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Bass Compressor, Which One?
- Thread starter BassBeginer64
- Start date
I would consider adding the Aguilar TLC to your list. It's the same price range. Very transparent and nice compressor.
HPF is a utility every bassist needs, even if they don't know it yet. AFAIK compressors don't usually come with an HPF built in.
I had the M87, sold it and bought a Keeley Compressor Pro, then ended up with a G-Lab BC-1 that I thought I didn't really want since I was happy with the Keeley. I almost didn't try it, but I'm glad I did.
If you are familiar with the BC-1, it's a three channel compressor that allows you to switch channels on the fly. For example, you can have one set for fingerstyle and one set for pick/slap.
I dismissed it when I got it, but low and behold, it sounds really good....and it's MIDI controllable too!
If you are familiar with the BC-1, it's a three channel compressor that allows you to switch channels on the fly. For example, you can have one set for fingerstyle and one set for pick/slap.
I dismissed it when I got it, but low and behold, it sounds really good....and it's MIDI controllable too!
I’ve had the MXR and the Empress and settled on the Darkglass SS Compressor. The blend option is what did it. Best compressor I’ve tried.
*LOTS* of good recommendations in this thread! 
Another comp to consider (if you really wanna sound good) is the Effectrode PC-2A. I believe there is one for sale in the classifieds (I have no affiliation with the seller). The PC-2A has an NOS tube in it and the pedal comes with its own power supply.
Another comp to consider (if you really wanna sound good) is the Effectrode PC-2A. I believe there is one for sale in the classifieds (I have no affiliation with the seller). The PC-2A has an NOS tube in it and the pedal comes with its own power supply.
I went with the Keely for the same reason. I didn't want one that colored the sound - even if I liked the color it added because I may not have the compressor on all the time. Then I'd be adjusting tones every time I switch it off and on. I can leave the Keely on all the time.
Dear @BassBeginer64 --> All of the compressors listed above will do the job... but let me suggest: Don't get a compressor to play at home!
Here's why: When you are playing at low- to medium-volume at home, you should be focusing on controling the sound with your fingers and/or pick. Especially as a beginner, your focus should be on articulation, attack, muting, etc. A compressor distracts you from this.
When a compressor gets useful is when you are playing at full volume with a band. In that case, a compressor can help you fit into a mix better and help you get a certain tone. The ones recommended above with 4 knobs will give you the most control (e.g., DarkGlass SuperSymmetry) and the two-knob versions are quick and/or give you more color (e.g., Effectrode, Diamond).
In the interim, if you want a box that will inspire you to practice and play at home, let me strongly reccommend a drum machine pedal like the Digitech TRIO or S-drum. My home practice rig is just a TRIO and a small cabinet -- you can have hours and hours of fun jamming along at different tempos and rhythm styles. And you can also plug a headphone in and play it after hours. Enjoy!
Here's why: When you are playing at low- to medium-volume at home, you should be focusing on controling the sound with your fingers and/or pick. Especially as a beginner, your focus should be on articulation, attack, muting, etc. A compressor distracts you from this.
When a compressor gets useful is when you are playing at full volume with a band. In that case, a compressor can help you fit into a mix better and help you get a certain tone. The ones recommended above with 4 knobs will give you the most control (e.g., DarkGlass SuperSymmetry) and the two-knob versions are quick and/or give you more color (e.g., Effectrode, Diamond).
In the interim, if you want a box that will inspire you to practice and play at home, let me strongly reccommend a drum machine pedal like the Digitech TRIO or S-drum. My home practice rig is just a TRIO and a small cabinet -- you can have hours and hours of fun jamming along at different tempos and rhythm styles. And you can also plug a headphone in and play it after hours. Enjoy!
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Thank you Bioflava, very, very sound advice for a beginner like myself.
I'll throw a curveball and recommend the TCE SpectraComp.
Actually a great tool to learn about compression.
Stroll through the Toneprints, see what each does, then open up the Editor and play with everything.
It sounds good straight out of the box, and with a little tweaking, is a perfect studio-quality compressor.
Actually a great tool to learn about compression.
Stroll through the Toneprints, see what each does, then open up the Editor and play with everything.
It sounds good straight out of the box, and with a little tweaking, is a perfect studio-quality compressor.
i also had the mxr and got rid of it...i just wanted a ton of sustain, and either i was setting it up wrong, or that wasn't the mxr's strong suit...i want another one, too, but i'm stuck...my research is pointing me towards a milk box, but idk...i didn't like the mxr for what i wanted out of it
Learning on 2 different bass's keeps me from getting bored while learning, each bass handles differently, and each bass requires there own technique in learning to play each of them, I freaking love it.
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I have not tried everything on your list, but I have used a few compressors and currently own and use the Keeley Bassist. Beyond just being a good sounding compressor, for me it has the ideal number of controls which allow flexibility while also being able to dial in a useful setting very quickly in any scenario. Compressors with fewer controls might be a little less adaptable in certain situations, and for those with more (e.g. MXR) it can be easy to get lost in tweaking just the right combination. So for me, the Bassist is really an ideal compressor for live use (of course, in studio having more controls becomes much more relevant).
Ymmv, of course.
Ymmv, of course.
I'd echo this - may not be the advice you want to hear but using a compressor to "mainly play at home" is really not needed at all. I think that it actually may be detrimental to your development, as its really important to learn to manage dynamics with your fingers first.
I don’t see any problem with using a compressor at home; how else are you going to learn what it does, and find settings that work for you? It’s about the last thing you want to be fiddling with at a gig or even rehearsal. Just don’t keep it on all the time so you can practice getting uniform note volume.
For that very purpose, Empress would be the best possible choice because you can set the meter to show input level, keep the compression at 0, and get visual feedback of your signal strength. Nothing will build consistency of note strength like seeing visual feedback. Very common in studios for the engineer to run your bass through a VU meter and ask you to play such that your notes stay within a particular region of the meter.
For that very purpose, Empress would be the best possible choice because you can set the meter to show input level, keep the compression at 0, and get visual feedback of your signal strength. Nothing will build consistency of note strength like seeing visual feedback. Very common in studios for the engineer to run your bass through a VU meter and ask you to play such that your notes stay within a particular region of the meter.
Piqued. not peaked. Stimulated not raised. From the french "piquer"
