Top 5 | Bass Compressors | Demo | Thomann

Russell had a go on 5 compressor pedals for bass - from affordable to high-end stuff, from rock to funk. What's a compressor for? Do I need one? Let's dig in!
Gear used: tho.mn/2pizf
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Setup for today
0:32 What does compression do?
1:11 TC Electronic Spectra Comp | Talking
1:44 TC Electronic Spectra Comp | Playing On/Off Slap
2:44 TC Electronic Spectra Comp | Playing On/Off Rock
3:34 EBS Multi Comp | Talking
4:14 EBS Multi Comp | Playing Funk Riff Multiband
4:26 EBS Multi Comp | Playing Funk Riff Singleband
4:59 EBS Multi Comp | Playing Rock Tube-Mode
6:06 MXR Bass Compressor | Talking
6:47 MXR Bass Compressor | Playing Slap Setting 1
7:16 MXR Bass Compressor | Playing Slap Setting 2
7:52 MXR Bass Compressor | Playing Jazz
8:39 Markbass Compressore | Talking
9:01 Markbass Compressore | Playing something Italian
9:29 Markbass Compressore | Explanation of Compression with playing example
11:05 Darkglass Super Symmetry | Talking
11:49 Darkglass Super Symmetry | Playing Slap On/Off
12:37 Darkglass Super Symmetry | Playing Rock On/Off
13:40 Conclusion
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[@thomasthomsen4190]

Man, you must have been soooo pissed when Macauley Caulkin hit you in the head with that paint can in home alone huh?

[@marklowe7431]

You know he should follow it up with a parody video of a paint tin swinging in the background.........

[@mario_504]

That feel: "I've seen this guy before". That feel is totally explained, now.

[@oterovidal2484]

HAHA! 😂

[@mongrelking5667]

He became a bass player after that.

[@cchavez248]

I love Marv! He also has the best scream in all of moviedom!!! 😁♥️

[@maxonmendel5757]

Wooo!!! I'm so glad you included the SpectraComp! That's the compressor I use and it is not talked about enough! I clicked this video hoping you'd have it in the lineup.

[@PhillyWatts]

So awesome! They all rock! MXR M87 if you want transparent compression and taming of peaks. Darkglass for that blend and darker sound and Markbass for that tube warmth!

[@aleccraig7283]

What I've learned: I want a J Bass

[@diaperwiper]

They really do have their own sound. I find that letting the neck pickup lead the way yields some of the most unique tones, especially when paired with gain pedals of all sorts.

[@Lollerkid]

You need a P-bass, a J-bass, a MM, a Rickenbacker , a Bongo ... List goes on. People in front of the stage nice lead guitar sound

[@saltrocklamp199]

@@diaperwiper this, it's a great general-pupose tone. And if you roll off the neck and go full bridge + a huge vintage solid-state amp = the Jaco tone.

[@No_Enemies_Kale]

They're essential, man. Gotta get one for sure

[@jessenoneofyobussines7560]

When you get one and you come to you're first restring try flat wound strings don't know the highest guage

[@srsly4242]

the tiefer notes!

[@fatosderguti5504]

Balles Tief

[@atopato5689]

The hoher too!

[@niamhoconnor8986]

I'm literally gonna say "tiefer notes" from now on. It's a fucking rad term

[@Iwantamansonguitar]

@@niamhoconnor8986 Count me in. :)

[@sirpas]

That bass sounded great to me when clean and colored. I wish that these were set up a little more similar in performance. Some were subtle and some were cranked so hard for compression that all it was was squashed tone which I think really took away from what properly set compressors can do for bass. I use the DG Super Symmetry, and blend clean and compressed signals along with bumping the gain reduction only slightly so that not every note is slamming the circuit. Less is more, and actually having some dynamics is a nice thing.

[@FretLevelMidnight]

The SpectraComp is also a multiband compressor.

