogie · #6 12-12-2011, 05:25 PM

+1 and for someone not experienced with compressors, the EBS MultiComp is among the "best" one knob comps available.

CTC564 · #7 12-12-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVAX

Youre not supposed to necessarily hear a compressor working unless you want an 'effect' as opposed 'signal processing'. Compressor/Limiters by loose rule should be set to catch your peaks, make your overall levels more consistent and uniform, and possibly add a little (or a lot of) color to your sound. I rock a dbx 160A in the rack or an Ibanez BP-10 on the floor and love them both for dynamics management. Peace.

Thanks...and good advice

I used to have a dbx160 that I loved but can't seem to get that effect from this pedal...guess I just have to dig deeper into it

Foamy · #8 12-12-2011, 05:40 PM

I can hear the difference, but it's not tremendous.
I only have a rack-mount Behringer these days, and I only use it for recording.
I can very clearly see the levels level out when it's on by observing the LEDs, but by ear, I can't so much. I'm not that good of a bass player, but I think my right-hand control has a lot to do with it, and I am pretty consistent. And live? Forget about it. No way I can hear any difference at all.
Maybe you want a real "effecty" sound though?

Morkolo · #9 12-12-2011, 05:51 PM

I like the Digitech Bass Squeeze for some sounds though I'd rather stay uncompressed. The only downside to the Digitech is it's the worst pedal on batteries I've ever come across.

Spaldo · #10 12-12-2011, 05:52 PM

Aphex Punch Factory.

I use one at the end of my pedal chain to replace the phat that gets lost along the way!

NOVAX · #11 12-12-2011, 05:59 PM

Right on. I'm personally interested in the new MXR btw.

lowfreq33 · #12 12-12-2011, 06:06 PM

I've got a Line 6 Constrictor on my board right now. I like the tone, the gate is handy (doesn't close all the way, just cuts the highs), and it is sturdy. But lately I've been wishing it let a little more attack through. I guess my tastes are changing. I'm going after an MXR deal after the new year, first thing I get will probably be the bass compressor.

ksandvik · #13 12-12-2011, 06:18 PM

Yes if I would shop for a compressor it would be the MXR bass compressor.

CTC564 · #14 12-12-2011, 06:33 PM

Amen to that!!! Just did some reading at Ovni Labs and then looked up a YouTube video on that MXR compressor and WOW...that's what I had in my head!!!

Now I gotta sell this pedal....

Jazz Ad · #15 12-12-2011, 06:46 PM

I use compression more like an effect than do level stuff. My favorites are the Jacques Fat Burner and the Guyatone ST-2.

paganjack · #16 12-12-2011, 06:53 PM

I've been using the MXR bass comp for a few months and I have to say it does what I want it to do. I put it at the beginning of my chain, and fuzz/OD afterward. Keeps everything tight, punchy and generally more even. I play REALLY fast fingerstyle (keeping up with speed metal tremolo picking) and it really helps make my bass sound better. It makes each note sound fuller but retains the percussive clack too.
It is fairly transparent, but if you crank it it is definitely noticeable, and good for slap (IMO).

smeet · #17 12-12-2011, 07:00 PM

If you want a compressor that makes things sound "better" in some way, I would check out the Diamond Bass Compressor. It doesn't sound squashed, it just sounds good.

Kenner · #18 12-12-2011, 07:07 PM

[quote=NOVAX;11882457]Youre not supposed to necessarily hear a compressor working unless you want an 'effect' as opposed 'signal processing'. Compressor/Limiters by loose rule should be set to catch your peaks, make your overall levels more consistent and uniform, and possibly add a little (or a lot of) color to your sound. QUOTE]

Bingo!!

Foamy · #19 12-12-2011, 07:17 PM

Remember the adage....

Compressors are like opinions. Everyone has one, and they all stink.

falconspatriots · #20 12-12-2011, 07:34 PM

It depends on what you're looking for in a compress/limiter. I've only had experience with the markbass comp and the aguilar tlc. Bought the markbass first and had it for a few months. It was a GREAT compressor but was a little too big for my board. It colored my tone a little bit which i liked by itself, but not with all my other effects. So i sold it and got a aguilar tlc. Very transparent, which for me is a good thing. Some people are looking for the squeeze, i am not. So the aguilar is just right for me!!

Id also look at some Fea labs products. They make two great compressors!! While a little big they are worth the space on a board.