I just have a DBX 160 and I plug it in if I need it. There really isn't anything better for me and my needs but it is not a pedal. They were cheap when I got them used. For guitar the classic one knob MXR was wonderful
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Not Your Typical Compressor?
- Thread starter zacharybass76
- Start date
Duncan Studio Bass is quiet and relatively simple, though it’s 4 knobs and a switch. These are easy to find and not terribly expensive.
Level - Pedal output level is pretty simple.
Blend - Blend in some dry signal.
Switch controls if the dry blend is a full range signal, or if it’s focused on the lows or mids.
Comp - How much compression do you want?
Attack - Does almost nothing. You can effectively ignore it.
Level - Pedal output level is pretty simple.
Blend - Blend in some dry signal.
Switch controls if the dry blend is a full range signal, or if it’s focused on the lows or mids.
Comp - How much compression do you want?
Attack - Does almost nothing. You can effectively ignore it.
EBS Multi-Comp. The newest version is a 3 knob and a 3 ways switch device. However the slightly older version is a 2 knob and a 3 way switch pedal and it's a super versatile and super easy dial in. I used one for years and it's my favourite analogue compressor for good reason.
OP asks for a simple 2-3 knob compressor, and you present one with 5 knobs and 2 switches.
And they say people don't read threads anymore.
If you can find one, I recently ditched my Hyper Luminal (which wasn't bad at all) for a Photo Death Ray, which happens to be much more simple (but not why I switched). Very simple with only three knobs (one of them being output volume). The Human Ear sidechain is pretty special too (it works automatically).
Review 1
Review 2
Keeley Bassist. it's essentially the more complex Keeley Compressor Pro with adaptive attack and release that responds to your playing. Very user-friendly and gets a good usable sound fast.
This. I had the slightly older 2 knob "Studio Edition", but the new version has 3 knobs (Sensitivity is the new control). Extremely easy to dial in, 3 different modes of compression (I always used Tubesim mode for a bit of fattening up). I used it for years, and it was great, but ultimately, I only ever liked super subtle compression so I decided I don't really need any compressors on my board. That said, definite thumbs up for EBS Multicomp.
I forgot to write : the ART as a meter! Very practical! Around $100 too. 
Demeter Compulator. Two knobs for compression and volume, one trim pot to adjust input sensitivity.
Super sweet optical comp that I should have never sold…
Super sweet optical comp that I should have never sold…
When I want a simple compressor, I reach for my EBS Multicomp Studio Edition.
I'd go with the Keeley Bassist based on the opinions of folks I trust. I've never used one but, as I understand things, it's touted as a "dbx160 in pedal form" and that's a good thing.
Riis
Riis
Is that exactly like the Spectracomp TonePrint you can load on a BG250 amp? If it is, well yes, it does quite a nice job.
Funny-OP specifically asks for "simple..... with 2-3 knobs" and, well, the rest is TB history repeating itself
For "simple", I'd also recommend the TC Spectracomp, using only the stock print it comes with ("spectracomp") if you don't want to mess with the tone prints........1 small, inexpensive pedal with 1 knob. Now that I've given the OP what was asked for, I'll offer my unsolicited .02: the time it takes to thoroughly understand/become comfortable with a full- featured compressor is juice well worth the squeeze IMHO. A top quality compressor offers incredible flexibility....don't fear the 4th (or even 5th or 6th) knobs.....break on through to the other side......
For "simple", I'd also recommend the TC Spectracomp, using only the stock print it comes with ("spectracomp") if you don't want to mess with the tone prints........1 small, inexpensive pedal with 1 knob. Now that I've given the OP what was asked for, I'll offer my unsolicited .02: the time it takes to thoroughly understand/become comfortable with a full- featured compressor is juice well worth the squeeze IMHO. A top quality compressor offers incredible flexibility....don't fear the 4th (or even 5th or 6th) knobs.....break on through to the other side......
If the BG250 Compressor uses the same TonePrint options offered for the Spectracomp, I would say yes. But having said that, the Spectracomp does quite a nice job also.
I have a Pigtronixs bass compressor pedal with just 3 knobs and it works great.MXR would also be a good choice.
I still swear by the old DBX-163x half rack. One slider - it will fit in a pedalboard if you dont use a lot of pedals....I replaced mine with a MXR M-87 because I needed more space in my board. Although five knobs shown, it is essentially three knobs as two are gains (and one is just a ratio select) which I leave at unity and has a nice LED metered display like my old DBX-163x......Pic of it below with all settings on everything out of whack because the pic was taken right after assembling the board 
.....the only thing different is now the MXR comp is after/post the mixer
.....the only thing different is now the MXR comp is after/post the mixer
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I have the new EBS Multicomp and I love it. I also have the JHS Pulp'N'Peel v4 and it sounds great. Both pretty simple.
JHS Pulp'n'Peel.
4 knobs, each doing separate jobs, and a switch. So you get a one knob compressor, a one knob EQ, a one knob preamp boost, and a blend. Along with a switch that engages a Rat distortion circuit, if you want it. And an XLR out. Just because.
It's brilliant!
1 Pedal = Compressor / EQ / Preamp / Distortion / Direct Box - YouTube
Peace,
SoundSupport
4 knobs, each doing separate jobs, and a switch. So you get a one knob compressor, a one knob EQ, a one knob preamp boost, and a blend. Along with a switch that engages a Rat distortion circuit, if you want it. And an XLR out. Just because.
It's brilliant!
1 Pedal = Compressor / EQ / Preamp / Distortion / Direct Box - YouTube
Peace,
SoundSupport
