If I read another compressor thread...

[tripp2k]

I want to even out my string volume. I don't want to color my tone, fatten things up nor hit a talent switch. I also really don't want to spend more than $150 and I prefer to buy used. Yes, I've read the reviews and watched the YT videos and still can't narrow things down beyond concluding it's snake oil. Can TB agree on one compressor that gets me there?

Go!

 

[CryingBass]

On this topic, just shoot yourself now.

Kidding. But if you search a little on this site alone, you might find some very useful guidance. Not in one paragraph, mind you....

 

[bassbrad]

@tripp2k well you started this...

 

[fasterpussycat]

Fuzzrocious Cat Tail evens everything out pretty well...

 

[Jim C]

Sounds like you need some gentle compression to smooth things out.
How adjustable do you want it? Pre-set or adjustable attack and release?
Threshold indicator?
Since we know the budget we can give some opinions.

 

[willsellout]

There are some definite favorites for what you are considering. Keeley seems to fit the bill pretty well. MXR as well.

 

[Jim C]

Based on the mega compressor thread and knowing the budget and something simple, I think many would go with Will, I would also add the Studio Bass and the Smoothie assuming buying used.
The Ampeg is pretty simple to use and gets a decent review too and well within your budget new.

 

[mmbongo]

Keeley Bassist. Search over.

 

[tripp2k]

Yes. After reading 14,897 threads on this subject, I've kinda narrowed it down to three: Keeley Bassist, Smoothie and MXR. Probably one of the better YT videos where compression appeared more than magic juju sauce is down below. @Jim C , most likely it will be set once and then it'll be turned on or off but in terms of knobs, I'm a simple man. I play passive 4 strings.

Bassist vs Smoothie w/OTA???

I've read enough comments here on TB that the MXR might not be the one to get.

 

[jbybj]

Can TB agree on one compressor that gets me there?

No.

 

[tripp2k]

No.

Are you still using the Keeley on your gigging board? Keeley Bassist compared to the MXR M87?

 

[IamGroot]

I've never owned a compressor.

Do I need one?

And if I need one for my bass, do I need one for my upright, guitar and piano.

 

[jbybj]

Are you still using the Keeley on your gigging board? Keeley Bassist compared to the MXR M87?

The Keeley Bassist has been in the FX loop of my Warwick LWA1000, set as a brick wall limiter hitting only the top of my volume spikes. I’ve been using the Broughton Apex as a 3:1 comp at the beginning of my chain. I find the OTA Smoothie to be wholly acceptable as well, just taking a little time on the shelf these days.
I like the MXR as well, I simply don’t need a fourth comp, and that’s where it falls in my standings.

 

[cnltb]

I want to even out my string volume. I don't want to color my tone, fatten things up nor hit a talent switch. I also really don't want to spend more than $150 and I prefer to buy used. Yes, I've read the reviews and watched the YT videos and still can't narrow things down beyond concluding it's snake oil. Can TB agree on one compressor that gets me there?

Go!

If I wanted just a clean comp to even things out without coloration, I'd go for a Rothwell Love squeeze.

I actually do want one. It's yellow.

 

[ProfFrink]

I want to even out my string volume.

Hmmm... What do you mean "string volume"...? If you're having issues evening out your string-to-string volume, or your technique - then IMHO you're barking up a wrong tree my friend - you need to fix the problem at the source and not through compression.

Regarding snake oil and such... if that's what you really think, and you still want to try a compressor - I suggest you take any of the compressors that people here recommend, but take one that's a. cheap (we wouldn't want you to go spending all your money on snake oil) and b. with a meter, such as the MXR (because these are easier to tweak and understand when you're new to compression.

Come back after you've done that, and we can continue discussing your snake oil argument, but I can tell you in advance - you'll be going agains many highly acclaimed bassists, producers, and sound engineers who would beg to differ.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

Maybe I’m missing something, but... If you read all the reviews, watched all the videos, and still think its snake oil, why post on tb looking for yet more opinion? Seems like you’re not believing anything people say, nor are you believing video evidence. So why solicit more opinion you’re, I assume, not going to not believe?

 

[Chrisk-K]

If you want a subtle compressor, the end result won’t be noticeable. If you want a noticeable result, you must use a nonsubtle compressor. If the result is not noticeably different, why bother to use any effect?

 

[fasterpussycat]

Spectracomp. There's one in the classifieds for $US80.

 

[Inconnu]

Last thing I want to do is a « no effects » trolling thing but... the first step to even string volume is to adjust pickup height properly. I get a very even string to string output even on my G&L L-2500, which has a very strong low B sound, since I adjusted the pickups putting them slightly further from the string on the low B side, specially the neck pickup.

Then EQing helps too! Spot the frequencies that become invasive with some strings but less audible in others and even out the whole thing!

When you’re done, if you still need a compressor to even out
your sound, don’t expect consensus here on a specific model

I use TalkBass for inspiration mostly, then go with what people suggest to organize my own tests and trial and error.

As far as compressors go, I do use one mainly to tame some of my envelope filters and my fuzz (the Bass Big Muff’s limited blending capacities become more useable when you squash the signal afterwards, but that’s another story) as well as to compensate for my occasional excess of enthusiasm when I slap’n’pop!

My choice is a simple ART Tube MP/C. Tube preamp (more on the modern warm side) and compressor with just a threshold control + speed and slope switches. I find it doesn’t kill my tone and does it’s job. Should be under $100 in the US, as it costs $109 in Canada.

 

[sawzalot]

If you want to even things out string-to-string, you might want to look at a multi-band compressor. On the other hand, you also might want to look at if your technique needs a look. I use a compressor for subtle sonic purposes and also to keep a lid on major spikes from slapping, overzealousness, etc. But core even-ness of tone comes from my hands.