Darkglass Super Symmetry vs Markbass Compressore?

The Markbass Compressore is a "character" driven compressor. It imparts a tube warmth to signal. The DG Super Symmetry is a Neutral sounding compressor that doesn't change your "sound" but adds neutral compression to it. If it was my choice, I would go for the Dark Glass unit because it's smaller and doesn't need some funky PSU or possible tube swap out later. If I want tube warmth, I can dial that in easily with my EQ.
My only concern with your choice, those are two complicated compressors. Do you really need 4-5 dial compression? I use an EBS Multi Comp...it's got a 3 ways switch for character (Tube, Multi band and Normal) and it's super easy to dial in...one knob for compression and one for Gain.

 

I think the MarkBass sounds way better.

 

This is a difficult decision.
The two pedals are similar in that I both offer a warm tone, with some thickness added in general...

Of the two I find the Markbass to be less dark sounding, and the most versatile of the two, but this can also make it harder to dial in, particularly the interactive nature of the Gain, Threshold, and Ratio controls.
The tube in the circuit definitely adds some that of tube-y 3D depth (spacial more than tonal) or "big-ness" to the tone.

The Darkglass Super Symmetry, offers a similar range of controls, and whilst it has a darker tone overall the Blend control goes someway to help with this. It has a smoother feel/response in general. The Darkglass also has fabulous metering, which makes it easier to dial in.

My experience was the inverse of GMC's above, with the Markbass Compressore being closer to "neutral" of the two tonally speaking, though again neither of the two are what I would consider tonally transparent (MXR or Empress MK1 compressor both delivering on this better).
I don't know if this is due to different setups... but I would certainly never consider the Darkglass to be either "neutral" or "transparent" despite it's marketing. It's thick and warm character are actually some of what sets it apart from other compressors, and is what I use that pedal for.

Both are very quiet, but the Markbass has the edge on being very quiet.

I feel the Markbass would benefit considerably from a sidechain HPF to let the low end breathe a bit more at higher compression setting, and the Darkglass would be equally improved with a tilt style EQ for the comp letting you lean into it's thick, warmth, or boost the high end and tighten the lows for some better clarity.

If you have the possibility to test both side-by-side I would highly recommend it.

If you have to buy one sight-unseen:

- The Darkglass would suit you well if you like thick and warm sounds, and would like to be able to set up the compressor quickly with good feedback, and if it's going to be "always on" then some EQ at the amp would easily help brighten things up if needed (or if you currently roll the tone on your bass down a touch, just put it wide open).

- The Markbass will serve you if you want some of that tube-y spacial thickness and depth, with warmth but less roll-off on the high end (compared to the Darkglass), and you are familiar/comfortable with compressors, or are happy to spend some time dialling in the pedal by ear/feel (which some would argue is a better way to setup compression)


Finally - if you can order from elsewhere, I would highly recommend getting the new Empress Bass Compressore. It covers pretty everything you could ever want from a compression pedal, from true "transparent"/"neutral" utility compression, through to tonal magic.

 

I like the DarkGlass. Into my SVT or Portaflex.

 

With full understanding that all of this is a personal choice and everyone has their opinions, I might try the Darkglass Hyper Luminal. I've done a lot of work with this compressor, comparing to others that I have such as the Cali76 and Smoothie. For a one solution compressor, the hyper luminal is pretty versatile. You can get the "darker" super symmetry sound, but also the FET and BUS modes which bring in other tasty solutions. It's a damn good compressor for sure but not for everyone.

 

I wasn't aware of that issue - just looked it up. That's helpful to know!
I'll check if mine always does this, though to be honest I have it always when being used, and also have it set to start up engaged which would explain why I haven't noticed this particular issue.

Out of curiosity - what are you hoping to get out of a compressor and what are you wanting to use it for?

Also - what is you primary setup?

 

Everything GMC said about the MB Compressore is true to me. I'll say the learning curve is easier if you only play one bass or one type of string through the MB.

 

I would definitely buy one new

 

I think that you should also consider the Hyper Luminal from Darkglass. I have it and it is an excellent, very adaptable compressor. It includes the super symmetry and two other famous compressors, all individually adaptable in many different ways.. It is the best compressor I've ever used, easily.

 

I use the Markbass as a set it and leave it. And it is on all the time.
Best tube compressor for my uses and my $$$. And been having it for years. And still great in my book.

 

Never tried the Mark bass, but I found the Darkglass to be dark sounding.

 

Owned both. Sold both. Cali76 cb baby. Hands down.

 

+1 on the Cali76CB. Excellent compressor. My top three are Cali, Hyper Luminal and Smoothie, but the Cali stays on the board most of the time.

 

I didn't care for the Cali. My favorite is tne EBS Multicomp.

 

I recently picked up a used Keeley Compressor Pro. Although I make my own effects pedals, this is the compressor that's ticking all the boxes for me.

 

My .02:

From that, I'd say you definitely want the Empress Bass Compressor. It's got the compression parameters you mention, and complete metering (both input level and gain reduction). In addition, there's a built-in sidechain with a variable high pass filter. You can adjust the HPF so that low notes don't cause the compressor to squash your signal. And there's also a _mix_ knob which lets you run parallel compression; that is, you can mix dry and wet signal together. IMHO, that's a complete feature set, all in one pedal.

The "clicking" sound is no big deal, IMHO. Empress has said they'll mail out a replacement connector to all registered owners, and it's a simple installation: take out the old connector cable, plug in the new one. And the clicking only affects passive basses when there's no intervening device which buffers the bass from the compressor. It doesn't happen with preamp-equipped basses, or if there's a pedal between the bass and compressor which has a buffered output.

 

I use markbass for a long time and it is remarkable for me. I play same kind of music and it fits very well. İt add samo fattines which I love.

My Iron maiden cover from live streaming with markbass;



chain: sh signature -> comressore -> lomenzo hyper drive( just for color) -> mesa prodigy’s di out-> computer

No way to understand it in chain, just wanna show it fits.