PIgtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor

With a piece-of-cake layout, the Philosopher Bass Compressor gives bassists terrific compression sounds along with an optional dirty tone.

The pedal has three knobs:

- Volume (this is your output)
- Compression (this is your blend control)
- Sustain (this is your ratio control... the more you turn it clockwise, the more it squashes... and therefore, the more your notes will sustain)

There is also a switchable Grit feature which is a dirt function. Inspired by Jack Bruce of Cream, you get exactly that. As mentioned above, a control over how much dirt you dish would've been nice. However, you can reduce the grit by dialing back the Compression (blend) knob. Not the most optimal way to reduce dirt, but it's all you got.

Wether you're rocking fingerstyle, driving with a pick or slapping some funk, the PBC is useful and fun. This isn't just a colorless compressor -- it indeed adds color. Personally, I love the Billy Sheehan-esque tones you get when you squash with the Grit function engaged.

Pigtronix pedals usually seem to deliver the tones bass players really want and the PBC is just another fine example.