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Suggestions for a Compressor?

J

Just Wrong

Mar 30, 2023
1,449
2,317
#1
I've had a number of compressors over the years, but I'm looking to try something different, I think. Here's a list of some of what I've had and liked:
  • Becos CompIQ Pro Stella -- Couldn't wrap my head around it, but I liked how it sounded.
  • Cali 76 CB -- I've owned and sold the Cali 76 CB so many times. While I love it, sometimes I just don't want its baked-in tone.
  • Effectrode LA-1A -- Love it. Just too big and the boost side is rather pointless IME.
  • Empress Bass Compressor -- Liked it on modern basses, but didn't do it for me on a vintage bass, where is I like to use compression most.
Here's a list of those I'd like to try:
  • Lusithand Alma Comp MKII -- Sounds interesting and gets a lot of praise. I like that it's reminiscent of the Diamond, which is what Paul Turner uses.
  • Broughton Omnicomp -- IME, Broughton effects are overhyped (all the ones I've had were disappointing besides the Subsonic), so I'm worried here.
  • Doc Lloyd Photon Death Ray -- Always seems to be sold out.
  • Niche Devices Humbold Compressor -- Always seems to be sold out.
  • Source Audio Atlas -- I like the idea of having a 1176 and LA-2A compressor in a box, but I find Source Audio's pedal a bit hard to wrap my head around.
  • Union Tube & Transistor Lab Compressor -- Pino was spotted using one, it's LA-2A-like, a bit worried due to the lack of controls...
I think I'm leaning towards the Lusithand or Lab. What do you think? Any more suggestions?

I play a Fender CS 63 Jazz Bass and (soon) a 6 string Swan bass with 4-band preamp and soapbar pickups.

Thanks.
 
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#5
Boss BC-1X Bass Comp. Best combination of ease of use and sound quality on the market, plus, it's gorgeous.

IMG_2741.jpeg
 
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#7
Nashrakh said:
The Atlas is fully useable straight out of the box. I have one myself and was fully prepared to dive into the nitty gritty, but I found the stock presets to be so good that tinkering has not been necessary. That may address your concerns in that regard.
Click to expand...

Do you know if you can chain compressors with the Atlas? Could I have a 1176-type compressor go into a LA-2A?
 
#10
Just Wrong said:
Lusithand Alma Comp MKII -- Sounds interesting and gets a lot of praise.
Click to expand...
And rightly so. It's a great sounding comp that's really easy to dial in; very intuitive. I have a V1 and it's perfect for what I want from a compressor; subtle compression and gentle tone enhancement that smoothes evenly across all strings, especially on the low end. IOW, compression without sounding compressed.
 
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#11
Just Wrong said:
Do you know if you can chain compressors with the Atlas? Could I have a 1176-type compressor go into a LA-2A?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can do that. If you want to try playing with all the settings you can download Source Audio's Neuro Editor, and there is an option to "Show Offline Device Editor" so you can see all the settings.
 
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#12
Just Wrong said:
I've had a number of compressors over the years, but I'm looking to try something different, I think. Here's a list of some of what I've had and liked:
  • Becos CompIQ Pro Stella -- Couldn't wrap my head around it, but I liked how it sounded.
  • Cali 76 CB -- I've owned and sold the Cali 76 CB so many times. While I love it, sometimes I just don't want its baked-in tone.
  • Effectrode LA-1A -- Love it. Just too big and the boost side is rather pointless IME.
  • Empress Bass Compressor -- Liked it on modern basses, but didn't do it for me on a vintage bass, where is I like to use compression most.
Here's a list of those I'd like to try:
  • Lusithand Alma Comp MKII -- Sounds interesting and gets a lot of praise. I like that it's reminiscent of the Diamond, which is what Paul Turner uses.
  • Broughton Omnicomp -- IME, Broughton effects are overhyped (all the ones I've had were disappointing besides the Subsonic), so I'm worried here.
  • Doc Lloyd Photon Death Ray -- Always seems to be sold out.
  • Niche Devices Humbold Compressor -- Always seems to be sold out.
  • Source Audio Atlas -- I like the idea of having a 1176 and LA-2A compressor in a box, but I find Source Audio's pedal a bit hard to wrap my head around.
  • Union Tube & Transistor Lab Compressor -- Pino was spotted using one, it's LA-2A-like, a bit worried due to the lack of controls...
I think I'm leaning towards the Lusithand or Lab. What do you think? Any more suggestions?

