Bass Compressor, Which One?

[40Hz]

I personally think the Keeley Bassist is an ideal first compressor, and a good one to own even if you later decide to move forward and further explore all the other interesting compressors out there.

The beauty of the Bassist is it sounds really good and handles some of the trickier parameters (attack/release) for you. So it’s very hard to make yourself sound bad with the Bassist even if you’re new to it.

 

[Systolic]

I've had my Empress for years and love it. The new Darkglass comp MMMMMIIIIIGGGGHHHHHTTTT dislodge it....but idk.

 

[Susqmike]

Keeley Bassist is my fav for a pedal. Also use a 2-channel dbx..

 

[PullThePlug]

Between the two diamonds, go for the Jr.

It takes 9v DC and doesn't require any special power attachments like the original BCP does.

18v is where it's at though, the extra headroom brings extra magic.

 

[Bassist30]

Empress for me... Owned Diamond, Markbass, Demeter, DBX 160A rack..... If its a pedal I would get a Empress, if you want a clean compressor.

 

[onda'bass]

FEA dB cl

 

[Salicete]

The Aguilar TLC has been doing a great job for me these days.

Solid sound, easy to tweak/set-up, a good wide range of sound possibilities.

Aguilar TLC Bass Compressor Pedal

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Depends on what you want it to do. All your choices are good. I have owned all. I currently rock a Smoothie.

For sheer plug and play, and also sounds the best, the Diamond all the way. Hard to explain, but it is just magic for your tone.

 

[basscapes]

Normally, I'm a DIY/KIT kinda guy. But sometimes, even that stuff has issues that can't be resolved without taking things apart (as happened to me recently with optical compressor #1).

That's not cool on a gig or studio date (unless it's your OWN home studio and you can waste half a day at the work bench).

So I tried the Ampeg Optocomp, but felt it was too dark sounding and not up to "my tone".

So, after sending it back to Sweetwater, I grabbed a Keeley Bassist Limiting Amplifier.

It's now my go-to comp. It can sound smooth and transparent, or heavy and pumping (my take is somewhere between those, with enough "grab" to tame the notes, but forgiving enough to not kill them).

 

[lermgalieu]

I know it's not on the list, but I like the TC Spectracomp. It's stupid simple if you want it to be (I am a compressor idiot), but you can tweak the heck out of it if you want using the software.

 

[BassBeginer64]

Great add another one to the list , the Smoothie , aww decisions decisions?
OVNI Effects

 

[Scott Lynch]

I struggled with finding the right compressor for years until I got my hands on the Origin Effects Cali 76 CB. The built in high pass has helped me retain dynamics for the type of music I use that pedal for in a way that has done it for me.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Skip them all and go with a Markbass Compressore. It's a tube compressor and a tone monster.

 

[Larchi]

FEA Labs Dual Band Optical Compressor-Limiter
Why buy one when you can have 2 for twice the price!

 

[T Bassman]

The Union LAB comp is worth a look! Sounds incredible in front of a tube amp

 

[BassBeginer64]

Is the Markbass Compressore that good? Do I need HPF? or do compressors have the HPF already in them?

 

[Xandrell]

I recommend an optical compressor such as the Strymon OB.1 bass mod. You'll thank me later.

 

[Stumbo]

Is the Markbass Compressore that good? Do I need HPF? or do compressors have the HPF already in them?

HPF? Adjustable? Yes. You'll thank me too.

 

[BassBeginer64]

I recommend an optical compressor such as the Strymon OB.1 bass mod. You'll thank me later.

The OB1 , May the force be with me?

 

[mustBmtd]

No Love! For the EBS Multi Comp Compressor?