Looking For A Good Bass Compressor Pedal

[jzbass6]

Anyone out there using a pedal type bass compressor? I'm not a pedal or effect user but thinking of trying a compressor out to tighten things up. I'm looking for something that won't color my sound to much. I've found these so far on the net.
EBS MultiComp True Dual Band Compressor Pedal
Boss LMB-3 Bass Limiter Enhancer
AMT Electronics Slap Bass Compressor Effect Pedal
Keeley Compressor
Any expereince with any of these?
Thx, Will

 

[stevetx19]

i don't have a lot of experience with the various comp pedals. I tried a few pedals, none of which i liked. Then, i found the EBS multi comp, which was exactly what i was looking for. It's a really nice bass comp pedal that i have been able to dial up my perfect comp level. Give it a shot!
Also, check out bongo's threads, he does tons and tons of comp reviews that are pretty helpful.

 

[bongomania]

Check out those reviews linked in my sig.

 

[EBMatt]

^^^^ Check out the reviews linked in his sig ^^^^

 

[James Hart]

^^^^ Check out the reviews linked in bongomania's sig ^^^^

and then buy the Maxon

 

[stflbn]

I loved the EBS MultiComp that I had, but I eventually realized that for what I was doing I really didn't need it.

 

[Jim Carr]

The EBS is very nice, IMHO. I have a Barge Concepts compressor which is good, but not quite what I want.

The reviews Bongomania has produced, collected, and archived are a significant and frankly wonderful community resource (thanks, Bongomania)! Yet, I firmly believe that you have to please your own tastes, and you must give yourself permission to like what you like, even when faced with a strong body of contrary opinion/research.

Tone is ultimately not science.

 

[jzbass6]

Thanks guys for the answers and I'll check out Bongo's reviews.

 

[bongomania]

I firmly believe that you have to please your own tastes, and you must give yourself permission to like what you like, even when faced with a strong body of contrary opinion/research.
Tone is ultimately not science.

I agree 100%! My reviews are just one man's personal tastes and observations, and should not be taken as the final word on anything, because we all like different things.

 

[SteveC]

I thought my BBE Opto Stomp worked as good as anything for $99.

 

[Planet Boulder]

I'd recommend an Aphex Punch Factory, which is subtle, but quite nice. Bongo and I disagree when it comes to the Punch Factory vs. BBE's compressor pedal. I actually prefer the Punch Factory for the same reason he prefers the BBE and vice versa.

You may also want to see if you can find an old Trace Elliot compressor pedal. Very well made and lots of versatility in terms of tonal adjustments.

 

[TheVoiceless]

I use the Keeley 4 knob compressor. Its not cheap $250 New. But it does a great job. I like it. I started playing with a metal band and needed help cutting through the mix. At first I was playing a MMSR, but I just bought an Alembic Elan. I thought that I could retire the compressor by upgrading my bass. But I found the compressor still helpful. I would advise against using one unless you are playing loud music. Otherwise you are just killing your tone. Good luck!!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Speaking from personal experience...

If you suffer from untreated obsessive / compulsive disorder (like I do), stick to a single knob unit.

Riis

 

[rosstanium]

bongo gives wise zen-buddhist advice with the stylings of a ninja-assassin. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds awesome.

 

[embellisher]

Check bongo's reviews.

My personal favorite is the vintage Ross (grey case, made in the USA) stompbox. Great pedal! Almost impossible to find, and when you do, it costs a ton of money. A lot of small builder compressors are based on this box.

More readily available stuff, I prefer the Electro Harmonix Black Finger (the version with the tubes) and the Demeter Compulator. The Demeter is much easier to use, the Black Finger is almost as versatile as a rack unit.

Moved to Effects.

 

[RedLeg]

trace elliot smx. its an oldie but a goodie

 

[jzbass6]

A lot of food for thought, I think I'll try find a couple shops I can check some of these out and let my ear do the chosing. I want something that won't color my tone, just tighten it up and add some sustain and presence to my fretless. I'll holla back.
Will

 

[Rusty the Scoob]

Is there a bang-for-the-buck synopsis available anywhere? I'm on a serious budget but would like a little help controlling my slap tone.

Edit: whoops, found it. You rock, Bongo! http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/toppicks.shtml

 

[Smallequestrian]

If you are patient, you can score something like a BBE Opto Stomp for not a lot of cash. I didn't know if I needed a compressor, but I had space on my board for something, and found an Opto stomp for 50 bucks! At that price it was worth buying just to find out if I would like it or not.

 

[anthowl]

my preferred option above all is the Guyatone BL2.
it's simple to use, it's tiny, it can be powerful or subtle as you like and it's fair cheap..
..and it's purrrfect.
i use it always, even on recordings (and as such i can give you a demo, heh).