Mark Bass Compressor versus...

Nicholas Smith

Nicholas Smith

Apr 10, 2019
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4,971
London
#1
Hello folks.

I’ve had the latest Mark Compressor for a while now. Seems ok to me. Sadly it’s far away being trapped in London.

Would like to know of similar or better compressor pedals out there...for the sake of experimentation...love to know which model has a superb compression skills...

Any experiences would be very welcome...
 
#4
Rolling Thunder said:
I prefer the Fairfield Circuitry Accountant. It's dead simple and very effective. It's also crazy small. I'm not a compressor fan but I feel the Accountant is a solid tool.
Click to expand...

But not all that similar to the Compressore which is what the OP is looking for. The Accountant is also more about tone coloration than utility compression that the Compressore excels at (in addition to some tube like coloration).
 
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#8
I've used a EBS compressor for about 15 years. I've never had a problem with it. It fattens up my tone just a little in a way that I really like. A few years ago I bought a Markbass as a back up. Initially I was able to get a sound from the Markbass that was comparable to the EBS so I was happy with that. Soon I will spend some more time with the Markbass to see what else it can do. Either way I feel like with these two pedals my compressor needs are satisfied.
 
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#9
I agree with REV on the EBS compressor. Mine has been solid for well over a decade, too. Subtle and transparent, you never notice it until you turn it off.

I also use a Demeter Compulator for a slightly warmer/vintage tone that adds some character as it compresses, and I've been really intrigued by the MXR Bass Compressor but never pulled the trigger on one.
 
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#12
I've read reports that the *magic* of an EBS MultiComp only lasts a certain amount of time before it fades away like the flavor of gum. Any truth to that?
 
#13
Nicholas Smith said:
Hello folks.

I’ve had the latest Mark Compressor for a while now. Seems ok to me. Sadly it’s far away being trapped in London.

Would like to know of similar or better compressor pedals out there...for the sake of experimentation...love to know which model has a superb compression skills...

Any experiences would be very welcome...
Click to expand...

A couple of questions that could help refine recommendations, as there are myriad compressor pedals to choose from...

- What do you like about the MarkBass Compressore, that you feel you would want in other compressors?
- What don't you like?
- Any features or characteristics you'd like to explore in compressor pedals?
 
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#15
sifrancis said:
A couple of questions that could help refine recommendations, as there are myriad compressor pedals to choose from...

- What do you like about the MarkBass Compressore, that you feel you would want in other compressors?
- What don't you like?
- Any features or characteristics you'd like to explore in compressor pedals?
Click to expand...
Maybe I’m not the best judge of my pedal.
Put it this way: I love a compressor that can squash the hell out of my signal so I can add other gain boosts on a flatter wave.

So, I guess I’m looking for something that has a large ratio / threshold option to essentially compress the bass signal so much it’s almost non-distinguishable from the original sound.

Am I looking for a compressor pedal here or perhaps another effect altogether?
Maybe 2 compressors in a chain?
 
#17
I would say that if you are in London UK you should look at a Compact Bass Cali76. You may find some used at good price. The Origin Effects pedals are very high quality. Unfortunately they are also quite expensive over here in Canada. That is why I went with FEA Opti-FET and Emperess Bass Compressor. YMMV
 
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#18
Nicholas Smith said:
Maybe I’m not the best judge of my pedal.
Put it this way: I love a compressor that can squash the hell out of my signal so I can add other gain boosts on a flatter wave.

So, I guess I’m looking for something that has a large ratio / threshold option to essentially compress the bass signal so much it’s almost non-distinguishable from the original sound.

Am I looking for a compressor pedal here or perhaps another effect altogether?
Maybe 2 compressors in a chain?
Click to expand...


That's super helpful!
Sounds like you're definitely after a compressor, just using it as a more pronounced than as the always-on control(and/or)tone enhancement that many use them for.

I've always loved the Boss CS-2 for that really heavily compressed sound. My go-to for copping similar sounds to those found on the early Daft Punk and Justice records.

Darkglass Hyper Luminal is great for this too - FET mode with buttons all in for the Ratio and you'r off. The bonus here is that you can then blend this with your original sound to balance the dynamics just right. The editing software also allows you to add a sidechain HPF so that the compressors sensitivity to low end information can be controlled (let it "breathe" a bit more if you want).

I use an Effectrode PC-2A most of the time these days (on the occasions I use a compressor pedal), which is usually on subtle control and "tonal magic" (adds some love tube goodies, depth, and dimensionality) duties, but it also brings a wide grin when the Peak Reduction is set higher to really smash the signal too.

The Empress compressors are all very good options too - lots of control on these like the MarkBass Compressore. The newer MK2 Bass version also allows you to choose whether you want the compression to be "transparent" or to add some tone & colour to the equation, making it incredibly versatile.

The new Empress Bass Compressor, or Darkglass Hyper Luminal would be my first recommendations as they offer some much versatility and variety, as well as lots of control which I feel would satisfy your thirst for experimentation as stated in your OP.

@scubaduba can likely lend his wisdom and knowledge here to help focus the search as well, as well as illuminating anything I have likely overlooked.
 
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#19
I'm also curious of what you are trying to achieve. I tried several of the comps mentioned above as well as many others, The Markbass was the one that that did what I was looking for. It can "squash" a signal pretty well, but the question is why? A sound clip of what you are trying to achieve would be a big help.
 
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