Kebabkid Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 What compressors do people favour on bass? I use a Keeley 2 knob on guitar but it didn't work very well on bass. I've heard good things about the TC Spectracomp Bass Compressor and the Wampler Ego gets great reviews for guitar, which I'm actually thinking of getting the Mini one for, but is it any good on bass? And what about the Xotic SP Comp? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I use a Rane DC-24 and am currently playing with the comps on the Zoom MS060B I havn't tried the Xotic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kebabkid Posted March 7, 2019 Author Share Posted March 7, 2019 Yes, when I had my Zoom B3, I quite liked the comps in that but I'm looking to put together a small board of bespoke, individual pedals and so I'm curious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 2 minutes ago, Kebabkid said: Yes, when I had my Zoom B3, I quite liked the comps in that but I'm looking to put together a small board of bespoke, individual pedals and so I'm curious. This looks neat https://becosfx.com/product/compiq-mini-pro-compressor-pedal-for-guitar-bass/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 TCE Nova Dynamics, Seymour Duncan Doubleback, various comps in the Zoom B3n. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sté Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Keeley bassist. Perfect if you like transparent compressor. The only thing i add permanently between bass and amp. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burno70 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I use a spectracomp - it really is awesome for it's size/price. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyKnees Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I tried a few then settled on this... https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Origin-Effects-Cali76-Compact-Bass-Compressor/1OKT?origin=product-ads&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4PkBRCDARIsAGHmH3ez6AyrHdvGc52YUaXQTCwAwrU6X8pE6BNoYpq1y6M_IYNsbsGG2sEaAnCsEALw_wcB A fantastic bit of gear, not cheap but totally worth it. The HPF makes a big difference to retaining those lows, especially on a 5 string. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soledad Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 42 minutes ago, burno70 said: spectracomp Mention of TC, wondering how this compares with the TonePrint downloads for TC amps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burno70 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 28 minutes ago, Soledad said: Mention of TC, wondering how this compares with the TonePrint downloads for TC amps? I've not used a TC amp before but have always assumed they would be the same? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I use either a Palmer MI Bass Depressor, or Ashdown Dual band Compressor. Both very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iacopo San Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 MXR M87. I am still not able to perceive and play with the nuances you could get, but this has as the gain reduction leds to allow you to see what it is doing, and the minimal settings I need. I keep it on all the time in the background. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helbass Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 The Multicomp is fine, no coloration, very simple to use and smooth compression, maybe too smooth for some styles so I'll soon try the Spectracomp to see which one I prefer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 (edited) I tried a few. Then found out that compressors are a bit like fuzzes. If your bass is active or passive, the comp (or that fuzz) acts differently. If your equipment contains both types, try several. When you have found the one (for each), keep it/them. My passive bass compressor is a Daring Audio Phat Beam. It also includes an LPF - a dream with fretless. Not transparent at all, and like Fairfield Circuit's The Accountant, has good growl (this is purely subjective). For active my choice is tce Hypergravity. Beware: not an easy machine at all. Its functionality is weird and slow, because the pots are actually 5-position switches. Toneprint is a must and setting the unit takes lots of time. If you need really good help, start from: http://www.ovnilab.com/ Edited March 7, 2019 by itu 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_M Posted March 11, 2019 Share Posted March 11, 2019 On 07/03/2019 at 13:01, JellyKnees said: I tried a few then settled on this... https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Origin-Effects-Cali76-Compact-Bass-Compressor/1OKT?origin=product-ads&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4PkBRCDARIsAGHmH3ez6AyrHdvGc52YUaXQTCwAwrU6X8pE6BNoYpq1y6M_IYNsbsGG2sEaAnCsEALw_wcB A fantastic bit of gear, not cheap but totally worth it. The HPF makes a big difference to retaining those lows, especially on a 5 string. +1 for the Cali, it's awesome IMO and always on! I also have the MXR M87 as a back up & battery powered option (Cali is mains only). Always wanted to try the FEA Labs DE-CL but $275 + shipping is a bit steep to take a punt on. Anyone using one? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobthedog Posted March 11, 2019 Share Posted March 11, 2019 Darkglass Hyperluminal. You can close the thread now. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artisan Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 13 hours ago, Bobthedog said: Darkglass Hyperluminal. You can close the thread now. Same here & it is awesome 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 6 minutes ago, artisan said: Same here & it is awesome That is pretty! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spyder Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 I've had like many on this forum an on and off love affair with compressors. I sit at rehearsals thinking that I REALLY NEED to squash my sound a bit and even out my playing. A quick look around the net for the latest compressor review and I get my credit card out. After as little as a few days I stop using it because I really don't like the way it messed up the musicality of my playing. Now I'm on dangerous ground when referring to subjective words like musicality. I've must of used or owned around 25 different pedal and rack types over the last 15 years. Then something wonderful happened. I bought a Union Tube and Transistor LAB compressor based on the LA-2A studio unit. All I can say is its the most musical, transparent and subtle compressor I've heard. The down side to it is the cost. Up side its a keeper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 I hate compressors. I hate something else futzing around with my dynamics. I love the TC spectracomp. It does enough but not too much. I do realise this makes no sense, but there you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Japhet Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 Best compressor I've had; TC Nova Dynamics. Best for limiting; Keeley Bassist. Simplest and best of both worlds with tiny footprint; Spectracomp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 I've had a few of the top tier compressors but I didn't like any of them as much as the Spectracomp. Multiband really is a godsend on bass if you play with a pick, slap, or just have an agressive playing style, as it can reign in the top end without adversely affecting the lows. I find with a single band comp, if I whack a string against the frets, it clamps down on the entire signal and takes away the thump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 I used to try and do 'complicated' compression on a pedal board. I had a Keely for a bit and also an MXR but I always found myself adjusting continuously. Fine when recording or even using the brilliant comp on my Behringer XR18, but on a pedalboard I always found everything too subtle. The Spectracomp saved me from that, one knob for more or less compression made it much easier to dial in live, I'm such a luddite. The comp on the Spectradive preamp/di is the same IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingforaday Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 Spectracomp all the way... I’ve had a few different compressors and always end up giving up on them and taking them off the board... the spectracomps simplicity (once you’ve settled on a TonePrint) makes it perfect for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helbass Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 I stick with the Multicomp. Just one knob to dial, the other one is just here to adjust the outpout level. I've just move the trimpots a bit because I'm using multiband and that's all. Very efficient IMO and very quiet. The Spectracomp is good indeed but I couldn't have settled on a Toneprint nor make one myself. So it's Multicomp for me but understand those who like the Spectracomp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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