Bass Compression, do I need an expensive Pedal?

[ThudThudThud]

I've been using a (now discontinued) Seymour Duncan Double-Back for some years. I really like it.
I only use to add a little punch, and keep the signal volume somewhat even. I don't get all squishy with it.
It's a great pedal if you can find one.

 

[engedi1]

I have two compressors that I get huge mileage out of. The BBE optostomp is a great compressor that you can find used for $40. Just make sure to get the yellow on without the mustache. My other compressor is the Empress compressor which is state of the art and over $250 new. It offers way more features and is amazing for studio use when you really need to tweak attack and release and things like that. For live work, the BBE works great and does an amazing job for the money, plus I like the sound of optical compressors. So you don't NEED to spend huge money. MXR is a great middle of the road compressor.

 

[awilkie84]

Compressor Reviews

I see this site come up ANY time someone talks about needing a compressor. I find the site hard to navigate, and the information difficult to digest. I wish compressors on TB were treated with the same kinds of conversations we have around other types of pedals. Anecdotal responses, sound clips, user experience, etc.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

Compressors are one effect where its typically very difficult to get a quality result from a cheap pedal.

IMHO a quality compressor starts at $200 new MAP (minimum advertised price)

But definitely check out the link above. That's pretty much gosple.

You really think 200$ is necessary for a bit of comp for church gigs? OP isn't starting a studio or anything...

The cheapest comp pedal I have even seen, the Joyo Dyna Comp, works great for simple compression needs and is like 20-30$. Just a cheap china clone of a classic pedal.

Spending that much seems seriously overkill to me but maybe I just lack the disposable income that you have.

Especially these days with free VST's you don't even need to buy a comp pedal really. There are tons of sweet free programs with a lot of controls and studio quality digital compression.

 

[Gaolee]

Compressor Reviews

I have a Boss CS-3 that I use with guitar, but it wasn't great for bass. Based on the reviews, I bought a Boss LMB-3, and it's far better for all purposes. I paid $50 for each of them, including shipping. I'm happy enough with the LMB-3 that I have no interest in anything more expensive. It's subtle, which is exactly what I want from compression.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I don't think $200 is too much to spend on a comp. Studio comps can easily cost 10x that much. But I also think you should not buy a cheap comp just because it is cheap. That is money spent foolishly.

You really think 200$ is necessary for a bit of comp for church gigs? OP isn't starting a studio or anything...

The cheapest comp pedal I have even seen, the Joyo Dyna Comp, works great for simple compression needs and is like 20-30$. Just a cheap china clone of a classic pedal.

Spending that much seems seriously overkill to me but maybe I just lack the disposable income that you have.

Especially these days with free VST's you don't even need to buy a comp pedal really. There are tons of sweet free programs with a lot of controls and studio quality digital compression.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

I don't think $200 is too much to spend on a comp. Studio comps can easily cost 10x that much. But I also think you should not buy a cheap comp just because it is cheap. That is money spent foolishly.

Yeah but my point was the OP probably doesn't really need a studio comp or anything near that price or functionality.

Like I said you can get free studio quality VST comp programs so essentially you are paying just for the hardware which seems mainly worth it if you have a studio.

I never said I tried the Joyo just becouse it is cheap. I tried it becouse it has great reviews for the price and is a clone of a more expensive classic comp pedal for much less $.

Likewise I don't think people should buy gear just becouse it's expensive and looks nice. Unless you really need it which seems unlikely with high end comp outside a studio.

 

[Mushroo]

Sup my dudes, I'm in need of a compression pedal for my live set up. My question is do I need to invest in an expensive one? Like whats the difference between for example the MXR bass compressor, and the Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher Bass compressor? Also what if I just used a guitar compressor pedal, would it matter? Thank guys any advice is appreciated.

**If it helps, I play in a church band**

Does the congregation mainly hear your amp, or are you going through a PA? If you are going through a PA, then I highly recommend you talk to your church's sound guy before you spend money on gear. Probably, they are already using a compressor on your signal, and there's a good chance their compressor is nicer than anything in your budget. I think you will get better results talking to the sound engineer, explaining the type of sound you're looking for, as opposed to introducing a second, competing compressor that the sound guy can't control. One trick that has worked well for me in the past is to make a mix CD or playlist for the sound engineer, of songs where I particularly like the bass tone.

 

[ddnidd1]

You really think 200$ is necessary for a bit of comp for church gigs? OP isn't starting a studio or anything...

The cheapest comp pedal I have even seen, the Joyo Dyna Comp, works great for simple compression needs and is like 20-30$. Just a cheap china clone of a classic pedal.

