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Best bass compressor pedal?

wohnjalker

wohnjalker

Dec 21, 2016
80
68
#1
So I’ve gone through so many preamp pedals, and now I just got a new Fender Rumble 500 combo, and I tried 2 different preamps with it and honestly, I surprisingly like the sound of the amp without a preamp, so it seems pointless to keep the preamp pedals at this point. I was thinking of putting money into a good compressor, because I feel that will have more of an impact on my sound than anything else... I currently have a Boss LMB-3 and while yes it does compress, it doesn’t really do anything to sweeten the tone, it’s just kinda blah. Does anyone have any recommendations for your favorite compressor pedal for bass?
 
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#2
First, you're going to want to spend some time here: Compressor Reviews

My own opinion is that I don't want a compressor to change my tone. I want it to change my volume. That's all. And I prefer ones that have a readable meter so I can see what it's doing. I run mine so transparent that I literally can't hear it - until it's gone. Then all hell breaks loose and suddenly some notes are way too loud and others are totally disappearing in a live mix. Having the comp on makes the loud notes quieter so I can turn up loud enough to hear all the quiet ones.
 
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#3
My favourite always on, tone enhancing compressor is the Effectrode LA-1A (and I'm sure the smaller PC-2A is just as good). You can read a review of it here (and get plenty more reviews of good compressors): https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/post/effectrode-la-1a-leveling-amplifier

My second favourite is the Broughton Omnicomp, but they are harder to get a hold of. If you want to try something new and different, Source Audio should be announcing their new digital compressor next Thursday.
 
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#5
I agree with Scott....spend some time reading the compressor reviews......there are sooooo many ways to use a comp, and depending on your goals and taste, anything form a single knob cheapie (like a TC Spectracomp) to a super expensive, boutique tube machine (Effectrode L1-A) might be your ticket. Since you asked for recommendations, mine would be a full featured (at least 4 knobs with a meter) like the MXR or Empress, which would allow you to play around and become comfy with the main parameters and how they affect your sound.
 
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#6
The best bass compressor pedal is the one you learn how to use properly.
There are many dozens of great compressors. Do you want to level, do you want to limit peaks? What is your goal? On my guitar I use a compressor for leveling soft notes and enhanced sustain. On bass I use it as a wall around my peaks more than anything.
 
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#7
wohnjalker said:
it doesn’t really do anything to sweeten the tone, it’s just kinda blah. Does anyone have any recommendations for your favorite compressor pedal for bass?
Click to expand...

The Diamond comp comes to mind as something that adds color but maybe not in the sense you imagine or desire. As a general rule-of-thumb, I've found any pedal with a blend (...adds some level of unaffected signal into the mix) can add the sparkle you seek. My favorites are the Seymour Duncan and Empress. They're usually more forgiving if you "over-squash" the compressed signal but that's actually a trick-of-the-trade in parallel / New York compression. The fact you like the sound of your amp sans preamp pedal pushes me in this direction, as well.

Riis
 
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#13
There is no BEST compressor, only one that is best for one's playing.

My personal trek : long-time LMB-3 user, which worked fine, then the MXR M-87 and more recently, SD's Compressor Pro, which I can say is my comp. Tried a few others as well, but nothing really sticked. I also used various Zoom units comp patches for quite a awhile, they worked out OK. But the SD is the 1st comp pedal that I never question is this what suits me ?
 
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#14
Bassmike62 said:
There is no BEST compressor, only one that is best for one's playing.

My personal trek : long-time LMB-3 user, which worked fine, then the MXR M-87 and more recently, SD's Compressor Pro, which I can say is my comp. Tried a few others as well, but nothing really sticked. I also used various Zoom units comp patches for quite a awhile, they worked out OK. But the SD is the 1st comp pedal that I never question is this what suits me ?
Click to expand...
SD’s Compressor Pro? Is that Seymour Duncan?
 
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#16
What about the Becos? They are quite affordable and have a stellar reputation. I've not tried one yet.
I cried once while shelling out a lot of cash for a used Cali76. Until it arrived and I played it for about a minute.
Before, I had a MXR M87 and Keeley to choose from. I sold them and became a happy camper with the Cali.

With your comp, you want a certain amount of quality, cheap units have a tendency to raise the floor noise level.
 
#19
wohnjalker said:
SD’s Compressor Pro? Is that Seymour Duncan?
Click to expand...


My bad, I keep confusing both companies.
It's the Keeley Compressor Pro.

Keeley - Compressor Pro.jpg
 
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