Not Your Typical Compressor?

[zacharybass76]

I'm sure there are thousands of typical, "What's everyone's favorite compressor pedal" threads on talkbass, but I'm looking for a very specific type of compressor. I want a compressor that is 1) quiet, and 2) simple, with 2-3 knobs. Can anyone help me with some suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Mushroo]

My favorite 2-knobber is the Union Tube & Transistor LAB. It is 1) studio quiet and 2) very simple to dial in a good sound, only 2 knobs (compression and makeup gain).

 

[spartan1620]

I’ll throw the Keeley Bassist out there too. Three knobs: compression, threshold, and gain.

 

[getBAK]

Yep, Keeley Bassist. 3 knobs, and It's hard to get a bad sound out of it. Robert Keeley - protecting bassists from themselves since 2001

 

[JKos]

Rothwell Love Squeeze. Uber quiet, two knobs, no bad sounds.

 

[Killing Floor]

I really like the Pulp'n'Peel for a simple compressor. If you don't want to spend a lot of time dialing it in that's a good call. There's a review of it on the massive compression review thread in TB effects forum.
I use it on my guitar more than my others because it has a blend so you can mix in/out the walls.

 

[mmbongo]

Diamond Bass Comp Jr.

 

[Inconnu]

I use an ART Tube MP/C. Tube preamp and compressor. Aside from the input and output levels, you get a threshold knob, a speed switch (fast or auto) and a slope switch (compressor or limiter). It doesn’t get easier then that for an always on compressor. Cheap, sounds great!

 

[HelpImaRock]

I really like the Keeley Bassist. If you can deal with a fourth knob, I love the BOSS BC-1x.

 

[sonic 7]

I have a Whirlwind OC bass comp. 2 knobs, a 3 position attack switch and a 2 position comp/limit switch. Plus metering. Very easy to use, sounds great.

 

[scuzzy]

V1 or V2 bbe opto stomp. Transparent, quiet, subtle.

 

[oranje]

Diamond. Simple, and tasteful coloring.

 

[KenD]

I haven't played through one (still lusting after it) but the Effectrode PC-2A Tube Compressor is quite simple and very highly regarded.

PC-2A Tube Compressor - Effectrode

 

[Dapper Dan]

I have a Whirlwind OC bass comp. 2 knobs, a 3 position attack switch and a 2 position comp/limit switch. Plus metering. Very easy to use, sounds great.

The Whirlwind is the only one I have, and actually the only one I've ever used. I think it does a great job of being quiet and it has pretty precise controls, not imparting a dramatic change in the overall sound with every small turn of the knob.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I'm sure there are thousands of typical, "What's everyone's favorite compressor pedal" threads on talkbass, but I'm looking for a very specific type of compressor. I want a compressor that is 1) quiet, and 2) simple, with 2-3 knobs. Can anyone help me with some suggestions? Thanks.

My Eden Navigator Preamp (see avatar) has an optical compressor, 2 knobs, ratio and threshold. I haven’t ever noticed it being noisy, but it is effective for what I need. That said, the preamp was designed with a rack set up in mind so probably not what you are looking for.

 

[Auspuff]

Keeley Compressor Pro.

Don't be fooled by the others.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Aguilar DB 599 is pretty simple and effective.

 

[Tom Bomb]

Mine's not pictured — has one too many knobs. Still, simple enough
​

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm sure there are thousands of typical, "What's everyone's favorite compressor pedal" threads on talkbass, but I'm looking for a very specific type of compressor. I want a compressor that is 1) quiet, and 2) simple, with 2-3 knobs. Can anyone help me with some suggestions? Thanks.

Studio bass

By Duncan.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm sure there are thousands of typical, "What's everyone's favorite compressor pedal" threads on talkbass, but I'm looking for a very specific type of compressor. I want a compressor that is 1) quiet, and 2) simple, with 2-3 knobs. Can anyone help me with some suggestions? Thanks.

Spectracomp

By TC.

It can be as simple, or as complex as you could ever imagine.

Or, you can just try out presets.

Or, you can just open the box, and mess with the one and only knob til you find your sweet spot.