Bass Compression, do I need an expensive Pedal?

[red_rhino]

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.

^^^^^^^^^^ This, this, this, this, this.

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

There's always a cadre of people who believe that compressors are used to cover up bad technique, or believe that anything that can be done with a comp can be done with your hands. Those people are wrong. That's not what a compressor is for. If that's how you're using it, you're using it wrong. (And if you're anti-compressor, why are you responding to these threads?)

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?"

The correct answer is that you need the right pedal. And that is different for everyone. A cheap compressor circuit can suck the life out of your tone and put you off compressors in general. A pedal with 10 knobs and sliders that control everything but the weather works great for those people who like to do that, but not so much for people like me who prefer something more intuitive. Then there's multi-band, multi-engine comps, all with their own issues.

Speaking from personal experience, most live playing situations do not allow you the luxury of tweaking your compressor controls endlessly between tunes. Find something with enough controls to enable you to dial in what you want quickly but doesn't overwhelm you with options. Most times, you're going to set it and forget it.

I'm also in agreement with ddnidd1 that well-built, good sounding units typically run in the $200 range, give or take. You don't need to pay a king's ransom, but don't underinvest either.

Good luck. As you can tell, the rest of us have this all figured out.

 

[Sunset Shalom]

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.

Here is a thread from TB about them with tons of praise: Joyo Dyna Compressor

Lots of people love Dyna Comps and all the Joyo one is is a cheap china clone. But it gets a lot of love. I don't even use too much comp so I am by no means an expert.

But for most peoples simple needs I think that's plenty honestly. Hell many people use comp pedals that don't even have an attack control But they get the job done fine.

I have eyed plenty of nicer compressors but can't justify spending much on one currently. Maybe one day I will take the plunge and be blown away but it might be awhile.

There are some really nice free compressor programs these days with a ton of features from simple classic's to fancy modern new stuff. Personally I prefer hardware for a lot of reasons but being a budget musician I also try to utilize all the cool modern tools we have available. So I don't even fully feel the need to buy a fancy comp until I am starting a studio.

Here is an article of the best free VST compressors: Best Free Compressor VST/AU Plugins!

There are some really cool ones:

 

[Grahams Groove]

Some advice:

1) Ignore every post simply naming a compressor or claiming "I use xxxx and it's the best."

2) Ignore the posts telling you you don't/shouldn't need a compressor if your technique is sound.

3) Ignore the quick route - i.e. People saying to get a cheapo compressor and use that as a starting point. I don't think these will give you a good feel for what quality compression can offer to your sound.

The Ovnilab site may seem a bit overwhelming or confusing if you're looking for a quick and easy answer regarding which compressor is best for you. That's only true if you're unwilling to spend some time reading a very thorough analysis of what compressors can be used for, how/why they work, and which ones may be worth checking out based on your needs and price point. However, you could spend years taking anecdotal advice on this board and flipping pedals in the classifieds every week without getting the result you want from a compressor.

As was stated earlier, qualify your need/desire for compression based on what you feel is lacking in your current sound and/or what you want to achieve with the pedal. Then spend some time reading bongomania's ovnilab site - there's a reason it is linked (multiple times) in every thread inquiring about comps. Then browse his list to get some ideas on top picks and cheap options, once you've decided on the type of compression you want/need. I think it will go a long way in narrowing down what could be a lengthy search. It will also ensure that you understand how to dial in a compressor once you decide on one.

Finally, I think videos can be of some use in comparing how certain compressors color, shape, and fatten your sound if that's the desired result. On the other hand, if you are looking for subtle compression and limiting it will be much harder to get a feel from videos and clips due to the variations in gear, levels, recording, etc. In this case, the ovnilabs reviews are especially helpful in selecting one so you can sit down with it and explore the capabilities.

Good luck!

 

[Manticore]

Some advice:

1) Ignore every post simply naming a compressor or claiming "I use xxxx and it's the best."

2) Ignore the posts telling you you don't/shouldn't need a compressor if your technique is sound.

3) Ignore the quick route - i.e. People saying to get a cheapo compressor and use that as a starting point. I don't think these will give you a good feel for what quality compression can offer to your sound.

