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MXR M87 Compressor

FirewalZ

FirewalZ

Aug 14, 2014
3,766
7,358
S.E. Michigan
#1
I have needed a compressor for some time, I don't use effects, just an old jazz bass plugged directly into a GK combo. I don't have an opportunity to really test drive anything, so after reading many reviews I decided on the MXR. I was initially considering Diamond and Empress, but they are just a bit too much $.
I play in a "classics" cover band and am really going after a thicker, warm and punchy while still very clear in the mix sound. Thoughts and experience with this pedal?
 
#2
I think you made the right choice $-wise. It's a pretty transparent pedal. I tend to play mostly faster stuff lately and have my attack/release set for this style. It won't change your tone much but there is a small amount of noise IME. Check the manual to adjust it to your style of play and give us your thoughts. For the $ I'm quite happy with this pedal.
 
#6
It works for me. I think the noise folks mention may be amplification of anything preceding the compressor -- pedal, preamp or pickups. I now have it up front in my chain, so I get no noise. When I had it after other pedals, I could detect some noise. Given a clean signal, it performs well.
 
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#10
Im a big fan of mine, I did notice some (very little) extra noise with it switched on. Honestly all the compressors Ive used have increased the noise level when not playing (just the nature of how compressors work). However my bass cuts through the mix much better with the m87 and I have a nice even sound from high to low. Mine sits right after my sansamp in the signal chain. BTW I run mine setup like this, the gain LEDs represent my normal amount of attack when playing. Output is set just a touch above unity:
ECXrdy4.jpg
 
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#14
eriky4003 said:
From my readings, I'd say the Diamond is the one you want for thicker and warm. The MXR will give you thicker. I have the M87 and love the transparency it provides with the functionality of compression.
Click to expand...

I agree, based on reviews, the Diamond probably "sounds" warmer, etc. However they were just a bit too much $, also it seems to have a fairly small fixed ratio and may not have as many compression options or variations.
 
#15
FirewalZ said:
I agree, based on reviews, the Diamond probably "sounds" warmer, etc. However they were just a bit too much $, also it seems to have a fairly small fixed ratio and may not have as many compression options or variations.
Click to expand...

That's what I've heard about the Diamond too. Depending on what the compression is used for, that "warmer" effect may or may not be a good thing. Sometimes you want that a compressor that flatters your tone a bit. Other times you just want some help with levels, without adding to your tone or taking away from it. If that describes you, you probably want two different units.
 
#16
For what it's worth: I ditched my M87 for a Dismond BCP-1 and have never looked back. Far fewer option on the Diamond, but the sound is such an improvement that I really don't mind. The M87 was a good tool for fairly precise compression, or limiting. The Diamond is a good tool for light compression, and a great tool for tone "sweetening." It's not all about fattening. Bongo says it in his review, and I agree that it somehow fattens and simultaneously clarifies your tone. Really cool pedal. It runs noticeably better on an 18v power supply, which might be a deal killer for some.
 
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#19
silky smoove said:
For what it's worth: I ditched my M87 for a Dismond BCP-1 and have never looked back. Far fewer option on the Diamond, but the sound is such an improvement that I really don't mind. The M87 was a good tool for fairly precise compression, or limiting. The Diamond is a good tool for light compression, and a great tool for tone "sweetening." It's not all about fattening. Bongo says it in his review, and I agree that it somehow fattens and simultaneously clarifies your tone. Really cool pedal. It runs noticeably better on an 18v power supply, which might be a deal killer for some.
Click to expand...

The Diamond and Empress were simply out of my price range....Also you are saying the MRX runs better on 18v?
 

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