Best Bass Compressor?

[timwoodie]

Hey guys! Right now I'm in the market to buy a new compressor and I can't decide which one I like the most. I'm stuck between 3 pedals, the Keeley 4 knob, Aguilar TLC, and the MXR M87. I play a variety of music, from using a pick playing rock, to using my fingers playing r&b. I want something that could be very versatile to my playing style but I can't figure out which one I like the most. And there are no shops around me where I can test these out (just my luck) so let me know which one you like best and would work well with me! Thanks!

 

[ZtuxBP14]

Hey guys! Right now I'm in the market to buy a new compressor and I can't decide which one I like the most. I'm stuck between 3 pedals, the Keeley 4 knob, Aguilar TLC, and the MXR M87. I play a variety of music, from using a pick playing rock, to using my fingers playing r&b. I want something that could be very versatile to my playing style but I can't figure out which one I like the most. And there are no shops around me where I can test these out (just my luck) so let me know which one you like best and would work well with me! Thanks!

All compressors you list are good, but you really can't go wrong with the MXR M87. I just got mine last week and absolutely love it.

You will be getting a lot of suggestions here from many others I'm sure.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

All compressors you list are good, but you really can't go wrong with the MXR M87. I just got mine last week and absolutely love it.

You will be getting a lot of suggestions here from many others I'm sure.

Got mine a year ago and I still love it, can't go wrong with the M87.

 

[bongomania]

If you are in a hurry, knock the Keeley off the list, because it is not so great for low frequencies. If you are not in a hurry, Keeley is coming out with a new comp soon that is supposed to be better for bass.

 

[timwoodie]

If you are in a hurry, knock the Keeley off the list, because it is not so great for low frequencies. If you are not in a hurry, Keeley is coming out with a new comp soon that is supposed to be better for bass.

The "bassist" pedal right? Cause I heard they cancelled that product.

 

[bongomania]

They are instead putting out one marketed for full-range use, i.e. not "for bass" but inclusive of bass.

 

[Hellbastard]

Have you considered the empress compressor? I believe it is the best, most transparent compressor you can get in Pedal Format. Plus, the MIX and Side chain features make it more versatile than any of the three compressor you listed.

 

[StraightSix]

I love my Boss LMB-3 compressor/limiter...you may find it's all you need.

 

[timwoodie]

I love my Boss LMB-3 compressor/limiter...you may find it's all you need.

I actually had that pedal and absolutely hated it haha

 

[timwoodie]

Have you considered the empress compressor? I believe it is the best, most transparent compressor you can get in Pedal Format. Plus, the MIX and Side chain features make it more versatile than any of the three compressor you listed.

I was thinking about this one but its a little out of my price range

 

[StraightSix]

I actually had that pedal and absolutely hated it haha

Different strokes for different folks

 

[Spent]

I'm a huge fan of the Wampler Ego. I love the blend knob. I was very happy with my MarkBass Compressore until I came across the Ego.

 

[timwoodie]

I'm a huge fan of the Wampler Ego. I love the blend knob. I was very happy with my MarkBass Compressore until I came across the Ego.

How is it with the lower notes?

 

[chuck norriss]

Don't get a compressor. Just sit there and fiddle with your eq for 5 hours & turn down your volume. & practice more.

 

[punchdrunk]

Try a DBX rack compressor and be done with it.

 

[Spent]

How is it with the lower notes?

Sounds great across the whole spectrum. There's a tone knob, but that's primarily for guitar, it doesn't have much effect on my bass. I play a Spector Euro 4 into a Demeter vtbp 201s/Crown xls1000 and Hartke HyDrive 410. In 15 years, I've never been happier with my tone. IMO, the Wampler is totally transparent.

 

[bobicidal]

Well I love the sound of the Diamond BCP-1 gives me on my clanky P-bass. It's not transparent and I like it that way. I tried the MXR and the TLC and both of them zapped my tone while the BCP1 improved it. YMMV

 

[liquid sunshine]

This is a great compressor not an original but that's why it's so cheap!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MODE-MACHIN...l_Processors_Rack_Effects&hash=item257ef396ae

 

[RobC]

Just go to Bongomania's site-
http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml
Incredibly useful, and 99% correct...

 

[tgouh]

I have Aguilar TLC, its quite transparent and so versatile. But I must admit that the reason I bought it because I saw demo of it by Leslie Johnson, sounds killer!!!