MXR Bass Comp, Boss CS-2 or Analogman Bi-Comprossor?

I'd start with the MXR. On the other hand, I'd lovd to try the Analogman mainly for the Orange Squeezer side. I'm kinda over subtle compression these days.

 

Of those three, the Analogman for sure. But you should check out the Diamond Bass Compressor too.

 

Re: Boss. Any specific reason why the CS-2 rather than the CS-3? Also, have you considered the LMB-3? Bongo recommends it as a good "cheap" (ish) compressor, more so than the CS-3.

 

The Bi-Comp is a great bass comp, don't let the ovnilab review scare you. Having said that, I found that I really like the OS (Juicer) side so much more that I hardly used the Ross side. Ross comp clones just don't work that well on bass, at least that's my experience. Because of this, I actually switched over to the single pedal Juicer from AnalogMike - which I find to be a fantastic 1 knob comp, really adds some nice "effectiness" to the tone and makes it sit in the mix really well. For my taste (and bass), it's already dialed in so nicely. I sometimes use other comps when I want to stack them for some super squash. The Cali76TX is one of my latest faves but I also really like the 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR.

Sorry, I can't speak to the MXR or the Boss as I've never used them myself. Have always wanted to try the Boss CS-2 though. Maybe some day soon I'll pick one up for comparison's sake. Good luck, hopefully this is somewhat helpful... again, the Bi-Comp is a solid compressor for bass.

 

Oh, I'd also recommend looking at the FEA Labs comps. I had the Dual-Band Optical Comp/Limiter and really liked it. Almost a bit too transparent for me at times but god, what a good compressor. I've always want to try the Opti-FET Comp, thinking it might be more my style. Hear great things about the Dual-Engine model too.

 

FWIW, Analogman is sending me his newest version of the Bicomp for review soon; he says he has beaten the issues I complain of in my current review.

 

I'm also about to take the plunge with compressors. Could anyone tell me if it would be okay to use a compressor that is said to be made for Guitar? Will it effect my tone in a bad way? I have been looking at the MXR Dyna Comp.

 

Look at the reviews linked in my sig.

 

The reviews in your sig will help me a lot. Thanks, bongomania.

 

I have the CS-2, CS-3 and LM-2 (Limiter), all sound great. the difference between the 2 and the 3 is very subtle imo, I use them both very lightly so you can hardly tell they're on, that's what I like about them, they can be subtle.
the CS-3 gets bashed but it's one of the best comps out there (imo), I own own and have tried many.
the mij CS-3 (the one to get, DBX chip) is different than the later Korean and Taiwanese models (THAT chip).

 

Hiss, white noise, plus excessive amplification of the various EMF noises picked up by the bass and cable.

Since he hasn't gotten the pedal to me yet, I can't really say when my update will be posted. Probably not sooner than 3-4 weeks from now.

 

I've used both the CS-2 and CS-3 on bass before - in very, very sparing doses, either can be fine. I greatly, greatly prefer my LMB-3, though - very transparent, more versatile and cheaper than the CS-3, but stay away from the Enhance knob ... If you're tempted by Boss, that's the one I'd recommend.

 

Hey, Bongo, did you ever get to check out the "quieter" Bi-Comp? I heard that his only upgrade was to serve the guitarist with a brighter output rather than reduce noise.

 

I used a Dyna Comp years ago, they were the thing in their day. Don't overlook the Aguilar TLC. Top drawer if you ask me.

 

I have the MXR and the Boss, and prefer the latter simply because of the three knobs. I've tried two-knob compressors, but felt that they offered too little tweekability. Bought the MXR and felt it was too tweekable. The CS-2 is perfect for me, plus I also like Juan... very much.