Instead of buying a compressor, should I instead get a multi-effect?

[robert_stuart]

I have only the most minimal effects & pedals, and one of them is for upright:


But I've now gotten the compressor religion. Can't believe I haven't been using it. I was about to buy either the Boss, MXR, or Markbass ... but I'm thinking I could really go the multi-effect route instead of investing in individual pedals.

I'm going to be playing lots of covers in this town (Las Vegas), and I can see I'll want to get the bass sounds used in the songs.

The Zoom B3n costs about the same as any of those compressors. And if its compression is as good as e.g. its Sansamp simulation, then that would seal the deal. Can anyone comment on its compression vs. a dedicated pedal? My only concern about Zoom is that I used to own the 506. It was a fun play thing, but super noisy, and not good for performance or recording:

So has Zoom come a long way? Does the B3n compare well to Boss quality for quietness, and general tone quality? Can it emulate the DOD meatbox?

On the high end, the $700 Boss guitar synth is even cooler, uhh, more flexible.

But in the mid range of price, the Boss bass multi-effect pedals seem to be unliked here as sounding too flat compared to separate pedals. And they're a generation behind the Boss guitar counterparts as well as the Zoom, which is brand new.

I'm considering the Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig, but it lacks programmability. On the positive side, (1) it's genuine Tech21, and (2) like other Tech 21 gear, it looks like it's hard to get a bad sound out of it: Watching videos of people using it, all the knob positions yield cool results.

On the even cheaper end, the Zoom MS-60B seems to have the same emulation as the B3n. I could get that and just use it as a compressor, eventually using more of it.

tldr; Should I jump on the multi-effect train right now, before dropping $150-$200 on a compressor pedal?

 

[Stumbo]

Here's a big thread on the B3N: New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

 

[Adamixoye]

In general, a good dedicated compressor pedal >> than anything you'll find in a multi-FX.

Having said that, it's my understanding that there are compressors in the Zoom MS series that are reasonably well regarded. I'm less familiar with the B3, but it's also my understanding that there is a lot of overlap in the effects there.

TL;DR ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[bassbrad]

And today's controversial post goes to.... My simple answer is both.
Zoom and other multi effects have come a long way and do a passing job of sounding like a compressor but will never have the organic feel of an analog circuit. It depends how important that sound and feel are and how much you will use it. If an occasional thing then a multi might do for that and many other functions.
Imo the comps Zoom has going in the B3 and MS60b are very usable.

 

[Dave W]

In general, a good dedicated compressor pedal >> than anything you'll find in a multi-FX.

This.

I'd rather have a great dedicated compressor. Or in my case, like 11 great dedicated comps

 

[Chicory Blue]

You should definitely get a multi-effects pedal one way or the other. Even if you upgrade to a dedicated compressor later, there are just too many wonderful toys in a B3/B3n/MS-60b/B1on(best $50 I ever spent) to pass up, and they're quite lovely for sampling different styles of compression before you commit to a specific compressor.

Then, whether you found you needed a dedicated compressor or not, you'll have about a hundred reasons to keep using the Zoom.

--^@

 

[tfer]

To start with, I'd go with the multi. The one pedal I have that will never leave my board, is the ME20B. The effects in it that I use every night, on various songs, are the tuner, compressor, chorus, EQ, volume pedal, envelope filter, wah, delay, reverb and distortion. I have never experienced a tone loss with any of the effects, and I like the layout, that allows me to use it as a 3 pedal board, as well as storing patches in banks.

I use other pedals to supplement the board, but they all revolve around the ME20B.

I'm not a fan of the Zoom single button multis. I use an A3 with my EUB, so I'm very familiar with their advantages and drawbacks. Good sound, but the interface and patch switching is bulky. I haven't used their multi footswitch pedals, so can't comment on them.

I also use single compressor pedals, but only as as a supplement to other outboard pedals. It allows me to move compression to other positions in my chain.

 

[40Hz]

If you've already found you can make good use of a compressor, I'd definitely get a standalone high quality compressor first.

As far as compressors go, which one to get depends on what you like and want to accomplish. Because there are different design philosophies and goals for each different model out there. A good source for more information than you'll be able to read in a single sessions can be found here. Ovinlab's website is the motherlode of all things compressor.

As far as compressors go, I've worked with the Keeley Bassist and Pro, the Markbass Compressore, The OVINFX Smoothie, the MXR Dyna Comp, and the Empress. They are all excellent choices. But they're also very different - so do some research before plunking down your money.

Of the compressors I have experience with, I'd recommend the Keeley Bassist for a simple to operate very transparent unit; the Smoothie for an all-around great sounding utility infielder; and the Markbass for smooth, warm and pleasantly colored compression.

 

[SurferJoe46]

I have only the most minimal effects & pedals, and one of them is for upright:
View attachment 1114898

But I've now gotten the compressor religion. Can't believe I haven't been using it. I was about to buy either the Boss, MXR, or Markbass ... but I'm thinking I could really go the multi-effect route instead of investing in individual pedals.

I'm going to be playing lots of covers in this town (Las Vegas), and I can see I'll want to get the bass sounds used in the songs.

The Zoom B3n costs about the same as any of those compressors. And if its compression is as good as e.g. its Sansamp simulation, then that would seal the deal. Can anyone comment on its compression vs. a dedicated pedal? My only concern about Zoom is that I used to own the 506. It was a fun play thing, but super noisy, and not good for performance or recording:

So has Zoom come a long way? Does the B3n compare well to Boss quality for quietness, and general tone quality? Can it emulate the DOD meatbox?