Spending that much seems seriously overkill to me but maybe I just lack the disposable income that you have.

Especially these days with free VST's you don't even need to buy a comp pedal really. There are tons of sweet free programs with a lot of controls and studio quality digital compression.

The point of my post with a $200 starting point for a quality compressor was that in order to get a compressor with low noise, no loss of bass or treble and useful, versatile, musical compression there is a price point (IMO $200) where a manufacturer can deliver that level of performance and make a profit.

Its a totally different question as to whether that level of quality is required by any individual for a given playing situation.

To my ears, quality starts at the level of an MXR M87 ~$200. However, if a Joyo compressor fills the bill for someone's needs go for it.

 

[RickyWoo]

In my opinion, if you are one to seek a compressor, you need to spend more dough. I do not own a compression pedal. I just have one in my very convenient amplifier.

 

[Maxfenderbass]

For me it all comes down to noise. I had the mxr for quite a long time and at the volume I play at in my band it was quite annoying. I upgraded to the Cali 76CB, annnnndddd it's gone.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

The point of my post with a $200 starting point for a quality compressor was that in order to get a compressor with low noise, no loss of bass or treble and useful, versatile, musical compression there is a price point (IMO $200) where a manufacturer can deliver that level of performance and make a profit.

Its a totally different question as to whether that level of quality is required by any individual for a given playing situation.

To my ears, quality starts at the level of an MXR M87 ~$200. However, if a Joyo compressor fills the bill for someone's needs go for it.

The joyo is pretty quiet and works fine on bass, I was even using it as a boost for awhile becouse it is so quiet and transparent.

I am sure the more expensive comps are killer but does anyone really need them? This thread is called:
"do I need an expensive Pedal?"

Clearly that is subjective but I think in most cases you don't really need anything fancy when it comes to just needing a bit of compression.

But if you have tons of extra $ then by all means go for it, someone playing church gigs probably doesn't need much though.

Especially if you are trying compression out as it sounds the OP is. There is pretty much no reason to jump into an expensive/ fancy pedal. He might try it and realize it's not for him or he doesn't really need it at all. Then that would just amount to a waste of $ as resale value for expensive pedals quickly drops considerably usually.

 

[awilkie84]

You really think 200$ is necessary for a bit of comp for church gigs? OP isn't starting a studio or anything...

The cheapest comp pedal I have even seen, the Joyo Dyna Comp, works great for simple compression needs and is like 20-30$. Just a cheap china clone of a classic pedal.

Spending that much seems seriously overkill to me but maybe I just lack the disposable income that you have.

Especially these days with free VST's you don't even need to buy a comp pedal really. There are tons of sweet free programs with a lot of controls and studio quality digital compression.

I've seen reviews of the Joyo where a guy metered them, and compared them to a Keely clone and the Joyo literally did nothing for the compression...it just kind of colored the tone.

 

[gt96g]

One to consider would be the TC Electronic Spectracomp. I got it a little while ago as a compressor for a grab and go board but I liked it so much it ended up on my main pedalboard. My main contention with most compressors is their tendency to squash out and kill dynamics, I find with single band compression this usually always happens to some extent. I like single band compression for slap but pick and finger style lose something IMO with regard to dynamics. The spectracomp being a multi-band compressor does not have these issues. I use the rockwool toneprint and it tightens everything up with out any loss in dynamic response.

The only negative to this pedal is the lack of an independent volume control. For me it is not much of an issue as I only use the pedal for a touch of compression and boost. The volume disparity between the amp and pedal doesn't really come into play until running way past Noon on the dial.

Retails for $100, can be found on here for around $70. Definitely worth a look.

 

[sheltjo6]

 

[monkeyfinger]

Really? You're going to start throwing that crap at us?

View attachment 1125283

 

[ThudThudThud]

It's worth exploring something like a Zoom B3. It has a ton of clones for many different compressors, so you could get an idea of what type you like best....and still have a great multi pedal.

 

[4dog]

MOST churches throw little to no money into their sound unless tglhey have 400-500+ attending at least one of their services ,if you play for one of those bigger churches they will most likely have a decent comp system...now, if you play for a dinky lil ole church like i do, the sound system and acoustics in the sanctuary suck, plain and simple.
So get you a compressor (i use the mxr m87) for volume spikes and whatever you think you need it for...but by all means sit down with it twiddle the knobs learn it ,,cause it can hurt your sound or help it...and that is up to you .
Good luck whichever route you go.

 

[jwilson67]

View attachment 1125283

The wedding ring??

 

[sheltjo6]

The wedding ring??

Ask Andy Irvine why he wears a wedding band on his right hand.