The Ovnilab site may seem a bit overwhelming or confusing if you're looking for a quick and easy answer regarding which compressor is best for you. That's only true if you're unwilling to spend some time reading a very thorough analysis of what compressors can be used for, how/why they work, and which ones may be worth checking out based on your needs and price point. However, you could spend years taking anecdotal advice on this board and flipping pedals in the classifieds every week without getting the result you want from a compressor.

As was stated earlier, qualify your need/desire for compression based on what you feel is lacking in your current sound and/or what you want to achieve with the pedal. Then spend some time reading bongomania's ovnilab site - there's a reason it is linked (multiple times) in every thread inquiring about comps. Then browse his list to get some ideas on top picks and cheap options, once you've decided on the type of compression you want/need. I think it will go a long way in narrowing down what could be a lengthy search. It will also ensure that you understand how to dial in a compressor once you decide on one.

Finally, I think videos can be of some use in comparing how certain compressors color, shape, and fatten your sound if that's the desired result. On the other hand, if you are looking for subtle compression and limiting it will be much harder to get a feel from videos and clips due to the variations in gear, levels, recording, etc. In this case, the ovnilabs reviews are especially helpful in selecting one so you can sit down with it and explore the capabilities.

Good luck!

Well said. Too many folks look for a simple answer. There aren't any simple answers. It takes time in research and in the woodshed to determine what will work for you as an individual with the equipment you have in your hands.

 

[tfer]

Some advice:

1) Ignore every post simply naming a compressor or claiming "I use xxxx and it's the best."

2) Ignore the posts telling you you don't/shouldn't need a compressor if your technique is sound.

3) Ignore the quick route - i.e. People saying to get a cheapo compressor and use that as a starting point. I don't think these will give you a good feel for what quality compression can offer to your sound.

The Ovnilab site may seem a bit overwhelming or confusing if you're looking for a quick and easy answer regarding which compressor is best for you. That's only true if you're unwilling to spend some time reading a very thorough analysis of what compressors can be used for, how/why they work, and which ones may be worth checking out based on your needs and price point. However, you could spend years taking anecdotal advice on this board and flipping pedals in the classifieds every week without getting the result you want from a compressor.

As was stated earlier, qualify your need/desire for compression based on what you feel is lacking in your current sound and/or what you want to achieve with the pedal. Then spend some time reading bongomania's ovnilab site - there's a reason it is linked (multiple times) in every thread inquiring about comps. Then browse his list to get some ideas on top picks and cheap options, once you've decided on the type of compression you want/need. I think it will go a long way in narrowing down what could be a lengthy search. It will also ensure that you understand how to dial in a compressor once you decide on one.

Finally, I think videos can be of some use in comparing how certain compressors color, shape, and fatten your sound if that's the desired result. On the other hand, if you are looking for subtle compression and limiting it will be much harder to get a feel from videos and clips due to the variations in gear, levels, recording, etc. In this case, the ovnilabs reviews are especially helpful in selecting one so you can sit down with it and explore the capabilities.

Good luck!

I heartily agree with most of this. People have a tendency to pimp what they own, and I'm no different. However my basses, amps, cabs, gear, touch, etc. are not transferable.

The people who say that you only need your hands, and that compression only covers up bad technique have never used it properly.

I play a fairly inexpensive 6er (ESP LTD SM206B) and the biggest complaint most have with 6ers (beyond string spacing) is that the C string sounds different than the rest. Add a compressor to smooth out the frequency respons; taming the ringing highs and bring up a little bottom end. Now, the C string blends nicely with the rest. It does that with every note you play on every string - tightens up the frequency response.

I'm not sure how the in the hell I'm supposed to do that with my hands...?

The problem with compression in inexperienced hands, is the player grabs the pedal out of the box, and thinks it's like every other pedal on his board; power it up, plug in, and start turning dials to see what it does. When the change in tone isn't immediately apparent, you keep turning it up until it is. Then the tone is getting the dynamics squeezed out of it. Player says to himself "that sounds like crap, I can't believe that I spent all this money to lose my dynamics". Compression has a far bigger learning curve than say, a chorus pedal.

