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Compressor for 6 string Bass

F

frankthetank727

Guest
Jul 7, 2011
59
3
#1
I have been exploring some compression pedals for my rig (the Empress Compressor, MXR M87, T-Rex Squeezer) but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these compressors, or other ones, on a 5 or 6 string bass. I am worried since the low B is such a low frequency that these compressor pedals might roll off some of that low end. I was really interested in the Empress because of its features and everyone's reviews of the tone, however, I noticed on their website the frequency response only goes as low as 40Hz (though they claim it works great for bass). I guess I am just looking for some general information/opinions/suggestions on how the low end on my 6 string will be affected by pedals that don't go low enough in frequency response, and if I should only focus on a pedal that covers that range (but, for example, say the pedal covers the frequency range but has crappy tone, am I better off with something like the Empress that has superb tone but doesn't quite cover the frequency range?).

Just in case anyone is curious, the 6 string bass is a Carvin XB Fretless and I also play other 4 string basses. Active pickups, 18v on the Carvin, and the other 4 strings are 9v actives.
 
#2
Hi! I use FEA SMX Compressor with my Yamaha TRBJP 6-string bass. It's a two-band compressor. I tried some other comps, but found that the two-band compressor suits it better (due to the extended range). You get more clarity and tweakability. Everything is IMHO, of course.
 
#4
Stefmeister said:
Haven't really had a problem with the empress and my 5 string, but then again I liked how it tightened up the b-string plus it has a mix nob so you could always dial some of your clean signal back in.
Click to expand...

If you don't mind, could you elaborate on your experience with this Pedal? I'd love to hear more about it. It looks like its awesome and the Sidechain option looks like it could be pretty useful.

And yeah, that mix knob seems like a great feature as well. I just don't want to sacrifice alot of the low end--I want a little bit of tightness and I want the higher register to feel closer to the lower register without losing the power, so as long as you can reassure me on that, I'm going to see if I can find a dealer and give this pedal a shot
 
#6
I run the diamond BCP-1 with my Carvin LB76, radiused humbuckers, works fantastic. It is an 18v pedal but can be run 9v off a standard boss adapter.

Visit bongo's page mentioned in post 5, that is the site I used before I purchased, found out later he is a tb guy. Support!
 
#7
tsunami1052 said:
FEA, Empress, Diamond and Markbass - are all very good comps in a pedal format (they will work fine with a 6 string bass).

Check out the link to Bongo's page - good info
Click to expand...

I actually did, and I loved these reviews; however, they just didn't specify as to which types of basses were used when testing the pedals, that's why I was asking regarding the 6 string basses. Thanks though!
 
#8
Empress: 40hz-35khz + Blend knob.
FEA: 20hz-20khz.
Diamond BCP-1: 20hz-20khz.
Markbass: ?
MXR M87: 20hz-20khz.

The Empress & the FEA Labs you will have more control over the compresson settings, the Diamond is a set-it and forget-it pedal with very little contol over the comp settings - but I like it that way. I am a "keep it simple, stupid" kind of guy.

You could PM Bongo for more information.

TM
 
#9
tsunami1052 said:
Empress: 40hz-35khz + Blend knob.
FEA: 20hz-20khz.
Diamond BCP-1: 20hz-20khz.
Markbass: ?
MXR M87: 20hz-20khz.

The Empress & the FEA Labs you will have more control over the compresson settings, the Diamond is a set-it and forget-it pedal with very little contol over the comp settings - but I like it that way. I am a "keep it simple, stupid" kind of guy.

You could PM Bongo for information.

TM
Click to expand...


Haha. I am kind of a knob turner, so then maybe the Empress and the like might more suited for my habits. Thanks alot for those specs though!
 
#10
I've used a Rocktron Sacred Fire comp for my Warwick $$ Corvette fretless 6 a couple of times and it works fine. Didn't squelch the low end at all; had to grab one at the last minute during some rehearsals so no time for research.

I've also been using the Daring Audio Phat Beam, which is a compressor and limiter. The mix knob is great as I can dial in as much as needed. Used this for a 20 show run and it worked great.
 

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