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Best bass compressor pedal?

#41
scubaduba said:
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".
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Your SA Atlas review has me leaning towards it. Would you put it in you top 10?
 
#42
The Atlas is a fantastic device and a lot of functionality for the price. It probably would make it in to my top 10. To get the most out of it you must be willing to use the editor though. That might deter some people. But even on its own, it's like having several compressors in one. I have little reason not to recommend it.
 
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#43
Derek Williams said:
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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+1 ; Absolutely right
PC2A is my always on to compress and enhance the harmonics , thanks to the tube

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Depends on the budget you have , it’s quite expensive
 
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#45
Robal said:
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/
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Cali76 best bass compression pedal out there. Try it
 
#46
craigmack1979 said:
Thx for posting this cause I just got Cali76 and in my humble opinion it’s best compressor pedal on planet it doesn’t color my sound it smooths it out and makes my Warwick sound like heaven
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I simply stopped. I've tried a bunch of high class pedals (Opti FET, Effectrode LA-1A, Keeley, Empress, MXR and others) but the Cali was an instant love affair. I have a second one in the mail - for my other pedalboard. It'll be the only pedal I own two of, apart from a tuner.
 
#47
el murdoque said:
I simply stopped. I've tried a bunch of high class pedals (Opti FET, Effectrode LA-1A, Keeley, Empress, MXR and others) but the Cali was an instant love affair. I have a second one in the mail - for my other pedalboard. It'll be the only pedal I own two of, apart from a tuner.
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What is it doing for you that the Empress does not?
 
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#48
A few years ago I had the chance to work with some good rack-mount compressors, including a high quality 1176-style compressor and an LA-2A optical-style compressor. I used them on bass, vocals and drums, tweaked them a lot, and experimented with different settings to figure out what I liked and what I didn't. I came to the conclusion that for my personal bass tone, I prefer the sound and simplicity of a good optical compressor. Since that time I have been using Effectrode LA-1A and PC-2A. They are the best optical compressors in pedal format that I have found.
 
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#49
There is no best; there are a lot of great options though. Lately I've been using the Collaboration Effects "The Compressor" and I adore it. But I have a Cali76 Compact bass that's also fantastic, and I went through a ton of compressors this year alone that did a thing, and could easily be the thing you're after
 
#51
Broughton Omnicomp kicked my Cali off the board. I also use the Empress Bass Compressor now. They're different, but both very good. The Cali is good too, I just decided I liked the Omnicomp more. It's got more of a warm punch that sounds better through my rig, as opposed to the Cali's hi-fi thing.
 
#54
craigmack1979 said:
Agree imo it’s best pedal compressor on planet it took me to whole new level of musicality
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Compressors seem to be highly subjective - because they change the way a note feels under your fingers. There is a certain response I get from the Cali that feels natural to my playing - I don't assume that this is similar for everyone else, but it is for me. I'd love to buy a big box Lundahl one at some point, but I fear that what really does it for me in the Cali76 CB is the Side Chain HPF.
 
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#56
The EBS Multicomp is a good choice for those on a limited budget. I like its multiband and tube sim settings.

The Keeley Compressor Pro is a great compressor, very versatile. The hard and soft knee switch really works well and gives two distinct flavors. Auto switch was always engaged when I used it.

I just switched over to the Cali76 Compact Bass in its blue livery. It’s built like a brick outhouse and has larger form factor than normal pedals. The HPF knob and the Dry knob really sets it apart from others. It stays musical even with a high(ish) ratio. Really pleased with it and the fact that Origin Effects refrained from installing a blue LED on the unit.
 
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