Bass Compressors Compared

Compressors aren't just an important topic in the studio; for bassists they are also a central part of the live setup. Because the low end is important, soft notes shouldn't be swallowed. On the other hand, the bass shouldn't overpower everything when the bassist hits the strings harder. By using a compressor to even out the level of notes and then raise the overall level a bit, they help the bass cut through the mix better.

That's why we compare the three most popular bass compressors under €200, namely the EBS MultiComp, Boss BC-1X Bass Compressor and MXR M-87 Bass Compressor. Among these three stompboxes you'll find the tool for your needs. Listen to the different sounds and explanations from Marco and Olli in the video. Thanks to Olli's guitar and the playback drums you'll get a good impression of the tone. With his experience as a musician and Guitar Tech, Marco also gives you lots of practical tips on compressors in general and specific terms. Below we go through the individual bass compressors again and explain their various control options. Of course we also offer many more great Compressors and limiters for basses.

What do the controls on a compressor do?

With the EBS MultiComp you can not only determine the amount of compression and then boost the level with Gain, but you can also shape the tonal character. Here you can choose between a transistor-compressor sound and simulations of a warmer-sounding tube unit and a studio-style multiband compressor. With its reduction to two controls the EBS MultiComp is sonically limited, but also very simple to use and you can immediately add a bit more character to your sound.

The Boss BC-1X Bass Compressor sounds the cleanest in comparison, so it colours the sound barely at all. The pedal also offers an LED display to monitor gain reduction and more detailed adjustment options. In addition to the Threshold – the level at which the compressor kicks in – you can also set the Ratio and the Release time. Ratio determines the dynamics, as it sets the relationship between the increase of the uncompressed input signal and the compressed output signal. For example, if the input signal exceeds the Threshold by 4 dB, with a 4:1 ratio the output will only increase by 1 dB. With Release you can set the time the compressor needs, after the signal falls below the set Threshold, to return the output to the unreduced level. Longer times can therefore produce a longer sustain of the note. The Level control then raises the level of the compressed signal accordingly.

The MXR M-87 Bass Compressor also has an LED indicator and a wide range of adjustment options. Here both the input and the output can be levelled with dedicated controls. For Ratio there are already several preset ratios, ranging from the mentioned 4:1 up to 20:1, which essentially corresponds to a limiter since there's virtually no dynamics left and level spikes are excluded. This is ideal for a nice dry, even bass sound. In addition to Release, the MXR M-87 also lets you set the Attack of the compressor. Attack is the time it takes for the compressor to engage. Just like the Release time, this can strongly influence the tone. For example, if the compressor engages immediately the attack will be compressed, which can sound unnatural. For that reason we recommend giving the compressor a few milliseconds. However, if you want a pumping bass sound, that effect can be desirable.

Don't forget the accessories

So that you can start using the compressor straight away, don't forget the following accessories.