Compressor recomendation

[megadan]

So I've been reading through the compression megathread and tons of reviews online all afternoon. My eyes are starting to cross


I'm thinking of adding a compressor to my rig. I want something that will fatten up the sound, add some warmth, all that jazz. Phat is the key word!

Goals:
-fatten up single coil basses
-add 'warmth' in front of old version GK1001RB
-punch and even attack across the fretboard and notes
-E string is too quiet on some basses, G on others (Stingray)

Requirements:
-1 space rack mount
-Possibly 2-channel (one subtle always on, one over the top channel), in that case, footswitchable
-Tube or an excellent tube 'sound' emulation

Budget:
-$200 or under


Any suggestions?

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by megadan

Possibly 2-channel (one subtle always on, one over the top channel), in that case, footswitchable

I'm not aware of any two-channel rack units that are footswitchable between channels. You could jury-rig something with an pair of A/B boxes or a mixer, but it would be a lot of extra cables and probably non-rack-format stuff.

Few rack comps in your price range are designed with any tube-like flavor. I guess there is the ART two-channel Dual Levelar; IMO it's not all that "tubey" sounding, but it's good value for the money.

[megadan]

Interesting!

What kind of price range am I looking for a tube flavour? I can't really justify spending 2 grand on a compressor or anything, but I could spend a little more if it's got the right sound.

[bongomania]

Bit of a tough call. For rack units, they tend to be either "fairly colored" or "very clean", and almost never able to do both (within a modest price range). You might want to try out the Joemeek line, as their comps are capable of a lot of color (not "tubey", but fat and warm) and also a decent degree of cleanness. But still not footswitchable between them.

The only practical thing I could suggest would be a very clean sounding rack unit plus a very colored sounding pedal. And for a good price on a fantastic sounding tube comp pedal, check the TB classifieds.