[@smittileo]

I've used, or owned, all of them in the past besides the Darkglass pedal. My favourite of these was easily the Mark Bass Compressore. It sounded full and coloured your tone with a classic tube sound when switched on , it was totally silent ie no hiss at all in the background like you find with many comp pedals and it kept a full range well when it was compressing without much roll off. It had a slightly dark/gloopy dip when the compression actually kicked in but i liked that. The Spectracomp had an impressive array of settings on the app, but it felt a bit sparse actually in action and was pretty noisy on certain settings. EBS has a lot of high end roll off which i really disliked, you can actually hear it in this video. A lot of the early models were faulty too (stopped functioning after a certain length of time) , its something they've fixed with newer models apparently. The MXR was my biggest disappointment, i had such high hopes for it and found it very average at best which was a shame. It was very transparent, compressed ok, nothing amazing, but the input pot drove me around the bend, you could go from fractional compression to all out limiting with one tiny turn of the dial. I tried putting a larger knob on it (oo-er) to try and compensate for it but it made it look daft. Hope this helps out a bit.

[@saltrocklamp199]

I wonder about the EBS, if it just has bad default settings on the internal trim pots.

[@ivanasin1268]

But he said that with the EBS one can adjust that. Did you try that?

[@BassMonstrum]

I've had all of these, except the Markbass and I love my EBS Multicomp. Mine does not roll off highs and when in MB-mode it may even boost them.

[@cricket3715]

Thanks Matty nice rundown.

[@andrewmargileth5095]

My EBS sounds fantastic w my Berantino Forte HP. I also have Cali 76, Keeley Bassist, and Tech 21. EBS just gives me what I need. I always end up going to the MultiComp

[@DannoDemo]

Good start, but an updated video would be wonderful. Especially since a compressor - for not all, but many bassists - is essential. Having an up to date comparison (ex: Empress, Cali76, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

[@racerdeth]

I love the BOSS BC-1X. it's an "always on" for me.

[@ksump1]

TC SpectraComp is also a multiband compressor. Great review!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

True, even more bands than the EBS! Lots of options especially through the toneprints on this guy! //Philipp

[@nicolas.grisanti]

EBS Multicomp, my favourite, used it for almost 3 years, easy to use and sounds amazing.

[@johnharrison6808]

Nicolas Grisanti I'd highly recommend the multicomp, used one myself til it died.

[@TRAWLPortlandME]

Great video! I’m currently using the Bogner Lyndhurst Comp on bass. Also using the same Sonic GrayJazz bass, they are amazing.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Problem with compression is it is usually a very subtle thing to hear. In a lot of ways it's much more dynamic to record with out it and bring down and increase the wav file as needed. Then put a light compression on the finished product.

[@rickbiessman6084]

Bringing a native speaker on the channel is probably the best thing you could do. Awesome presenter! Super likable!

[@AroldoLuvisottoNeto]

HAHAHAHA, I loved the italian accent, the Tarantella and the hand gesture (Ma che!?) at 9:28 :D Good video, man. You're funny.

[@LovingGoodContent]

Really big in to the Seymour Duncan Studio Bass pedal

[@xttocx]

That EBS for me had the most effect and had the best control over the actual bass, that's what I'd steer towards personally.

[@gudrontheband]

dat tief end tho

[@gnt897]

absolutely love ebs compressor pedal to me it has to be one of the best

[@Treyvlog]

this guy sounds so happy to be teaching

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

MXR for the win imo. Makes that low end sound so so sweet. I was going to buy the Darkglass compressor but this video has changed my mind

[@musicmaestro88]

Ditto.

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Can we get a update between the cali 76 cb and darkglass hyper luminal and stuff like the Seymour Duncan studio bass compressor.

[@MrKafein]

The Darkglass Symmetry is a killer! ...in fact I have become a Darkglass fan, they do incredible gear!

[@casebass2316]

I came for a compressor demo and left wanting a Fender Jazz.

[@seaskiff20]

I had the Markbass comp and should have never sold it. The tuuuuub really adds a lot of nice warmth. So want to try the Darkglass. $300 is a heavy price tag tho. I'm sure its well worth it.

[@johnr374]

what model hair tie is that

[@jazzbassist]

toooob-compressor. Love it! Great vid, cool accent.

[@MutantNetwork]

I like the Super Symmetry myself, great fat tone !

[@blastnblades]

Hey guys awesome vid! I love the MXR bass compressor myself! I have a video suggestion, Can you guys do a challenge with eachother: Who can make the best harley benton kit? I love your harley benton kits they are so much fun but I would love to see what you guys could do with it(choice of the kit, how you guys paint it etc. etc.) Anyways keep up the great work I love watching your videos!

[@toddcmcintosh]

Spectracomp does multiband compression as well (depending on the preset). Can actually do 3 band.

