Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

[Aceman]

So - hack handed player I am on guitar, I totally get the awesome a good compressor can have. I use a Boss CS-3 Monty Allums opto mod for my acoustic.

But…what say you for a Bass? Specialized Bass comp, great guitar comp (Like 4 knob Keeley?), or something else.

As always- budget rules.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

What sort of amp are you using? If I'm playing through something like longcat's SVT 3 Pro, I don't use a compressor as I set up the preamp gain to compress slightly when I dig in. I also have a GK 400RB; through that I like to use a compressor in the loop to preserve preamp grit but soften the attack a little. I typically use a rack compressor like an Alesis set to RMS or a dbx set to over easy.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

I've used a 4 knob Keeley for years. Though recently they came out with another compressor that I think is specifically designed for the bass that I would love to try.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

 

[HiFiRebel]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

You can do a lot with the amp depending on preamp options.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

My Visual Sound Route 66 compressor seems to thin out the low end on a guitar a little. I wouldn't recommend it for bass.
The one I usually use for bass is my BBE Opto Stomp. It doesn't sound squished, seems tonally neutral, yet evens out note attacks.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

Not using an amp - DI (likely Tech21 VT Bass

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

Not using an amp - DI (likely Tech21 VT Bass

The Tech21 overdrive gives a little nice natural compression; feels fairly amp-like to me. Could be enough for rock parts assuming you aren't playing dead clean. If you get a pedal, I'd concur with the advice to get one designed for bass. Big low end might trigger the gain reduction too early in a regular guitar one.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

For bass, I like something with a blend knob. It preserves the attack, and compresses the sustain and release of the note. The Studio Bass has this, but if you don't go for that, there might be others out there with that feature.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

The VT Bass has a blend knob too. Ridiculously, the VT Bass Deluxe does not.
WTF, Tech21?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

In a perfect world is have the Duncan Studio Bass Compressor, but I hardly play bass outside of a little jamming now, so I just use a Keeley 4-Knob. Works great for me.

 

[dotsdad]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

Not trying to be a wise@$$, but have you tried your existing CS3?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

I have the same modded CS-3, and it while it works great on acoustic and electric, it steals the life out of a bass signal. On bass, outside of the heaviest metal, a parallel compressor (or one that only affects certain frequencies) is the best for bass.

 

[dg27]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

I like the Digitech Bass Squeeze Compressor.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

I have always used a 19" dbx compressor for bass. Tried many pedals but was never happy.

A feature I really want is a double LED VU, one for incoming, one either for outgoing or for current compression factor. I find that very valuable to not lose control when I have difficulty hearing myself and having to adjust "blind". **** happens, this helps.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

The Alesis 3630 rack unit has LEDs for In and Out, and it really is helpful.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

As a guitar player, simpler, easier, and cheaper.

- No rack models
- No over $100. (heck....75 is pushing the limits of my sanity on this...)

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

Build one! The BYOC 5 knob Compressor is a great one, and isn't over $100.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

Not over 100?

I used to have the MXR Custom Comp, I own the EHX Black Finger, and have access to the Keeley 4-knob compressor.

For bass, the EHX is by far my favorite.

The way I set it, it's far from transparent. Has a hint of tube grit which makes it very full of character, but it can also be set clean and subtle, but that's not where it shines, IMO.

I LOVE that pedal. I rarely ever play bass anymore, but I'll never get rid of that pedal.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Bass compressor, Guitar compressor, or other?

So this is back....

Remember, just adding a touch of compression to tame the out of control boom. Not worried about sustain etc.

I'm looking at

EHX Bass Preacher - $79, 2 knobs and a switch....pretty simple with a touch of adjustment
Pigtronix Bass Philosopher - used standard three knob deal with a switch
TC Spectracomp - worried about living with one knob\
MXR 5 knob bass compressor - lots of good press and 5 knob adjustable. Might be pushing $150 though...
Tech 21 Bass Compactor - need to go used, but a first choice if I find a good one cheap