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um, i'm about to buy a compressor...

R

raul

Aug 30, 2006
423
89
Planet Earth
#1
i have it narrowed down to about three of them after reading through Bongo's page...awesome page, tons of info...still, got a few questions...

i'm using a GK 1001RBII and use various dirt pedals and fuzz an distortion at times, depending on the song...

i love the tones John Taylor got in the early-mid 80's...and of course Geddy on Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves...both very different but i think i hear a good amount of compression going on...yes?

i play tons of funky soulful stuff...P bass with flats most of the time...sometimes a Jazz with Sunbeams...

since i do the funky thing a lot, i think a compressor would fit the tone bill here...and i'm thinking...

BBE OptoStomp
Barber Tone Press
Durham Sex Drive
MXR Compressor

seems like the BBE is a fave around here...so, i think i may give it a try...think it will work for those tones i'm craving? seems like an awesome and simple little pedal...Tone Press seems interesting as well...

?

help, please...
 
#5
BassMonstrum said:
Have you checked Bongo's compressor-reviews? Compressor Reviews
Click to expand...

raul said:
i have it narrowed down to about three of them after reading through Bongo's page...awesome page, tons of info...still, got a few questions...
Click to expand...

It would appear the OP did.

The OptoStomp gets a lot of nods on the inexpensive end of compressors, and Bongo has it listed as the best of the inexpensive pedals. It seems like a worthy risk. You could hedge your risk and buy used. Or, buy new through Guitar Center where they offer a 30-day money back deal if you don't like it.
 
#6
i did read the Bongo compression pages...that's part of the reason why i think a compressor will be a great tool for me...going for a bit of that squashy and punchy kinda tone associated with some funk tones i like. just not sure which one to get. the ones i mentioned seemed cool and then there's all the rest that would also fit the bill...it's a tough call...must...compress...
 
#7
I had the Markbass. Excellent, but I got rid of it because I needed the cash & I didn't truly need it. I like that MXR has one dedicated to bass (haven't read if Bongo's reviewed it yet). I understand your desire but I'd try to achieve those tones & methods without a compressor. You'll live. You'll likely improve in the process, without one.
 
#8
raul said:
i did read the Bongo compression pages...that's part of the reason why i think a compressor will be a great tool for me...going for a bit of that squashy and punchy kinda tone associated with some funk tones i like. just not sure which one to get. the ones i mentioned seemed cool and then there's all the rest that would also fit the bill...it's a tough call...must...compress...
Click to expand...

My bad :)
 
#9
opto stomp
ebs
mxr

I have the Aguilar and love it. The EBS is incredible. The opto stomp is okay, but much cheaper and simpler. The ebs changed the way I play. Try the opto and if you don't love it or what it does, try another comp. you may find that compression is not for you.
 
#11
I have the MXR and I like it. It was a toss up for me between the Aggie TLC and the MXR, but the MXR came up for a good price in the classified, and it has the LED's to show you, and that was enough for me since i am new to compression as well.

Good Luck!
 
#12
I'm a compressor noob as well, so take this for what it's worth...

The BBE Opto seemed like a great idea since everyone raved about it. Problem is, there's like 3 different versions of it. Good luck figuring out if the one you're going to buy is the same thing that everyone loved.

I don't agree that the MXR unit is too complicated for noobs. On the contrary, having the LED readout is extremely helpful. I can tell at a glance how much compression is going on. It really helps me determine immediately if I'm in the neighborhood that I want to be in or not. In fact, it's the only reason I went with the MXR over the Aguilar TLC (another strong contender that you should consider). As far as the knobs, It seems to have everything a compressor should have and nothing more. It does have a manual that gets you up to speed on a good general setting within 10 minutes.
 
#14
I would suggest either of these:

Diamond Bass Compressor
Markbass Compressore
MXR Bass Compressor
EBS MultiComp

I know the BBE OptoStomp is also good except like someone else said, there are many versions out.

Which comp is good for you is all relative to what you're looking for in comp, transparency or not, high compression ratio or subtleness, noise level..
 
#15
I'd suggest an MI Audio compressor. Australian made, amazing transperant and effective compressor. Heaps of options too: input trim, built in noise gate, oh and the things built like a horrible mustard green tank.

Never turn mine off :)
 
#18
Indeed. To some extent, starting inexpensive and working your way up and trying many pedals along the way can be fun. Sometimes, it is better to save up that little bit extra and buy the top the shelf wine and be done with it.
 
#19
Unsung hero: Seymour Duncan DoubleBack comp. I keep one on my board along with a BBE OptoStomp. They sound very similar but the "doubleback" option lets you blend some unaffected signal (full range, mids, or high...your choice) back into the mix.

Riis
 

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