MarkBass Compressore

[Mark Andrew]

Would it make sense to use a Compressore not so much for compression but rather to warm up the sound of a Little Mark III amp?

Although perhaps not it's primary function it does work for this I find it's the sort of pedal you just want to leave on with a transistor amp. I find myself settings the compression threshold high so it only comes on when your gunning it or slapping. Otherwise when engaged it's noticeable with my elf an minimax. More so in the clarity of the highs. It is subtle however.

 

[Billyears IV]

Although perhaps not it's primary function it does work for this I find it's the sort of pedal you just want to leave on with a transistor amp. I find myself settings the compression threshold high so it only comes on when your gunning it or slapping. Otherwise when engaged it's noticeable with my elf an minimax. More so in the clarity of the highs. It is subtle however.

Do you find the tone v noticeable? As you say it's subtle, so not so pronounced as a tone shaper /EQ....?

The tube of the Compressore is primarily there for the compression, so it's not like a valve/tube pre-amp added tone.

 

[Phaidrus]

Although perhaps not it's primary function it does work for this I find it's the sort of pedal you just want to leave on with a transistor amp. I find myself settings the compression threshold high so it only comes on when your gunning it or slapping. Otherwise when engaged it's noticeable with my elf an minimax. More so in the clarity of the highs. It is subtle however.

Yes, that's the impression I have of Compressore from reading various reviews. But, on the other hand, if warmth (combined with clarity) is what I'm looking for, shouldn't I rather buy an amp like the Little Mark Vintage, which has a warm sound by design?

 

[Billyears IV]

Yes, that's the impression I have of Compressore from reading various reviews. But, on the other hand, if warmth (combined with clarity) is what I'm looking for, shouldn't I rather buy an amp like the Little Mark Vintage, which has a warm sound by design?

Best thing you can do is try one out with your own bass, if that's feasible with Covid in your area. Trust your own ears. 'Warmth' is a pretty loose term, subjective to several factors, including your own touch with fingers, playing technique.
Im using a Fender rumble which I feel has some warmth and 'soul'. Not much experience with markbass amps but plenty of guys here to chat with and threads to tap into.....

 

[Mark Andrew]

Do you find the tone v noticeable? As you say it's subtle, so not so pronounced as a tone shaper /EQ....?

The tube of the Compressore is primarily there for the compression, so it's not like a valve/tube pre-amp added tone.

I think it's subtle but when playing alone it is noticeable. No eq at all indeed but it can give a significant gain and volume boost if required. Not switchable independently of course. Difficult to put your finger on but it just sounds sweeter to my ear. I'm not à pedal guy but love this. Operation light is really bright that's my only criticism....

 

[Mark Andrew]

Yes, that's the impression I have of Compressore from reading various reviews. But, on the other hand, if warmth (combined with clarity) is what I'm looking for, shouldn't I rather buy an amp like the Little Mark Vintage, which has a warm sound by design?

I agree, I also prefer to get what I want from the amp and tap dance as little as possible. I found my self not staying with one amp and not all have compression built in so that was my main reason for the pedal. The fact is adds a little character was an additional bonus

 

[Phaidrus]

I agree, I also prefer to get what I want from the amp and tap dance as little as possible. I found my self not staying with one amp and not all have compression built in so that was my main reason for the pedal. The fact is adds a little character was an additional bonus

Yes, myself I'm trying to figure out whether I should buy the Compressore, or the Little Mark Vintage, or just stay with what I already have (CMD121P combo + NY121). I like its sound, especially for slap and funk but I'd like a bit more warmth and roundness for reggae and dub. Would the sound be much different if I'd drive my two 12" with the Little Mark Vintage (disconnecting the combo amp and using the Vintage amp instead)? Or if I'd drive a 104HF (or 102HF) cab with the Little Mark Vintage?

 

[sears]

It's an unusual compressor. It's fantastic. I love mine. It does sound warm and fat, even though it's using the tube only to bring out the natural warmth of your playing. The tube is performing the compression and not amplifying the signal. Unlike most pedal compressors, you can control it like a studio compressor. You could use it as a studio compressor.

The only downside is: you're gonna love it. Really. Then, you're going to say, I could add THIS box to make it even fatter, and you can! Try hitting it with an EP Booster at 18v. Then you're dealing with a pedalboard, and the Compressore is relatively speaking a pain to put on a pedalboard. It's still worth it, just takes more thought.

 

[RobD_BritBass]

I know this is a bit of an old thread, but having owned a V1 compressore for years (and always rather enjoying it) I've come back to using it on my main board again. I decided the sound was worth the hassle of the larger size and power requirements.
The thing that sold me on it again was actually using it with the gain knob turned up higher than I used to, turning it up to 2-3 o'clock seems to just bring out more of the character of the pedal, obviously the threshold and output needs to be adjusted to suit, but it is currently my favoured way to run it.
In fact, turning the gain up full and the threshold right up makes for a very nice character preamp or boost

 

[Billyears IV]

I know this is a bit of an old thread, but having owned a V1 compressore for years (and always rather enjoying it) I've come back to using it on my main board again. I decided the sound was worth the hassle of the larger size and power requirements.
The thing that sold me on it again was actually using it with the gain knob turned up higher than I used to, turning it up to 2-3 o'clock seems to just bring out more of the character of the pedal, obviously the threshold and output needs to be adjusted to suit, but it is currently my favoured way to run it.
In fact, turning the gain up full and the threshold right up makes for a very nice character preamp or boost

Yes, I agree and more recently have been enjoying boosting the gain. All the knobs/dials affect each other, so slight tweaking can bring changes across the whole lot.

 

[Boneless]

Reupping the thread to say how much I like the Markbass Compressore. I've recently decided, on a whim, to actually record bass with it on instead of recording dry and relying on either professional compressors or ITB compression. It sounds really magnificent with my Höfner Club through an 800RB (both DI and mic, two of them in fact). Attack at 8.30-ish, release at 10 o'clock or so, ratio halfway, gain at 2 o'clock and threshold set so that it compresses basically every note stronger than mezzopiano.

 

[Sergio Fabiani]

Hi, speaking of which... anybody selling one or another? Been looking for it for a while in France... thanks for a PM!
Cheers,
SERGIO

 

[Sugarbear08]

I totally concur about goosing the gain on the Compressore as it adds so much harmonic content and heft. This is an always on device for me. Tone magic.

 

[BramB]

I just copped a second hand one for 150 euros, can't wait for it to arrive