I know this has been discussed 1000+ times. Trying to decide between MRX M87(white) M76(black) or Dunlop Studio Bass. Any help is appreciated.
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Compressor decision?
- Thread starter Bobby Bass
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- comp compressor
Circuit wise, the M87 and M76 are exactly the same. The M76 is just rebranded for guitar players who didn't like the word bass on their comp.
That being said... I had a M87 and liked it well enough to recommend it unequivocally.
That being said... I had a M87 and liked it well enough to recommend it unequivocally.
I got a great deal on a new M87 and I am really digging it. I am not much of an expert on compressors but I have tried many. The M87 is my absolute favorite. It's pretty quiet and it fattens up my tone. I can hear every note I play with ease. I mainly use it with my passive Ric 4003.
I use the mxr87. Have it set to kick in just when I'm slapping (or plucking too hard) and placed after an octave and overdrive to tame the volume boost from those effects. It's mostly transparent even when it's pushed. It does add a little hiss and so I don't use it for recording but live, it's always on.
I think I'm leaning towards the MXR m76. I like the black better than the white. Already have two white pedals. Boss TU3 & Boss GEB7 EQ.
One thing I have noticed about my M87 is that I can't really get any added sustain. Not that it really matters but I have heard people say that sustain is a benefit of Compressor pedals.
Maybe I just don't know what I'm doing? Just thought I'd bring it up....
A compressor will help maintain your instruments sustain levels to be more constant as they naturally decay from your instrument. The harder you compress (large ratio and very low threshold) the better the compressor is able to hold constant signal levels... sustain. Unfortunately, extreme compression can also ruin the sound you are after. A dry blend will really help out in that scenario.
-Frank
Owned many, kept the Aguilar TLC. Some people don't like the lack of visual metering, doesn't bother me as I'm not one to stare at my pedalboard while playing.
I really like my Keeley Bassist (very clean, easy, and transparent), but found a Duncan studio bass at pawnshop cheap, and really like that also. Studio Bass colors your tone, and can bring in out a big low end or more fingery mids depending on how you set it. It doesn't have any metering so you have to use your ears.
If the SD Studio Bass is anything like its predecessor, the DoubleBack, that would be my first choice.
Riis
Riis
I'd recommend the Keeley over the MXR any day. Much easier to use and a bit more sturdy, IMO. If you tend to be more utilitarian in your use of compression, it's darn near perfect. You can find them used in very good condition for the price of a new MXR often here and on Reverb.
Thumbs up for TC's Hypergravity, very nice, lots of control, big enough, but not so heavy as to leave a revealing dent on a drummers wiseass head.
Regards
Regards
- Jan 26, 2014
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This guy might have a few thoughts: Compressor Reviews
From your list, I'd go with the M87. That said, Diamonds are forever.
TLC for me too.. Tried many..Aguilar TLC is transparent ,easy to use and great for fattening up my tone when I need it!
It's something in your set up. Mine give me a lot of sustain.
Like @Nickweissmusic said - check out Compressor Reviews - It's a bit overwhelming, but a wealth of knowledge.
My personal recommendation is the FEA DE-CL, it's fantastic and easy to use.