On the high end, the $700 Boss guitar synth is even cooler, uhh, more flexible.

But in the mid range of price, the Boss bass multi-effect pedals seem to be unliked here as sounding too flat compared to separate pedals. And they're a generation behind the Boss guitar counterparts as well as the Zoom, which is brand new.

I'm considering the Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig, but it lacks programmability. On the positive side, (1) it's genuine Tech21, and (2) like other Tech 21 gear, it looks like it's hard to get a bad sound out of it: Watching videos of people using it, all the knob positions yield cool results.

On the even cheaper end, the Zoom MS-60B seems to have the same emulation as the B3n. I could get that and just use it as a compressor, eventually using more of it.

tldr; Should I jump on the multi-effect train right now, before dropping $150-$200 on a compressor pedal?

I've got two versions of the Zoom pedals and I think they are all pretty much worthless.

That Boss quality could ever be compared to that flimsy plastic housing that Zoom uses - is unforgivable of you to even ask for a comparison.

Ahem - and on to other info:

What I've decided is that in a studio setting where I'm cutting my own tracks on my own gear and I'm old school enough to NOT use virtual mixers, etc.... I run with my MXR M87 Compressor and my MXR DI+ Bass pedal.

In live stuff - and that means bars and outdoor venues - I pull out my Boss LMB-3 and one of my several tube pre-amps.

Unless I need fuzz or a delay - that's all I currently use.

My 2cents.




.

 

[AaronVonRock]

I think a dedicated pedal for almost any effect is going to be better than the Zoom multi-effects. I had a Zoom MS-60B for a short time and was not impressed with it at all. The Tech 21 Bass Fly Rigs look like a better option if you are wanting to got the multi-effect route.

 

[xroads]

I'm going to be playing lots of covers in this town (Las Vegas), and I can see I'll want to get the bass sounds used in the songs.

If this is what you want, get a multi-effects pedal, even though the effect quality is not on par with some of the analog effects.
I have had a few of the Zoom multi-pedals (in a true bypass loop), and for an occasional chorus/octave/bass-synth effect, they are fine.

 

[Vomicamonster]

ME pedals are an awesome addition. But thereisn't much quite like having a dedicated comp. If you're new to comp pedals the TC Spectra-comp is a really simple and effective choice. Mine has been very good to me... plus all the Tone Print choices. Personally though I've been eyeing the MXR pretty hard lately.

 

[Jloch86]

EHX Bass Preacher gives you a little grit and a very strong attack sound, even with fingers (also no grit if you don't want it).

 

[el murdoque]

I think that compressors are really difficult beasts. It strongly depends on what you want to do with them.
For some applications, a cheap unit might suffice, but in other scenarios you need one of the good ones.
A good compressor costs more than a Zoom B3n. And the B3n can do compressors and 99 things more,
and five (or was it seven?) of them at the same time.
..and nowadays, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

I tried to bring myself to buy the Zoom unit multiple times because of what it can do, but somehow i never was able to make the purchase. My only digital effect is a Strymon BlueSky Reverb pedal. If i want to go direct with minimal gear,
the scenario I would have wanted the zoom for, I usually opt for my pedaltrain nano board rigged with a tuner and my Sansamp programmable BDDI with spare room for one big or two tiny pedals.

 

[Odinbass]

When I tried a big multi effect box (GT-10B) I didn't really like it. They can be difficult to read and tweak on the fly and the quality of effects is a mixed bag. So I'm in the dedicated effect camp. To each their own though.

Try used pedals on Reverb. You can get a good deal on the buying end, and sell for a similar price if it doesn't work out.

 

[sikamikanico]

I've been out of the pedal world for a while, but standalone analogue pedals were imo always superior to digital multis. I had an 18V Maxon comp and it was just lovely for what I wanted. That said, over time, I came to realize it was not what I needed. So it may be best to question your newfound religion before you invest a bunch of money. Or maybe that's exactly the reason to get a multi first - to satisfy curiosity and pick what exactly it is that you may need...

 

[howlin]

Having had a Zoom B3 I'd say get a good comp pedal. None of the effects I bought if for really worked very well IMHE. The octaver was mediocre. The comps marginal. ODs, etc. were just meh.

If compression is your "new religion" then become a Bongo disciple and go to his web site www.ovnilab.com/. He'll pretty much talk you out of most everything that you'll think is the next sacred cow. Seriously knows his stuff.

FWIW I ended up using a Boss LM2-B. Why? It was 25 bucks. It works. And I like it. Besides I use it more as boost pedal so don't get one on my account.

 

[5544]

If you are playing out, then buy the cheapest multi-effect that you wouldn't be upset the following day if it was ripped off. The people in the crowd does not care about your tone. They do care about playing in tune and on time.

If you are doing a lot of studio work, then get the best that fits in your budget. You want to sound your best when recording.

 

[Xandrell]

I recommend a stand alone compressor with a gain reduction meter.

 

[micguy]

I'm a huge fan of simple user interfaces. Yes, I have programmable pedals, but once the knobs are in the right place, and I've downloaded the program I want to run, I just turn the thing on and off with my foot. Since I don't need many effects, the simplest thing that works (which is usually the best for me), is single function pedals. I just don't want to expend the mental energy to understand and interact with a multi effect thing in live use.