What's your favorite Compressor Pedal...

[Bassworship1]

For the first 12 years of my playing career I've never used pedals but have recently put together and buying some really nice pedals. I'm still new to Compressors but I wanted to start a thread and see what everyone likes and uses for their compressor Pedals? What style do you play and how often do you use it? I have purchases the TC Spectracomp, Cali76, and now have a Darkglass Hyper Luminal on the way. The Cali was my favorite for Praise and Worship style music and stayed on all the time so it's my favorite but I'm looking forward to trying the Darkglass.

 

[AlvarHanso]

Loved my BBE OptoStomp. Simple, effective, was always on til it died. Now I have the EHX Platform.

 

[Stevorebob]

Empress Compressor. Transparent, helpful light meter, blend and side chain.

 

[Bassworship1]

I just got this Hyper Luminal and so far I like it. Seems to have a lot of different options. Will give it a good go this weekend live 3 times.

 

[GMC]

I'm currently using a EBS MultiComp, it's a bit like having three preset flavors of Compression. Not particularly adjustable, but serves me well. If I was going to look for a more modern unit, I'd probably get one of the Origin Cali mini's.

 

[Frodolicious]

The smoothie is my favorite for simplicity and versatility. It does many things very well from limiting to tone sweetening

 

[BigBassBob]

Empress.

 

[saltydude]

I’ve got two favorites. Both Broughton.

Apex with side chain for transparency.

Monocle for a small simple more P like baked in tone.

I often use them both with the Apex up front and the Monocle at the end.

 

[Johno Dunn]

Diamond Bass JR, and a Fairfield Accountant. Funk, Praise and Worship, SRV Tribute Band. Diamond is always on, and the Accountant I use for a slightly overdriven boost.

 

[MynameisMe]

I 3rd the Empress. The ability to mix the uncompressed tone in gives you as little or much compression as you need.

 

[catcauphonic]

Similar sitch here... Didn't use any pedals besides a tuner for my first 5 years, and always practiced controling dynamics using only my hands.

Now 2018-19 has been the Year Of The Pedal for me! I didn't go for anything boutique, but I built (building ) 2 nice boards for two different bands... One is very post punk (ala the Cure, Joy Division, Siouxie and the Banshees), and the other one is a little wilder and encourages experimentation.

Rock pick player 90% of the time, and I've never done any slap stuff.

Right out of the box the MXR M87 bass comp was exactly what I needed for Band#1. It doesn't change my tone, but keeps the 8th notes tight & right as well as give a good string to string evenness. It feeds other pedals well and I'm quite happy with its set it and forget it, as it does it's one thing well.

Also picked up an Aguilar TLC for board#2. It works a little differently in that it offers much more tonal control that you really have to use your ears to dial in your settings, as there are no pretty lights to indicate how your signal is being affected. I really like this one too!

Like I said, nothing extremely high end, but they do pretty much what I had hoped for.

 

[lowplaces]

Keeley Bassist works for me. So easy to use.

 

[Resonance129]

Keeley Bassist works for me. So easy to use.

I'm in a similar situation as the thread starter and I've been eyeing the Keeley Bassist for a while. Seems to be a good lace to start.
I take it you've had good luck with it. Any issues or comlaints?

 

[onda'bass]

FEA dual band comp, the best!!!

 

[lowplaces]

Any issues or comlaints?

None at all. I'm in no way all that knowledgeable about compressors, but that's why I dig it. It's nearly foolproof.

I just read the manual and called Keeley to ask a couple questions I had. Then I had it set up in about 2 minutes.

I use it mainly as a limiter.

Keeley GC-2 Limiting Amplifier

 

[Specific Ocean]

Darkglass Electronics's Hyper Luminal. It's become the backbone of my tone right next to my Alpha Omega. I really like that they give you an option to really fine tune the adjustments through USB.

 

[B-Lo]

Have you checked out scubaduba's mega-thread?

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

Empress Compressor. Transparent, helpful light meter, blend and side chain.

Ditto

 

[peter nicholas]

i've been very happy with my old boss LMB-3 so i haven't used many others

 

[wango55]

I was using a BBE Opto-stomp, but felt like it cut the volume too much. I've got a Diamond bass compressor now, that I've been using and have been much happier with.

 

[kesslari]

I'm using the Doc Lloyd Photon Death Ray and love it.
But there are a TON of great compressors available. I'd love to try the Becos, the DG Hyperluminal, and several others...
See this thread for serious GAS: Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more