I had a MXR M87 Compressor pedal. It was really good. I used it year and a half and suddenly it broke down. Since the warranty was no longer valid I sent it for repair with an authorized dealer but they told me the repair cost is the same as a new one. It looks like the electronic board is messed up. I am thinking about getting a new one, so my question is, does this issue happen often?, I mean, the MXR M87 Compressor breaking around this time of use. I really liked it but I rather buy a compressor from another brand if I will have to buy a new one every couple of years.
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Should I buy again an MXR M87 Compressor pedal?
- Thread starter britonet
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- bass pedal compressor m87 mxr
I got one second hand a year ago and use it always on, no problems, never heard of others having issues so maybe you were unlucky
I heard and I checked as some pedals of MXR they had some issues. A few times I read about noise issues about this compressor. But there aren not the only ones. Here in TB also you can read some the complaints of some folks of another brands like EBS, Aguilar, Darkglass, TC Electronics, etc. It's not so common but this things they happen.
I tell you my last experience with an Aguilar Octamizer. Recently with a friend of mine we did an A/B both with our owner's Aguilar Octamizer, and after we tried the two Octamizers with the same basses and playing each one, we checked and realized as my Aggie it tracked not so nice and accurate as his Aggie.
If this MXR compressor it fits well for musical needings then get another one. Better if it's of second hand.
I tell you my last experience with an Aguilar Octamizer. Recently with a friend of mine we did an A/B both with our owner's Aguilar Octamizer, and after we tried the two Octamizers with the same basses and playing each one, we checked and realized as my Aggie it tracked not so nice and accurate as his Aggie.
If this MXR compressor it fits well for musical needings then get another one. Better if it's of second hand.
My M87 died not long ago. I took the opportunity to try something new, a Wampler Ego. I always felt the M87 did a fine job of compression without really affecting the tone of my bass. That might be a selling point for some but after trying something new I realized that I don't mind the tone enhancement that other comps might offer. I am relatively inexperienced when it comes to compressors but I would suggest trying something new.
And as someone pointed out to me when I expressed concern about the lack of metering on the Ego, it helps you use your ears when you don't have it and might be considered a benefit in the long run.
And as someone pointed out to me when I expressed concern about the lack of metering on the Ego, it helps you use your ears when you don't have it and might be considered a benefit in the long run.
The repair will cost the same as a new one? That is pretty shabby diagnostics!
Since there have been many people on forums saying that their M87 has failed, the number of failures are most likely several orders of magnitude higher, because most players do not post in forums. MXR has had this failure issue for over 5 years now. Their techs should know what part needs to be replaced without opening the cover with all of the experience they must have by now.
I suggest trying a Boss BC-1x for a similar price.
-Frank
I've owned one for a little over 3 years now and it was bought secondhand. Never had any type,of issue, last in my chain of a LOT of stuff to make it earn its keep and it's always on. BUT stranger things have happened. I'm planning on getting a second one for my middle board.
You should get the dead unit back from that authorized dealer and talk directly to MXR. A few people have said that MXR made the repair outside of the warranty period on their dime (less shipping).
-Frank
I had an MXR pedal break out of warranty. They sent me an RMA #. I sent in the pedal and it was a $50 flat rate. Got in back in about 2 weeks
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Steve Doner
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When mine died my experience was similar. I have little patience for electronics that break especially if it happens to something that has never left my home/studio. Even when something breaks under warranty it tends to destroy that brand's reputation in my mind (when the gear has been treated with TLC).
How often does a TV break? Almost never? That's my standard, reasonable or not.
I had a like-new, home-use-only, micro amp die recently and will likely never buy anything from that maker again. Service was excellent (as was MXR's when my compressor died), but packaging, shipping and living without the item is still a major hassle.
I sold the MXR after repair and replaced it with a Markbass Compressore which is excellent and has more control on the input side.
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I've never had anything by MXR go sideways on me. Even my GF's vintage Dyna Comp is still going strong since the 80s when she bought it.
I think you just hit a spot of bad luck with yours. It happens. Or so I'm told.
In 40+ years of playing, I've only had two boxes die on me. Both were really old too. One because (in a weak moment) I loaned it out to somebody I already had misgivings about lending it to in the first place. And he didn't disappoint. The other was a Seamoon Funk Machine I bought new back in the 70s that finally gave up the ghost all on its own on New Years Day 1999. Sad moment when that old trooper died.
I think you just hit a spot of bad luck with yours. It happens. Or so I'm told.
In 40+ years of playing, I've only had two boxes die on me. Both were really old too. One because (in a weak moment) I loaned it out to somebody I already had misgivings about lending it to in the first place. And he didn't disappoint. The other was a Seamoon Funk Machine I bought new back in the 70s that finally gave up the ghost all on its own on New Years Day 1999. Sad moment when that old trooper died.
I prefer the Keeley Bassist Compressor. Easier to use and sounds better, imo.
If you're going for a pedal compressor, I think the MXR is one of the best.
Your authorized dealer is questionable, though. I would contact MXR.
Unlikely you're going to have this problem with that box again.
Your authorized dealer is questionable, though. I would contact MXR.
Unlikely you're going to have this problem with that box again.
Same happened to me recently. Mine just went out and MXR took care of it.
Have used the MXR for a couple of years and have been happy with it. The only problem I ever had was the knobs coming apart. Recently nabbed a Keeley. We'll see how that goes.
I read the posts and I contacted MXR. They extended me the warranty. I received an RMA number.
Yeah the mxr m87 is a decent compressor pedal for bass, take a look at it in action
And there's a nice article featuring all of the top compressor pedals for bass, with video demonstrations and prices here: Bass Compressor Pedals | 8 Best Compression Pedals for Bass 2018
And there's a nice article featuring all of the top compressor pedals for bass, with video demonstrations and prices here: Bass Compressor Pedals | 8 Best Compression Pedals for Bass 2018
To update this thread for the first time in three years, I sent my M87 in to Dunlop for a pot repair. It's out of warranty and the pot damage was my fault, not a breakdown. The current flat rate is $75, up from $50 earlier in this thread (around 2017). I paid for shipping to Dunlop, but the flat rate covers everything else- parts, labor, and return shipping. If the main PC board has to replaced, it is covered. I think that's reasonable, given that new M87s sell for $190. I also have the Keeley Bassist and the Darkglass Hyper Luminal, but I like the M87 well enough for what it does differently, that I wanted to get it repaired. I'll report back here after I get the pedal back.
By the way, another poster in this thread referenced the M87 knobs breaking. I had one of mine break after 10 years or so, and mentioned it to Dunlop support. They sent me a complete set of five M87 knobs for free!
Every time I've had a question for Dunlop support, they have gotten back to me very promptly. I recommend them highly, as well as MXR pedals in general.
By the way, another poster in this thread referenced the M87 knobs breaking. I had one of mine break after 10 years or so, and mentioned it to Dunlop support. They sent me a complete set of five M87 knobs for free!
Every time I've had a question for Dunlop support, they have gotten back to me very promptly. I recommend them highly, as well as MXR pedals in general.
