One compression pedal for bass and guitar

[netgeist]

Folks,

I am contemplating a compression pedal purchase and I would prefer to buy only one that will work with both bass and guitar. Is that feasible? If so, do I want a guitar pedal or a bass pedal?

Thanks,

- netgeist

 

[audiomitch]

Try a BBE Opto Stomp. Also, a Boss LMB-3 works surprisingly well on guitar.

 

[ksandvik]

Most compressor pedals should be just fine. It's a compressor, after all. I doubt many have built-in filters to cut out low-end or something similar.

 

[bongomania]

Most compressor pedals should be just fine. It's a compressor, after all. I doubt many have built-in filters to cut out low-end or something similar.

Gonggg.... A large percentage of guitar-oriented comp pedals do roll off the low end.

There are also comps that roll off highs, either constantly or as a side-effect of the dynamics processing.

My reviews specify any loss of lows or highs.

As far as other differences, guitarists tend to like a lower threshold, so you may want a pedal that has a nice wide range of either threshold or input level.

 

[markblasco]

The Mark Bass Compressore looks to have enough controls to dial in a different sound and feel depending on the application. I don't know how it would effect the sound of a guitar, but with my bass I don't hear any noticeable difference in tone with it.

 

[Derek Balonek]

If you can find a compressor that sounds good on bass, it'll sound good on guitar too. Depending on what you use it for (sustain, limiting, compression), your need for controls may vary. I've heard the MXR bass compressor is nice on both, and it has enough controls to shape it for myriad uses.

Most compressor pedals should be just fine. It's a compressor, after all. I doubt many have built-in filters to cut out low-end or something similar.

Some of them do, oddly. IIRC most pedals have input and output caps; some companies don't use ones large enough to let lower bass frequencies through without noticeable attenuation. I don't know if that kind of thing is common on pedal compressors, but I've seen it on a few distortions and ODs.

EDIT: Looks like Bongo already chimed in. I guess it isn't too uncommon to put small caps in front of guitar compressors then.

 

[guroove]

Try a BBE Opto Stomp. Also, a Boss LMB-3 works surprisingly well on guitar.

I'll second the Opto Stomp, but only if you're looking for something cheap and with simple controls.

 

[bongomania]

Interestingly, with comps the problem is usually not the input or output caps. The basic circuit design of the Ross/Dynacomp/Keeley/nearlyeveryotherguitarcomppedal actually loses lows inherently, and raising those cap values is not an effective "fix".

 

[N.F.A.]

I have used the Demeter Compulator on both instruments and a couple others as well. It adds a light compression and this beautiful sheen to the sound. It's not totally transparent and it doesn't squeeze very hard. But, it's always been my favorite. Also a big fan of the DynaComp too, but it's a bit noisy.

 

[newbold]

I would use compression for different reasons on guitar and bass.

Even then, my DOD Milkbox does the trick for both. I generally like my compression to be transparent, but the fattening/sustaining qualities of my Milkbox works great on guitar and is awesome on bass.

I only wish it had a threshold control.

If I were going for a squeezer, I'd seriously consider a BYOC Armstrong clone. It's a very effecty squashy compressor, but if that's what you're looking for it also has a green ringer ring mod up distortion that is a fantastic addition to any guitar pedalboard.

 

[ksandvik]

Thanks for the clarification. Kind of interesting that some companies roll in high-pass circuits in their compressors, maybe to compensate for bad compression artifacts with low end frequencies -- which for me sounds like a badly designed circuit or cheap components.

 

[bongomania]

To be absolutely clear about it NO company ever adds a high-pass intentionally (that I am aware of). Rather, the loss of lows is inherent to the design of the classic Ross/Dynacomp OTA circuit that 99% of guitar comp pedals are based on. It is not a separate filter stage that has been added or can be removed. Nor is it easily corrected with different cap or resistor values; raising the output cap value helps with the lows, but cuts the highs.

It is possible to use the same chip and some other elements of that circuit to make a comp that doesn't lose highs or lows, but that requires R&D that most pedal companies don't care to spend the time or money on. And most "boutique" builders aren't even competent to make those design changes, they are content to copy the classic circuit and use Wima caps, silver solder, and a fancy paint job, and pretend they have created a masterpiece.

 

[netgeist]

I've considered both the Optostomp and Milk Box - so thanks for those suggestions. As luck would have it, someone on this forum is selling the Milk Box, so hopefully I can get that.

- netgeist

 

[caeman]

FEA.

Any of FEA's compressors will be the last compressor your ever need.

 

[mackinawpeaches]

Keeley 4-knob. Discussion over.

 

[EricF]

I have used the Demeter Compulator on both instruments and a couple others as well. It adds a light compression and this beautiful sheen to the sound. It's not totally transparent and it doesn't squeeze very hard. But, it's always been my favorite.

+1. The Demeter Compulator is a lovely comp, I just don't have a need for a comp pedal any more.


(Psst...sig)

 

[NortyFiner]

+1 for the DOD Milk Box.

The MXR Dyna Comp is a simple, relatively cheap option. It loses some lows with bass, but still has a nice tone that I like.

 

[HuntYouDown]

My Boss ME50, works great with guitar and bass. i hear the guys from Kings of Leon use it, including bass player. They make a ME50B, but it is not necessary.

 

[ga_edwards]

How about the TC Nova Dynamics (despite Bongo's reservations)? Two independent compressor pedals in one box. You could use channel A for bass and channel B for guitar.

The studio (multiband) mode is wonderfully transparent and quiet - great for bass. The stomp mode, as Bongo notes, does have a certain 'artifact' on the attack, but I reckon it would be fine and unnoticeable on guitar - would absolutely nail those funky Nile Rogers chops.

 

[Charley Umbria]

Check out the Effectrode PC-2A. It's a little more expensive, but the sound is fantastic. Besides, you're actually saving money by not buying two pedals...right?