Determine what you are looking for. Taming peaks from slapping? Hard limiter where nothing is touched until it starts peaking? Soft compression, that lightly squeezes the dynamics? Frequency balance? Combination of a couple of these?

Each manner of use requires a different touch.

My only point of contention with your post is requiring a lot of money. There are some great compressors out there that cost next to nothing, depending on which use you find for it. If you want one that does it all, it'll cost you, but if you closely examine what it is you're looking for, you can save some pretty big dollars. That's where the compressor review site is invaluable. Once you know what you want, start reading.

 

[bongomania]

And just in case anyone has doubts, I really do like and recommend the "cheap choices" on my top picks page. Every time I dust off the LMB-3 it surprises me how good it is overall. I often wish I had kept a Milkbox because it's got some great flavor. Sure I have criticisms of both of those pedals, and those criticisms would generally be "cured" by spending more money. But then notice I have similar criticisms for certain pedals that cost three times as much!

 

[mrufino1]

I have the ammoon branded joyo dyna comp and it is very good, no noise that I heard. I just replaced it with a similarly branded micro micro sized optical comp and I really love that. Each was around $20.

If it sounds good it is good.

 

[tfer]

And just in case anyone has doubts, I really do like and recommend the "cheap choices" on my top picks page. Every time I dust off the LMB-3 it surprises me how good it is overall. I often wish I had kept a Milkbox because it's got some great flavor. Sure I have criticisms of both of those pedals, and those criticisms would generally be "cured" by spending more money. But then notice I have similar criticisms for certain pedals that cost three times as much!

My LMB-3 cost me $35...

Ignore the enhance pot, and enjoy it.

 

[Logic_11]

I would say that yeah you probably need an expensive one
i got the Markbass one and if i didn't get that one i would have gotten the MXR one
I tried the cheaper boss (limiter enhancer one i think) and Joyo ones and could not really tell a difference.

I also play in a church band

 

[vvvmmm]

My $.02, I have a few Boss limiters, a Digicrap, etc. Recording, I typically use a DBX 160XT and parallel it with a Meek VC3Q (sometimes DI, mic'd or mix-n-match). Live, I have been using a Toadworks Mr. Squishy because I like the color of the sound (slightly dirtied) and the box (blue).

 

[HiEnd Basses]

My $.02, I have a few Boss limiters, a Digicrap, etc. Recording, I typically use a DBX 160XT and parallel it with a Meek VC3Q (sometimes DI, mic'd or mix-n-match). Live, I have been using a Toadworks Mr. Squishy because I like the color of the sound (slightly dirtied) and the box (blue).

Digicrap. LOL!

 

[boomertech]

Try some inexpensive comps. There were several that I preferred over a certain more expensive major brand comp. Things to look for are:

• Background noise levels (hiss)
• Compression artifacts like clicking/popping/pumping
• The amount of controls that you like... 2-knob or more
  
• Compression distortion
• Compressor speeds for attack and release

Good luck!
-Frank

 

[NoiseNinja]

Most likely the answer is no!

Expensive usually but not always means good.

You just need a good one, and what is more important one that does what you like it to do!

I personally use a relatively expensive one, a EHX Black Finger (optical compressor driven by a high volt preamp tube in the input stage and likewise has a preamp tube that drives the output stage), but when that is said that is my most expensive pedal, costing just above 200$ from new.

It does exactly what I like it to do though and is an important part of getting my tone.

To put things in perspective my second favorite pedal is a cheap Joyo Orange Juice drive that can be bought for 50$ from new.

Sadly I can not give you any advice as to what fairly cheap compressor to buy that is also good, as I personally doesn't have much experience with compressor pedals., I just know the Black Finger gets me exactly what I want.

Maybe the EHX Bass Preacher?

Even if it suposingly is a bit noisy.

Otherwise the review side already linked to is a good place to get an overview of what different compressors has to offer: Compressor Reviews

 

[winterburn69]

And just in case anyone has doubts, I really do like and recommend the "cheap choices" on my top picks page. Every time I dust off the LMB-3 it surprises me how good it is overall. I often wish I had kept a Milkbox because it's got some great flavor. Sure I have criticisms of both of those pedals, and those criticisms would generally be "cured" by spending more money. But then notice I have similar criticisms for certain pedals that cost three times as much!

