The perfect Bass Comp... doesn't excist!

[SteveFromBerlin]

Hey guys,

because I see LOADS of threats regarding the perfect bass compressor, I'll repost my answer from here.

My advice is this:

Some comps sound old school, others modern (linear / no colour in tone). The question is: Do you want it to colour your tone. If so, how much?

Did you ever hear someone say that a tube mic and a tube preamp are too much coloration? That's kind of the same thing.

I LOVE the Diamond Comp Jr.! But, if I combine that with used flatwounds, an all tube head and a closed cab without a tweater... mudd will be your friend. Diamond Comp Jr. infront of a GK or Markbass? Damn right, a bit of color in front of a clean setup.

MXR 87 (clean, awesome, excellent comp) in front of an Ampeg V4B? Yes Sir!

A wise man once said:

BOSS LMB = Ampeg
BOSS BC-1X = Gallien Krueger

I hope you get my point. I learned this the hard way by buying loads of comps and amps.

PS: The TC Spectra Comp is really impressive. The factory comp setting is crap! But check out the Nathan East Toneprint! If you can afford it: Check out the Cali 76. If you can Solder: This is an effin' awesome German DIY-Kit.

Good luck in finding YOUR perfect comp!

 

[Thunder Lizard]

I hear you .. but stop looking for a bass specific compressor, perhaps? DBX has several capable compressors that I've used happily with bass. Aphex does too, I like the Expressor and Compellor models. Empirical Labs Distressor series units are fantastic sounding, but rarely cheap. The PBC-6A is a great "vintage" warm sounding comp. Exploring quality rack mounted comps will likely make you happier, especially if you're well versed in using them. I've managed to push a DBX 266XL into service rather happily for years now, but I enjoy the coloration it adds (just a hint of crunch, a bit of warmth, but smooth attack and release).

 

[scubaduba]

Yep. Been down this rabbit trail.

Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more

There are some really good ones for bass!

 

[SteveC]

There is no perfect or one size fits all anything. It's all a matter of compromises.
My guitar player has 4 "dirt" pedals.
I have a tuner...but have debated a compressor again, but it'll take something big for me to go back down that hole.

 

[Thunder Lizard]

True, Steve..I like compression for the fact that it helps me always be present in the mix... let's face it, the FOH tech (if you're lucky enough to have one) doesn't want to ride the bass channel all night long as I adjust things to make the songs sound better.. at least if I present him with consistent signal, I stand a chance of being in the mix, whereas if I'm bouncing up and down, he's going to use whatever HE has in his rack or console to squish the hell out of me and probably discard half of the tonal work I've done. OR.. he'll just bury me and let me suffer. LOL. The reality is, half the time I'm mixing from stage, so if I give MYSELF a consistent signal, at least I have a fighting chance with it. My tone is important, but it's not very useful if I'm buried because my signal bounces to o much, and I refuse to be the guy trying to make it all happen with stage volume.. the bass rig is simply pretty much NEVER in the right spot to make that work for all of the audience without becoming rudely overloud.

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

True, Steve..I like compression for the fact that it helps me always be present in the mix... let's face it, the FOH tech (if you're lucky enough to have one) doesn't want to ride the bass channel all night long as I adjust things to make the songs sound better.. at least if I present him with consistent signal, I stand a chance of being in the mix, whereas if I'm bouncing up and down, he's going to use whatever HE has in his rack or console to squish the hell out of me and probably discard half of the tonal work I've done. OR.. he'll just bury me and let me suffer. LOL. The reality is, half the time I'm mixing from stage, so if I give MYSELF a consistent signal, at least I have a fighting chance with it. My tone is important, but it's not very useful if I'm buried because my signal bounces to o much, and I refuse to be the guy trying to make it all happen with stage volume.. the bass rig is simply pretty much NEVER in the right spot to make that work for all of the audience without becoming rudely overloud.

Amen!

 

[DarkStar90]

I'd say any compressor with a blend/mix control is as perfect as you're gonna get. I like the Empress. With a high ratio and heavy compression in a 50/50 wet/dry mix, the Empress can sound like my Boss CS-2. With lighter settings, and a 75/25 wet/dry mix, its doing its job, but not colouring at all. Versatility is my "perfect".

 

[Wfrance3]

It took me a couple years of compressor auditioning to realize that a clean boost was really what I wanted...

 

[scottfeldstein]

...Exploring quality rack mounted comps will likely make you happier ...

I don't know. I like having two amps. One as my daily gig rig, one as backup/secondary. With a pedal compressor I can use it with both. With a rack comp suddenly one rig doesn't have compression...or I buy two compressors.

 

[Thunder Lizard]

I don't know. I like having two amps. One as my daily gig rig, one as backup/secondary. With a pedal compressor I can use it with both. With a rack comp suddenly one rig doesn't have compression...or I buy two compressors.

Rack the comp on it's own, or with your rack mount tuner and power distro or something. My suggestion was for someone who doesn't LIKE pedal compressors, though... if you're motivated enough to have a pedal, then my suggestion is moot.

 

[RexxRokket]

Don't know... I almost got a Markbass compressore + a couple more pedals for my Aguilar TLC, I declined since I already have a Sansamp Para DriverV2 and I guess that I have the coloration that I need/want. The Aguilar is relatively compact or standard size at max, does what I want and (if my ears aren't fooling me) I get just enough ''tubey'' sound out of it. I use it in low settings since it is what I feel that works for me.

 

[Krisfield]

I use the Keeley Compressor Pro. Not a bass specific compressor. Prefect for my needs atm.

 

[bbh]

I like the Avalon VT-747SP. There’s something about the Avalon sound kind of like it widens the sound... I sounds great even when bypassed.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

My MB Compressore does what I need.

 

[HelpImaRock]

And another thing, there’s no c in exist!

 

[BaltBass5]

Darkglass Hyper Luminal. Period.

 

[monsterthompson]

Are we at the point in the thread where we:
A. Refute the premise of the OP.
B. Just start naming gear we like because we own it.
C. Talk about how this topic has already been talked about.

I want to make sure I respond appropriately

 

[HolmeBass]

The bass and amp absolutely effect how I feel about a given comp. For my main rig - Warwick STreamer stg 1 into Genz Benz/fEARful - the Cali 76 CB has been a dream come true.

 

[SteveFromBerlin]

And another thing, there’s no c in exist!

Thanks man. How can I correct that?

 

[Aidenn7]

The perfect compressor is n o compressor.. Really if sounded perfect we wouldn't need it.. A great compress to clean up my mess is fealabs optifet.