Compressor advice

[FirewalZ]

I know this has been done to death here on TB, and I already have a great higher end compressors for regular use. However, I’m looking for something to leave at Church, I go direct and want something to leave there so I can just plug in and go. Something small form factor, simple and few knobs, low noise, $100-ish max. Too many posts and products to dig through so looking for input so I can narrow down the search a bit. Thx in advance.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Used Spectracomp? They show up pretty regularly for around $60.

 

[FirewalZ]

Used Spectracomp? They show up pretty regularly for around $60.

I saw those, loved the size and single knob idea but wasn’t sure about the whole toneprint thing? If I need an app to set it up, that’s a no go for me

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I’m still a fan of the MXR M87. It has a couple more than a few knobs, but the meter makes it easy to quickly setup to your taste. Can usually be found for at or a little under $100 used.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I saw those, loved the size and single knob idea but wasn’t sure about the whole toneprint thing? If I need an app to set it up, that’s a no go for me

It has a quite usable setting stock, and you can change the TonePrint by beaming a signal from the app through your phone’s speaker and into the pickup on your bass, but you don’t ever have to change the TonePrint if you like the one in there. You can also use the app to edit your own TonePrints, but it’s not required if you don’t want to do so.

 

[40Hz]

EHX Soul Preacher. Capable little bass friendly compressor. Simple operation. You can find them for just under $100 at all the usual places.

Second suggestion is a used BOSS CS-3. One of my favorites despite owning several higher end compressors. Well below $100 on the used market - but $114 will also get you a brand new one with a warranty.

 

[Wissen]

I saw those, loved the size and single knob idea but wasn’t sure about the whole toneprint thing? If I need an app to set it up, that’s a no go for me

You will only need the app once, and you can use the micro USB to plug it into your computer instead. It might be the right tool for your job.

 

[mmbongo]

Ampeg OptiComp. I have one I leave at the practice space.

 

[Low Down Brown]

Used Markbass Compressore. If you can find one, they're usually just a little over $100. Flexible controls, easy to use, and real tube compression. If you like tubey goodness, these are fantastic.

Edit: It's not the smallest, but it's awesome at what it does.

 

[Gormsgade]

Not the cheapest but definitely recommended.

 

[tpaul]

The Okko Coca Comp and the DOD 280 are both small, easy to set, and effective. I'm going by reviews for the Okko here but I've used the DOD and liked it. Both are available used below your price point.

 

[vvvmmm]

At that price, I'd go the afore-mentioned Ampeg Opto. But the Pigtronix mini is actually damn good. The later version has more adjustability with the distortion option that is on both, and totally usable. The cheapest usable I know is the Okko one, which is not particularly adjustable and pretty colored, but it's a usable coloration.

 

[tpaul]

Forgot to mention the Boss LMB-3. Seems to be well liked and flies under the radar.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Best value / bang for the buck but doesn't meet your criteria in terms of size, maybe knobs:

For Sale - Seymour Duncan Double Back Compressor

Riis

 

[phorm]

Used Carl Martin Classic Opto-Compressor V2. Was highly rated a few years ago by the guy that did a huge review/comparison on compressors.

 

[Bassic_desires]

In some countries, availability is an issue at the moment. I wanted an MXR M87; however, there are none available in Australia at the moment. I settled for a Fender 'The Bends'. I bought it only a few days ago, it is my first compressor, and so I've no further advice to offer on its capabilities at this time. I will add that it is affordable and available. I can always replace it with something else in the future.

 

[kevmac]

I saw those, loved the size and single knob idea but wasn’t sure about the whole toneprint thing? If I need an app to set it up, that’s a no go for me

The tone print is easy to use.Just take the time to find one you like and that's it.I'm about as big a techno boob as they come.

 

[AMJBASS]

Ampep Opto is a good one. So is a used Duncan Studio Bass. Boss LMB-3 is a very underrated one too. Keep enhance off and the ratio low and it sounds/feels fantastic. Lots of good options out there around that price.

 

[jcburn]

I'll chime in on the Ampeg optocomp too. Just bought one for my pedal board seeing as gigs are coming back. Didn't want to break the bank, just wanted something for some mild levelling but something that also added that nice punch to the attack of each note. the Optocomp works perfectly. It doesn't have much tweakability. The attack is slowish and can't be adjusted, but that's exactly what I want. Add the amount of compression you want and release time, then add whatever makeup gain is needed.
It's quiet, performs both functions I wanted, plus adds a little tonal magic that I find hard to explain - maybe some low mid growl or girth. It's only slight but it's there. Kinda like what people expect from the Diamond compressors.
It has a usable compression single LED meter as well.

 

[svlilioukalani]

I always have a TC Electronic Spectra on, whenever I play. The tone print I use is called secret weapon.