What compressor do you use on your bass?

[Bryan T]

I'm trying to find a compressor. I want to use it on bass, electric guitar, and lap steel. So far, the Demeter has been my favorite. What do you like for bass compression?

Bryan

[testing1two]

How crazy do you want to get? There are a few super compressors out there like Massenburg 8900 and Manley SLAM, but I tend to like something with a more familiar character for bass. The UA1176 is probably the standard "swiss army knife" compressor although I tend to like LA2A's more for fingerstyle (Actually, the Demeters and Manly ELOP take this vibe to another level). The Demeters have always been great when I've worked with them, but I've never owned one so I can't really speak for it's performance across genres and multiple instruments. My recent favorite has been the Empirical Labs Distressor. It just adds such an urgency to bass tracks and there is a massive amount of compression available.

If you're looking at channel strips as opposed to dedicated compressors, the Manley VoxBox is absolutely amazing for bass...and everything else you can plug into it. The Avalon 737 has a nice hi-fi tone for bass and the compressor is clean and quiet when used in moderation. The UA6176 is a surprisingly cool box (a Putnam 610 mic pre and one channel of an 1176 compressor in one box) and has a very familiar sound that reminds you of great tones on classic recordings.

Sadly, the nuance of these great boxes is being forgotten in the wave of plug-ins (pun intended) and 'in the box' mixing solutions.

[Bryan T]

Oh, sorry that I wasn't clear: I'm looking for a pedal. The studio I record in has an 1176 and a Distressor, but I'd like something for home/gigs.

Thanks,
Bryan

[testing1two]

I like the EBS for an all around workhorse stompbox compressor. The Carl Martin is pretty cool (reminds me of a dBX 166) but it takes a little longer to dial in and it's AC powered. There are some tube stompbox compressors out there but for live work I can't see the real advantage.

[pedalhead]

the comp i'm using at the moment is the Aphex punch factory. i normally don't like the way pedal comps affect the tone of my instruments, but the PF seems totally transparent.
here is an invaluable source with regard to comps, both pedal and rack - http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=229874

hope you find it of use

[Bryan T]

hope you find it of use

Very useful. I also found that Bongo guy's page of reviews to be valuable. I think I'll get the Demeter and live with it for a while.

Bryan

[Belmont]

I use a vintage Dynacomp and an Ibanez BP-10.I own a few other comp pedals but these two are my faves.I don't use rack gear at all in my signal any more,a few pedals an SVT and a Hiwatt and I'm better off than I ever was with a huge rack,mind you I wasn't using Manley or Urie1176's for a bass rig.The best at home comp I have is an old DBX165 that's nice to record with.

[teleharmonium]

I'm using the Diamond comp for bass as well as guitar and like it a lot. It's an opto compressor in a stompbox. You don't have a lot of control over the settings, but it works great as it is.

[Kitsapbass]

My Yamaha Bass Magicstomp has a really nice soft knee compressor program built in...not too user friendly unless I'm just using the comp, then I have the control knobs available. It also has harder compressors but I practice daily at keeping a constant level with my plucking. I use it mainly at the church I play at...Good sound, USB updating via the Magicstomp website, got it on clearance for $50 at Musicians Friend.

[fyrwyr]

My old symetrix rack comp works great for guitar and bass, it's about 20 years old.

[cmatthes]

I've been using the Boss Bass Compressor (the brownish one) for a while now. Can't break it, even if I try!

Other than that, I'd go with Tech21's Bass Compactor.

[the watcher]

EBS Black label comp gets my vote, sounds brilliant on the tube setting at the beginning of my chain.

[quigg]

A Maxon CP-9 Pro+ on the floor, almost the same as a dbx 160a. Here is a website of reviews for different compressors for bass http://ovnilab.com
Good luck -Doug

[bostonwal]

Choice of one: Monte Allums Opto mod for the Boss CS-3. Great for guitar and bass.

[kingcrimson2]

I like the Carl Martin.

[arthur rotfeld]

Really Nice Compressor
http://www.fmraudio.com/reviewspage.htm