[@samsschool3639]

The mistake everyone makes when demoing a compressor on youtube is not using a lower bit rate and sample rate to compare the signals, instead of using too much post processing. I literally can't hear any difference, well done in this video though Thomann!

[@DanielDaniel2311]

Hi i just bought the mxr compressor, how would you set it up for rock/metal? ☺

[@GingerViking69]

When his ring magically switches to his right hand at 1:57... and back to the left hand at 11:23.... impressive.

[@Bass-guitarist]

Well spotted! I would never have seen that. I bet your one of these people who spot all the errors on films? Lol

[@marionmusictv]

Hi man , do you think the mxr compressor would do better job in a studio than the fmr rnc conpressor or rncla ??? Great video by the way

[@danfro]

I really like the Boss BC-1X.

[@TheSimonarne]

Are all these bass specific or can they be used for other instruments aswell

[@mario_504]

Important: the SPECTRACOMP is a multiband compressor. Surely the best value among the options. But the MARK is the one that sounded the best for me.

[@lp1177]

I feel like the post process of this video added a lot of compression or normalizing to all sounds ， the bass tone is super compressed already even the pedal is off，correct me if i‘m wrong

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

No post-process compression done - for none of these vids. Would make the whole idea futile ;) //Philipp

[@HardEhEvIa]

Thomann Music I think he means post process done by KZbin when you upload the video, even with headphones I have troubles to listen the difference between compressors.

[@JimijaymesProductions]

Its a common misconception, KZbin doesnt apply post processing it does do DATA compression which does nothing to the dynamics (within reason) just omits data not needed. Unless you are listening on CD or Vinyl you are listening to music/watchingTV/watching movies that has DATA compression.

[@rdoursenaud]

You're right. KZbin does normalization (Adjusts playback volume to content loudness) and data compression (Reduces the size, think MP3) but does not do audio compression (Control dynamic range, as pedals do in this demo).

[@V3lz3vull]

Your demo videos are great, man! They are very helpful. I am looking forward to see a demo (top 5) video about bass combo amps (300-500 watt). Thank you!

[@SlavSquatSenpai]

I'm glad you guys really covered the dynamic abilities of these compressors... Oh, wait.

[@christianscott6963]

Liked these comparisons. Plenty of different features... Really like the MXR for the money. What was the signal chain used for this video? Just want to know what else was adding color to the end sound?

[@felipeahumada797]

Great vid, very clear and usefull. If only you could have more time with each pedal...I mean, EBS for instance, got a lot more of qualities that you have performed.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Cool demo. You did a great job. I preferred the EBS unit. I'm currently shopping-around for a Bass pedal-compressor. Any input from the Bass community is appreciated. oNe LovE from NYC

[@gutbucket260]

Keeley Bassist pedal. Not a lot of bells and whistles but it's easy to use and gets the job done.

[@positiveendtimes]

Dark glass sounds so smooooth

[@ewoe21]

I'm thinking about going with the Markbass tube compressor. Any thoughts?

[@marklowe7431]

Dude your English is perfect. Good review too.

[@darksonata4611]

why are you not in the latest transformer movie?

[@joeythehulk]

Lol!!!! A year later, still a great comment.

[@adriansardi2688]

🤣

[@AJbassist]

can u compare the supersymmetry to Keeley and Empress, cali76? which all have similar format

[@beornthebear.8220]

I have the Mark Bass. I love it. A dog killed my first one, and I bought another. I always use it. I squeeze the controls hard.

[@LegendOfSpeed]

Denglish! I love it ;)

[@Nivenization]

Thank you.

[@kaleb4299]

"Or just in life" - words of wisdom 😂😂

[@carlucho1012]

Guys, Can I connect any pedal to my audio interface (Scarlett Focusrite 4i4) and hear it using headphones or it just works with the amp? Sorry I am new to this.

[@theakstonsrock]

How does the Empress compare in your opinion?

[@leveecunningham5812]

GOOD VIDEO.

[@Hitnrun69ify]

Hi, which Tele is that hanging in the back there?

[@germdisco]

Definitely not sold on the EBS by this demo because it loses so much top end. Maybe it can sound more transparent with adjustments. But I’m leaning more towards the MXR or Darkglass.

[@Bazoo846]

I dont know its because I hear it on the net but difference with or without compresssor is really subtle. I mean I dont see a big change...

