Compressor specifics.

[el murdoque]

Hi all,
I might be looking for a new compressor, to suit my specific needs:

1. It should act as a peak limiter. Therefore, it should be hard and fast, so nothing of the peak makes it through.
2. I want as little coloration of the signal as possible. It should basically sound just as is, only less loud.
3. I want to be able to see what's going on, so an LED meter would be nice (or some other means of showing me what's going on)
4. 9V center negative 250mAh is what I have to power it.
5. Real estate is limited. I'm currently using a MXR M87 Bass Compressor. The new pedal could be longer, but not much wider - top mounted jacks would allow for a wider housing.

 

[adipaoli89]

Keeley Bassist, Becos CompIQ Mini

 

[crguti]

What’s the problem with the MXR M87 Bass Compressor you’re currently using?

 

[cnltb]

rothwell maybe?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hi all,
I might be looking for a new compressor, to suit my specific needs:

1. It should act as a peak limiter. Therefore, it should be hard and fast, so nothing of the peak makes it through.
2. I want as little coloration of the signal as possible. It should basically sound just as is, only less loud.
3. I want to be able to see what's going on, so an LED meter would be nice (or some other means of showing me what's going on)
4. 9V center negative 250mAh is what I have to power it.
5. Real estate is limited. I'm currently using a MXR M87 Bass Compressor. The new pedal could be longer, but not much wider - top mounted jacks would allow for a wider housing.

Highlighted for emphasis. Paging @scubaduba !

Riis

 

[el murdoque]

What’s the problem with the MXR M87 Bass Compressor you’re currently using?

Valid question!

Here's what I do: The comp sits in the FX loop of a Sansamp Bass Driver Deluxe and I send my signal from there to FOH (and IEM). That means, the setting of the comp's threshold and output are what determines the overall output of my signal chain. I have maxed out attack and ratio so the compression is fast and hard, and the release setting is not crucial to my playing The thing is, however, that it is kinda crucial for me to keep my output level consistent. When my levels vary from gig to gig (and rehearsal to rehearsal) the IEM Mix goes haywire. I play reggae, so for my colleagues the bass is the instrument that needs to be well balanced in the mix. Loud enough to be driving, but not dominating.
The M87 has those tiny knobs and the input knob is quite sensitve to the touch. A millimeter off and the mix is gone.

 

[2saddleslab]

Ampeg OptoComp.

 

[mmbongo]

Keeley Bassist

 

[scubaduba]

Hi all,
I might be looking for a new compressor, to suit my specific needs:

1. It should act as a peak limiter. Therefore, it should be hard and fast, so nothing of the peak makes it through.
2. I want as little coloration of the signal as possible. It should basically sound just as is, only less loud.
3. I want to be able to see what's going on, so an LED meter would be nice (or some other means of showing me what's going on)
4. 9V center negative 250mAh is what I have to power it.
5. Real estate is limited. I'm currently using a MXR M87 Bass Compressor. The new pedal could be longer, but not much wider - top mounted jacks would allow for a wider housing.

Keely Bassist or Becos CompIQ Mini

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Markbass compressore has the light that shows you when it is engaged and has a very quiet and natural sound. Only issue is it’s quite big.

 

[Soberglitch]

I love this compressor. Tougher to buy than the others suggested but I can’t recommend it enough.

 

[40Hz]

Keeley Bassist, Becos CompIQ Mini

Keely Bassist or Becos CompIQ Mini

Three’s company.
Keely Bassist or Becos CompIQ.

 

[scubaduba]

I don’t think there’s a device mentioned in this thread that I haven’t used extensively and tested. http://compressorpedalreviews.com

The Keeley Bassist or Becos CompIQ would be ideal.

 

[Ben Clarke]

You’re looking for a true peak limiter. To find one that’s transparent and fast in a pedal? Not my area of expertise but I can tell you that you’ll want to avoid optical and tube units. Something that emulates an 1176 would be a good candidate.

 

[scubaduba]

Markbass compressore has the light that shows you when it is engaged and has a very quiet and natural sound. Only issue is it’s quite big.

While I love the Markbass Compressore, it would not be on my recommended list for what the OP says he is looking for.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I use a Fairfield Circuitry Accountant as a limiter following loud pedals. Works great for me, is teeny, and low draw.

 

[Platner]

Hi, This is my first post. I am using the Cali76 that I use in my guitar rig for bass. It's doing a really nice job.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hi all,
I might be looking for a new compressor, to suit my specific needs:

1. It should act as a peak limiter. Therefore, it should be hard and fast, so nothing of the peak makes it through.
2. I want as little coloration of the signal as possible. It should basically sound just as is, only less loud.
3. I want to be able to see what's going on, so an LED meter would be nice (or some other means of showing me what's going on)
4. 9V center negative 250mAh is what I have to power it.
5. Real estate is limited. I'm currently using a MXR M87 Bass Compressor. The new pedal could be longer, but not much wider - top mounted jacks would allow for a wider housing.

You want a limiter. Not a standard compressor. Get the boss. Turn the ratio to infinite. Set your volume to compensate.

I have one if you want it. Pm me

 

[darwin-bass]

Keely bassist

 

[svlilioukalani]

I suggest that you check out Compressor Reviews

This is the bass compressor guru’s review site. He reviewed most compressors there and can help you figure out what you are looking for. He also designed the Smoothie shown earlier in this thread. An awesome compressor. I have good luck with the Agulair compressor.