Best bass compressor pedal?

[Robal]

Here are two compressor pedals you can find on the used market that I think are very good for the money:
1. Ovnilab Smoothie -- very useful feature set. Gear | Reverb;

2. Markbass Compressore -- a real tube compressor. Gear | Reverb

If you want to spend more money, I think the Effectrode LA-1A, FEA Labs, and Cali Bass pedals are outstanding.

The comprehensive reviews here cover these pedals and many more: https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/

 

[Naack]

Haha glad to be of service. Also I would love to get the Cali76 but I just can’t justify paying $300 for a single pedal

So the one thing I would mention about the Cali76 is that while it is horribly expensive, I do feel like you get what you pay for. The build quality is excellent, the fact that it has a sidechain HPF trigger is super beneficial for fattening up your sound. I think if you want to buy the best and only cry once, the Cali76, Effectrode LA-1A will not leave you wanting more. Again, I'm a comp slut so take that into consideration.

 

[wncBass]

My favorite is the Diamond bass comp, the Keeley bassist is really good as well and the Boss LMB-3 is also great and affordable.

 

[Bassist30]

So the one thing I would mention about the Cali76 is that while it is horribly expensive, I do feel like you get what you pay for. The build quality is excellent, the fact that it has a sidechain HPF trigger is super beneficial for fattening up your sound. I think if you want to buy the best and only cry once, the Cali76, Effectrode LA-1A will not leave you wanting more. Again, I'm a comp slut so take that into consideration.

I use the Cali76 TX model. I love compressors that don't add EQ.

 

[nitrofix]

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[_sky_]

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I had the EBS borrowed and it is amazing!

Actually I have the spectracomp and I think it's a great compressor but it can be difficult to Set the pedal because of the toneprint.

 

[RestlessBoom]

Doc Lloyd Photon Death Ray

 

[Stevorebob]

The Empress Bass Compressor works for me.

Bass Compressor


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[Shifter_four]

hello all!

Being from Canada, how much for the compressor bass from Empress effect?

I'm new to compressor pedals. I just realized the need for that pedal. I bought a cheap one, Behringer CL-9. i didn't care at the start. I tried a MXR (red box with volume and sustain) at my friend guitarist. At first, i did not notice the difference but I've become more aware of my sound. So, I got more settings on my CL-9( volume, attack and release). I do a lot of experimenting with headphones. So I'm more aware of the compressor effect. Do you have a recommendation for compressor effect that give a couple of different settings(knobs). I know of the Cali76 but Man, it's $$$. Even if used, 300$ CA. My real boss wouldn't approve.

I'm not ready to spend a lot(at least, under 300$) but i want to discover, do you have a pedal to recommend?

 

[Stevorebob]

hello all!

Being from Canada, how much for the compressor bass from Empress effect?

I'm new to compressor pedals. I just realized the need for that pedal. I bought a cheap one, Behringer CL-9. i didn't care at the start. I tried a MXR (red box with volume and sustain) at my friend guitarist. At first, i did not notice the difference but I've become more aware of my sound. So, I got more settings on my CL-9( volume, attack and release). I do a lot of experimenting with headphones. So I'm more aware of the compressor effect. Do you have a recommendation for compressor effect that give a couple of different settings(knobs). I know of the Cali76 but Man, it's $$$. Even if used, 300$ CA. My real boss wouldn't approve.

I'm not ready to spend a lot(at least, under 300$) but i want to discover, do you have a pedal to recommend?

$249 USD.

 

[Nick_6nice9]

If I could only have one pedal the wampler ego compressor would be it, I Believe it’s a clone of an old keeley compressor. Blend knob FTW

 

[Shifter_four]

Finally, I bought an Empress compressor. I've been using it as and always on since i got it. It's pretty nice. The only thing I hated was the price.

I got to tell you, you get an incredible service from them. I had a couple of problems and when I wrote to them, i got high class service.

 

[JBoogy]

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.

I am considering adding a PC-2A at the end of my amp's effects loop (last in my chain) as a limiter/enhancer that is last in the signal chain. I run straight into my Empress bass comp on my pedalboard, then lots of effects, then the preamp of my PF-800 which also has a compressor as first in its chain. Just wondering what your thoughts were as someone familiar with effectrode?

 

[Derek Williams]

I am considering adding a PC-2A at the end of my amp's effects loop (last in my chain) as a limiter/enhancer that is last in the signal chain. I run straight into my Empress bass comp on my pedalboard, then lots of effects, then the preamp of my PF-800 which also has a compressor as first in its chain. Just wondering what your thoughts were as someone familiar with effectrode?

I say go for it. You can always reduce the amount of compression being done by the other 2, and you get the nice tone enhancement from the tubes (I assume the PC-2A sounds similar to the LA-1A). It’s always a good idea to switch off your effects once in a while so you can check if your sound is overly effected (whenever I’ve been unhappy with my tone, I usually messed up somewhere in my chain).

 

[relayer66]

Empress all the way. It works amazingly well, with lots of teakability, has the best metering, and doesn’t mess with my tone (unless I want it to, which it certainly can). I’ve used a lot of them, but this one replaces them all.

 

[Thumper]

I'm a big fan of the SD Studio Compressor. I used a Markbass Compressore for years and it is great, but takes up a lot of real estate and requires its own power if you are using a 1 Spot.

The SD sounds great, is compact, $179 new and $125 or less used. Highly recommended.

 

[GMC]

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I rocked one of these for a long time. It’s a really good and versatile compressor. It’s a simple dial in too.
However, I sold mine when I got an Ultrawave, which has a very good compressor in it. These days I’m using a Source Audio Atlas as my compressor and it’s fantastic.

 

[Mastiff_5]

Second the Keeley Bassist. It’s a real deal tool. You will learn from it

 

[klattman]

I really like the DSM humboldt clear comp. Very transparent and quiet. Has a nice meter.
I have a cali76, which is great, but the DSM one edges it out for my 1st choice.

third choice is my ancient Maxon, which is just a bit noisier.

 

[scubaduba]

There are a few that have been brought up in this thread that would definitely make my top 10 list (including the Effectrode LA-1A, Empress Bass Compressor, Doc Lloyd Photon, Becos Stella) and a few that would not. Notably the DSM Humboldt Clear Comp for the reasons in my review here: https://www.compressorpedalreviews.com/post/dsm-humboldt-clearcomp-1078-compressor-review

That said, there is no "best compressor".