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compressor on a budget

Barefoot_Bob

Barefoot_Bob

Jul 1, 2023
37
22
Belgium
#1
Hi guys,

I am looking for a good compressor around 100 dollars (can be 2nd hand).

I play rockmusic and heavier stuff and split my signal into bass and heavy 'guitar'.

My chain for now:
Bass channel:
Boss tu 2, big muff, sub'n up, Tech 21 VT deluxe, focusrite scarlett 2, ableton.

Splitt from the tuner (split as mute):
Pog, pitchfork, hotcake clone overdrive, ableton, vst tubescreamer, vst autowah, vst delay, vst supersonic or bassman amp, vst reverb

I have acces to vst compressors but would like compress before i go into the splitt and the VT deluxe for a better respons. But if you think it won't be an upgrade that's also fine. I like 1176 style compression on bass.

All advice is welcome. Maybe I better save for a Cali 76?
 
#2
Look at Drybell Unit67. Not sure if you can find one used in your price range but, I picked one of these up for my compressor needs. Still messing with it but I like what it can do so far. Pretty sure it's an 1176 type compressor.
 
#4
A lot depends on what you’re looking for in a compressor. But a good sounding and easy to use compressor that was built with bass players in mind is the Ampeg Opto Comp. Goes for $130 new but you can easily find them for under $100 used. It’s an all analog optical compressor that can do some nice things for your sound.

TB member Scubaduba did a full review over on his website. You can find his Opto Comp review here. Be sure to check out the rest of his site while you’re at it. Tons of really solid info about compressor pedals - and by a fellow bass player for a change!
 
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#7
Boss LMB-3s can be found used in your budget. Used them for years, no qualms whatsoever, as long as the enhance knob was at 9oc or below. Not the sexiest of comps, but competent enough for that price point IMO.

upload_2023-7-16_9-43-14.png
 
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#8
Barefoot_Bob said:
Hi guys,

I am looking for a good compressor around 100 dollars (can be 2nd hand).

I play rockmusic and heavier stuff and split my signal into bass and heavy 'guitar'.

My chain for now:
Bass channel:
Boss tu 2, big muff, sub'n up, Tech 21 VT deluxe, focusrite scarlett 2, ableton.

Splitt from the tuner (split as mute):
Pog, pitchfork, hotcake clone overdrive, ableton, vst tubescreamer, vst autowah, vst delay, vst supersonic or bassman amp, vst reverb

I have acces to vst compressors but would like compress before i go into the splitt and the VT deluxe for a better respons. But if you think it won't be an upgrade that's also fine. I like 1176 style compression on bass.

All advice is welcome. Maybe I better save for a Cali 76?
Click to expand...
Look up Behringer
 
#9
I will admit I am not running an always-on compressor these days, but back when I did I started with a Moen Uni-Comp.

If you need other suggestions, peruse the same site in more detail - vast wealth of knowledge (and I believe the author is a member here as well).
 
#14
bassyogi said:
Look at Drybell Unit67. Not sure if you can find one used in your price range but, I picked one of these up for my compressor needs. Still messing with it but I like what it can do so far. Pretty sure it's an 1176 type compressor.
Click to expand...
Great compressor, IMO. It is indeed an 1176 type compressor. Really versatile and works great as an always-on device. But yeah, definitely more than $100 even used. Coincidentally, there's one for sale in the Classifieds. (And yes, I'm affiliated with the seller. :D)
 

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