Newbie looking for recommendations on compressor pedals

ThirteenLost · #1 06-11-2011, 03:21 PM

Looking for a clean compressor pedal, that won't color my sound.
I just want to even out my low end so it makes my transitions sound smoother when I use my E string. Even being cautious and easing down my strumming isn't working well and I tweak my eq constantly on my amp (i do this to anything that has an eq anyway).

**Staccato** · #2 06-11-2011, 04:13 PM

Start with the TB Megathread, here.

Then, read Bongo's link here.

I'm using/enjoying a Main Squeeze pedal, though there's lots of high end pedals about if you want to go there.

Nv_D_SlapnPop · #3 06-11-2011, 10:09 PM

i've had great experience with my seymour duncan doubleback compressor. bongo gives it a good review but the only reason i have it is because i found it used at a local shop, i've never seen another in the classifieds and i think they are discontinued. if i were to buy another it would probably be the markbass compressore despite it's size and power supply.

enricogaletta · #4 06-12-2011, 05:24 AM

Aguilar TLC and MXR M87 are pretty good ones.
Cheers. Enrico
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blastjv · #5 06-12-2011, 07:01 AM

I'd recommend the BBE Opto Stomp. I use mine for EXACTLY what you're describing! You can find them used for $50 or $60. I have the older version (Red and Yellow Graphics, not the Monacle so I don't know anything about the new one).

-JV

TheWoodShed · #6 06-12-2011, 08:15 AM

You do not have your rig in your profile, but if you have a rack I would put serious thought into a dBX 160X or 160A.

rob_thebassman · #7 06-12-2011, 08:48 AM

boss bass limiter enhancer is good as a limiter but the 'enhancer' scoops your mids, the cheaper alternative to that is the behringer bass limiter enhancer and that hums like a b@#~h and sucks your tone

linken4000 · #8 06-12-2011, 10:09 AM

Rothwell Love Squeezer, if transparency is what you looking for.

dirtgroove · #9 06-12-2011, 10:46 AM

Are you certain that this isn't a set up issue? It seems strange that even with a lot of eq manipulation that the lows seem so difficult to manage. The fact that you specifically mention having issues only when you use the E string makes me think that you should take your bass for a setup, before spending money on compressors.
If you do still have problems after this I highly recommend Bongomania's reviews @ ovnilab.com as a good starting point.

blastjv · #10 06-12-2011, 06:30 PM

I had the same issue with my rig and no amount of setup changing or EQ'ing would work. The main problem for me was that with a drop C tuning the low string had so much more 'umph' than the other strings. I could never get a good balance. Either the low string was too loud and rumbly, or the other three strings were too thin. I was able to improve it with careful EQ and setup (including pickup height adjustment), but in the end gentle compression totally did the trick.

-JV

bobodechimp · #11 06-12-2011, 08:38 PM

+1 on the bbe optical stomp.

xikbastard · #12 06-13-2011, 05:09 AM

I play in drop c and f#0 and ebs multiple-comp clean up my sloppy playing

TricksteR · #13 06-13-2011, 03:04 PM

Another +1 for the BBE Opto Stomp.
Doesnt color the sound
Transparent, no specific loss of high or low end frequencies
Virtually noiseless
Built like a tank
Pots feel high quality
A/C Adaptor is included

Only con, if any, its a mild compressor. Wont squash your sound.

moles · #14 06-13-2011, 06:36 PM

I just picked up a Seymour Duncan Doubleback a couple of weeks ago, and I'm really digging it. I bought it new, so don't think they're discontinued, unless they were just recently...
The one I have doesn't have any more noise than the Maxon CP9 Pro+ that I A/B'd it with at the shop. And I like the control/sound better. YMMV etc etc