[@kevmac1230]

I have a Spectra comp but didn't get the amp with it.

[@earlspearl2933]

well , I don't notice any reason to get any of these . but the Jazz ! what a bass !

[@spaghettieddie326]

Thomann...you left out the Canadian made and highly regarded Empress Compressor...input, output, ratio, attack, release and mix controls along with a dual function LED meter and a TRS "sidechain" for connecting an EQ pedal to further sculp and fine tune your tone.

[@01SEELE01]

As an Italian i laughted so much 😂 Good job tho

[@jesush.tap-dancingchrist7328]

What's the "italian" tune he plays?

[@wolframheldmaier727]

Can anybody explain why MXR has mor reduction the lower the ratio is? To my opinion it should be the opposite because more note are compressed stronger. Flat curve.

[@wckoek]

I wondered if you should put the compressor before or after preamp/eq if you use one? On vocals and studio work they always compress after preamp, but live they have the compressor upfront?

[@swconnexion]

that jazz section at 7:52 🤩🤩🤩 where can I here more of that please ?!

[@rubensousa3466]

Between Mxr compressor and Mark Bass Compressore, what you want?

[@shiraga0516]

TC Electronic Spectra Comp is also a multiband compressor.

[@MainAccount500]

What is y’all’s opinions for the markbass compressore?

[@aronhidman1]

You just played the TC compressor (which is a three band compressor) and then when you came to the EBS compressor (which is a two band compressor) you said you had entered the realm of multi band compressors. That doesn't make sense now, does it?

[@marszello]

what was that italitan riff you played with the markbass compressore?

[@cosmicjest7509]

Tarantella Napoletana

[@mo000on]

I've been recording myself recently through a DI and noticed way more string buzz than I thought I had, nice to see I'm not the only one with a weak left hand.

[@sebastian.arancibia]

I would like to see this same review but with a pbass.

[@Phantom_gtx]

Great!

[@Guitar_Smasher]

I kinda like my Keeley Bassist!

[@GunnySmithApple]

How is the Cali 76 not on this and every list?

[@lucabertani5608]

We're gonna try Mark Bass Compressor(e), wich is italian for something I don't know... Well maybe it's italian for "pharmacy" or "grocery", who knows?

[@fotog04]

🤣😂

[@AnderDoUrden]

Luca, I came here in the comments section to write what you "just" (4 months ago) wrote. Grazie 😂 When I heard that I was like "are u serious, WTF do you think it means?" 😳 He even pronounced it perfectly (well, if you ignore the silly accent they think we have). Bah.

[@mihokradovan]

@@AnderDoUrden but you do have :). Been to torino for 3months. Great opportinity.... No offence. I like the italian "songy" language...

[@barrywebber100]

A better format might be to hear the bass without and then with the added effects?

[@simonbcky]

Herr Kollege, good job.. one note though. i have the Markbass, love it .... however, when the yellow light is not flashing / is not on, the compressor is not active / not working... so in your demo, if you want to show the dynamic squeeze then you need to set the gain and threshold so high up, that even your very light touch notes engage the compressor and make the yellow sign come up... :) this way as you use it, IMHO what really happens is that the tube acts as a preamp and the small boost of volume you get is merely from the tube gain stage... which is also fine and a nice way to use this pedal ... just as a tube preamp and hardly dialing in any compression, or only for the top of the dynamic range... so in fact this lovely Markbass pedal is a true analog tube schöne Kiste :D ok then, bye and keep up the good work!

[@JMLRecording]

Not sure what interface / daw setting were used here but the audio of the bass sounds quite digital and processed. Hard to hear these pedals properly for some reason.

[@davidrichardson7687]

I love my Squier Basses more than ever. Interesting how some players think fret buzz is acceptable.

[@Thisisspacemusic]

how does that bass sound so much like Geddy Lee's bass. Is it the maple neck, pickups, bridge, or the heavy body of the jazz bass? I have a Fender Blacktop p-bass and I'm trying to get it to sound like this. Any Advice would be great!! :)

[@nathanaeleasley6677]

Probably the biggest factor would be the pick-ups in the jazz configuration

[@vermilionjack2391]

Probably the biggest part of this sound is the fret buzz So incomprehensible for me, how he can play on such unsetupped instrument?!

[@loku8511]

I have the mxr bass compressor. