I've heard only good things about the Empress, I think I can put it on my short list.
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Easy Compressor for live rig
- Thread starter BecDeCorbin
- Start date
Any other opinions on the MXR M87? I have one in my Sweetwater wish list and wanted to get more opinions before purchasing.
I've had a DBX160A in a rack rig for many years and it is dead simple and effective.
I picked up a Symetrix 501 recently, they aren't current production, but I'm really liking it.
Pedal favorites are
SD studio bass and Aguilar TLC
I picked up a Symetrix 501 recently, they aren't current production, but I'm really liking it.
Pedal favorites are
SD studio bass and Aguilar TLC
Diamond as far as ease of use and fat, shiny tone. Been thru a multitude: Diamond BCP-1.
Having never tried any of the other honorable mentions, I'll cast my vote for the dbx.
The metering is great and the controls are simple while still being versatile enough, which makes it very easy to dial in and forget about it, so you can get back to playing.
The metering is great and the controls are simple while still being versatile enough, which makes it very easy to dial in and forget about it, so you can get back to playing.
This link was posted on TB in the past, not sure which thread. Pretty comprehensive for budget and pedal vs. rack.
My top picks
My top picks
What he said. Easy and intuitive to operate, sounds great. The most success I've ever had with a comp.
nothis is easier than a compressor that has one knob and 2 switch yet still has great review from our own bongomania
For what you are trying to achieve, Diamond all the way. Gorgeous fattening up and smoothing of your tone. Really just a single knob to adjust the compression, and then a volume knob to match output; you can ignore the tone knob if you want (although it sounds really good as well IMO). The Diamond is easy to find, easy to use, dead quiet, reasonably priced new and used - honestly, you have to spend twice as much to beat it IMO, with perhaps the exception of the Broughton Monocle, which would have to be ordered directly.
I used to run the old yellow bbe pedal. Can't remember the name of it atm. 2 knobs one being volume and a pad switch. Reviews were top notch.
The darkglass is sooooo natural sounding.
that being said i love my empress compressor more. Set the mix dial all the way anti clockwise and you get a very clear "uncolored" tone. Max the mix knob and you get some of the empress sound that is sweet and full of rich lows and punch.
the output gain is very modern sounding, nice volume boost, never gets muddy or fizzy.
There's lots of love for the Cali 'round these parts, just a little on the expensive side.
I used to have the EBS MultiComp and really liked it. The TubeSim mode is nice and fat, and the multiband mode is great for clarity.
I have the Fairfield Accountant now and it's pretty good. Easy to find a few workable tones in there, but for me the novelty is wearing off. I find it a little dirtier than I'd like.
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I used to use a dbx 160 in a rack, but it was in the effect loop, and I like to compress the signal before it hits the preamp, so I use pedals now. I like the MXR M87. I like the feedback from the array of LEDs - I don't like compressors with no indication of what is happening, or ones that just have one light to indicate "some amount of compression is happening". I also use two of MXRs - I think it sounds better to compress a little bit twice.
I'm surprised that the MARKBASS compresore has not been mentioned. I've been using one for several years and like it quite well. It seems very well calibrated for bass.
I also occasionally use the compressor in the Art Pro Channel II...another great piece of gear.
I also occasionally use the compressor in the Art Pro Channel II...another great piece of gear.