I play a Fender CS 63 Jazz Bass and (soon) a 6 string Swan bass with 4-band preamp and soapbar pickups.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have the source audio atlas, and it's an amazingly flexible, high-quality, lovely sounding unit. But man is it complex. Which can be a good or bad thing. The software it comes with is really well done, and super deep. You can set it pretty easily with the basic hardware controls, but if you want to get to the advanced functions, you really have to get into the software. Personally, I gave up on trying to set it using the knobs on the hardware interface. I found that once I got beyond the surface level and started editing multiple presets and using hidden or dual-function features on the box itself, it was too much of a "flying blind" experience. Not a knock on the unit. It's freaking amazing. And can be used simply if you want. Also it's stereo, which is great for some things.
 
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#14
I’ll throw in another vote for the Boss BC-1X. The meter is great to have. I had 1 & foolishly let it go. They’ve since gone up in price so I’m now using a Keeley GC-2. I like the Keeley. It has an LED that changes color when your signal is over the threshold & being compressed. That’s better than nothing. They’re made in the USA too. You can get a used one for a decent price. The BC-1X & Keeley might be ones to consider. Hope you find what you’re looking for.
 
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#15
+2 on The BC-1X. I tried numerous name brands over a 6 month period. I ran compressor-less most of that time, as I did not like the results I was getting, until I finally got the Boss BC-1X. Previously only used a DBX 266 rack mount, which the Boss comes closest to running and sounding like.

But let's face it, compressors are like underwear. We all have different tastes, and what crawls up my rear end might suit yours just fine!
 
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#16
amper said:
Boss BC-1X Bass Comp. Best combination of ease of use and sound quality on the market, plus, it's gorgeous.

View attachment 5403909
Click to expand...

Bass Blender said:
I’ll throw in another vote for the Boss BC-1X. The meter is great to have. I had 1 & foolishly let it go. They’ve since gone up in price so I’m now using a Keeley GC-2. I like the Keeley. It has an LED that changes color when your signal is over the threshold & being compressed. That’s better than nothing. They’re made in the USA too. You can get a used one for a decent price. The BC-1X & Keeley might be ones to consider. Hope you find what you’re looking for.
Click to expand...

jTrolt said:
+2 on The BC-1X. I tried numerous name brands over a 6 month period. I ran compressor-less most of that time, as I did not like the results I was getting, until I finally got the Boss BC-1X. Previously only used a DBX 266 rack mount, which the Boss comes closest to running and sounding like.

But let's face it, compressors are like underwear. We all have different tastes, and what crawls up my rear end might suit yours just fine!
Click to expand...

How do you feel about the lack of HPF or blend? Esp. when it comes to the low B?

Thanks.
 
#17
Keep in mind, in my experience not all compressors jive with certain basses, etc. For instance, Keeley Bassist works great on my passive P American Pro II, but I just could not get the Diamond comp eq to jive with the P bass. I tried all different places in the chain, removed stuff, added stuff....nope. The Diamond does its job superbly on my Stingray Special though. Food for thought.
 
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#18
HPF: I would honestly set aside as a separate subject. My pre's cover that aspect, but I don't use one any longer. Too much loss of body on that B, as I was schooled by a sound engineer, starved for bass signal beneath 100Hz at a gig last summer.
Blend: Yes, would be nice, but I'm not suffering the lack of it.
I throttle the B all night. Nothing but a smile on my face the whole time.
For the incurable tweaker that I am, it's probably a good thing I did not settle on a more complex pedal, as I'm quite convinced, I'd never stop adjusting.
 
#19
A little more clarity: I'm running Bartolini system in an MTD Kingston = HOT output. Dialed down internal trim pot to a more sane level. My approach to compression leans a bit more towards a limiting setting to help preserve gentler dynamic songs throughout the sets.
Favorite feature: that meter bar. Tells me what I want to know, which is no yellow or red lights, just the first 2-4 green, meaning no more than 2-3 DB attenuation.
 
#20
So many great comps, so little time or $.

+1 for the Alma V2. I have yet to need to play with the settings for more than a quick turn and it literally good on any of my 3 basses. Active soapbars, Passive reverend Split and think Bricks and active multi-coil.
 
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