Reasonable, go-to compressor pedal for bass

[Mo Boogs]

What’s a good , go-to compressor pedal for bass that’s good for classic rock, country and blues? My buddy got me a UAFX audio 1176 compressor for Christmas last year. Friggin awesome compressor pedal but some part of me feels like it does better with guitar, especially those Lowell George and Jimmy Page tones so I keep it on my guitar rig. Maybe I should mess around it more for bass? I also wound up grabbing a Donner blue compressor on amazon last year for $30. This has been decent for my bass but I feel like I can do better. Another buddy of mine keeps talking about Xotic SP.

Any recommendations?

 

[HelpImaRock]

I have been extremely happy with the BOSS BC-1x. If you don't like digital, get a Keeley Bassist. You'll end up getting every recommendation under the sun in this thread though.

 

[Killing Floor]

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/testing-compressors-cali-smoothie-empress-diamond-keeley-fea-darkglass-doc-lloyd-jhs-more.1345638/

I went from the Cali76 to currently using the Lusithand. There’s no best.

 

[Parzival]

Can’t go wrong with a Keeley Bassist. The EHX Bass Preacher is decent as well. Word on the boards is the Walrus Mira is really good and not expensive.
If you want to spend, Cali76.

 

[jblock]

Can’t go wrong with a Keeley Bassist. The EHX Bass Preacher is decent as well. Word on the boards is the Walrus Mira is really good and not expensive.
If you want to spend, Cali76.

+1 on the Keeley Bassist. Solid choice.

 

[GrowlerBox]

What’s a good , go-to compressor pedal for bass ..?

Hard to look past the Keeley Bassist when this is your opening line.

 

[eggroll]

Empress Bass Compressor? Plenty flexible, musical, and transparent (though it can flavor the sound if you want it to).

 

[WaldoNova]

Mess with the 1176 some more. If it doesn't offer the type of compression you need then look into other options.

 

[ZachM]

What’s a good , go-to compressor pedal for bass that’s good for classic rock, country and blues

As usual with these types of recommendation threads you have to figure out your budget and tonal preferences first. Do you want transparency, or coloration? The further up your budget goes, the more flexibility you'll get, but good choices can be had in the lower price ranges if you don't care about being able to do absolutely everything.

Personally, I love some color and character from my compressor (which is always on), so my choice is the Fairfield accountant. It's not what you'd call a versatile compressor, but it sounds fantastic if you want some coloration, and can be had for quite cheap used.

 

[BGroovy]

not sure what "reasonable" is but I've settled in with my Empress. Was using a Cali76 before but the Empress feels easier to dial in when changing basses (especially active/pass)

 

[pingvuiini]

I know the JHS Punchline is a pricey DI pedal, but how is the compressor on that??

 

[Parzival]

I know the JHS Punchline is a pricey DI pedal, but how is the compressor on that??

It has worked well for me. Easy to dial in. I don't use heavy compression settings, but it does a good job of evening everything out and gets a little extra punch in the sound for me. I think it is a VCA compressor. I didn't know if I would like it because I enjoy having a blend knob on my Cali76, but it is fine, don't feel that I need it.

 

[MIJ Enjoyer]

Can't believe no one mentioned this absolute beast. As someone who play in wide variety of genres from super light to mega heavy, this compressor does it all. And sounds the best imo. (I'm not paid by Darkglass)

 

[Phaidrus]

The Markbass Compressore is a fully tweakable tube compressor for bass that adds some tube flavor or even grit, if you crank the gain knob (as I do). Not cheap but well worth it.

 

[Evan J]

classic rock, country and blues?

obviously depends on your signal chain. But for these genres you want a SIMPLE and CLASSIC sound.

So try to avoid anything too expensive and complex. You don’t wanna get lost in the controls for this vibe. Just quality with some nice color.

For this… it would go Aguilar or Keely…

Check these out:
- Aguilar TLC
- Aguilar D599 (two knobs. Just adds a vibe. Good for the genres you’re talking about)
- Keely Bass Comp

I have the Empress bass comp (love) but that’s good for full control and genre hopping. Probably overkill for what you need.

 

[Nev375]

Another vote for the Keeley Bassist which is based upon the DBX160A compressor which has been used by great bassists for ages.

 

[red_rhino]

I went from the Cali76 to currently using the Lusithand. There’s no best.

+1 on the Lusithand Alma. I've been more than happy with the v1 for well over a year.

 

[Medicine Man]

Keeley Bassist works for me for country and classic rock. Just set so the light taps red when you dig in at like 3:1. Unity gain. So easy.

 

[Evan J]

You'll end up getting every recommendation under the sun in this thread though.

Yes. Gotta unwatch this thread early lol.

Enjoy reading all the recommendations!

(But seriously go Keely or Aguilar)

 

[tpaul]

I've tried a good number and for simplicity and good tone, I recommend the Keeley Bassist. I have no doubt there are better units, but personally I can't be bothered with fifteen different knobs to adjust, nor do I want a pedal that costs more than my bass. The Keeley does a fine job with three knobs. It's affordable, simple and it just works.