Never noticed the "your top picks" at the top of the page before. This is great!

I think it's time to find a replacement for my Boss CS-2

 

[jthisdell]

I have the Behringer version of the LMB3 and always felt that it sounded good with no real negatives (unless the battery gets low). Not a big squishy compressor but a decent limiter (and extra cheap).

I have been using an EBS Multi Comp lately. The Ovnilab site has downgraded it some on quality concerns but I do like the sound. Simple with two knobs and one switch, all three settings (normal, tube, multi) on the switch sound good (to me). At $200 this may not qualify as budget enough though.

 

[Wfrance3]

This just in...
Keely Comp+. There is precious little about this pedal out there because it's aimed at the the guitar crowd. I bought one anyway. at $125 it's kind of a steal.
I've only had it a week, but found that it's a very useful pedal to me. It's really one of the quietest compressors I've owned. The sustain knob is a one knob comp. It Tone can help you rescue some of the low end that gets lost. There's a blend that goes as low as 50/50 and as much as 100% wet. The level can act as a clean boost if you kill the sustain. Single coil/humbucker switch is more of a quieter/louder switch when you use this with bass. The way I use it is to provide a little additional sustain and clean boost to give my passive bass more umph. It just gives my tone a little more authority. So, there you go, the Cliff's Notes...

 

[Lammchop93]

I picked up a used one of these last week for $100, and I cant recommend it enough. The blend feature is really nice.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[tedsalt]

pick up a used Markbass Compressore on guitarcenter.com used for $150

 

[franvarin]

I really liked the EBS compressor but with my active basses it couldn't handle the input at times. If you are using a low to medium output passive bass I would highly recommend it.

I have two boards with MXR M87 compressors on each. I run them at the end of my signal chain to let the other pedals breathe a bit. I think the M87 is a good pedal with the right amount of control The meter is what really sets it apart from others. You can find them used for prices that won't kill you generally.

My smaller pedal board I use at church, here is the signal chain:
Boss TU3 Tuner -> TC Electronic Corona Chorus -> MXR M87 -> Mesa Subway DI -> FOH

I uses a larger pedal board for the band I'm in. We're a Casting Crowns tribute band. Here is the signal chain:
Ernie Ball Volume Pedal -> Mesa Flux Five -> EBS Multidrive -> Darkglass B7k -> MXR Analog Chorus -> Mxr M87 -> Ampeg SCR-DI -> Mesa Subway D-800 -> FOH

 

[40Hz]

Depends on what you're looking to accomplish. I want to accomplish different things using a compressor. And if you're not careful, you'll end up with a pile like this. (This is some of the compressors in my assemblage of pedals that I had out one night for something I was experimenting with.)

If it's just limiting and some optional boost, a highly transparent limiting type compressor is what you want. I can recommend the Keeley Bassist for that. Used goes between $130 and $150. The Keeley is about the easiest compressor to get a handle of anything that's out there IMO. It just works and it's nearly impossible to make it sound bad. So if you're new to compression that's something to consider.

If you're looking to add some color as well, then it gets a little more complicated. For warming things up and adding what my guitarist GF refers to as "smoove" there are a variety of comps, each which does things a little differently and has it's own tone character. For this type of compression I'll use a Markbass Compressore Usually available at really good prices - but be sure it comes with the power supply. Otherwise you'll need to provide a 12V@1A supply for it. Biggest drawback is it's big, so it eats up a lot of board space. And the additional controls can be a challenge if you're new to compressors. Another compressor I own and can recommend is a Smoothie if you can find one. Drawback is they tend to be expensive since they're no longer available. Figure between $159 and $180 for one of these.

Other good compressor choices are the Wampler EGO and the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass Compressor.

Whatever you end up getting, plan on putting in a little time and critical listening while learning how your compressor works. And more importantly, how it works with you. Also be sure to read the manual. If things aren't clear there are a lot of good videos on YT demonstrating how to use compression. So be sure to check those out too.

Luck!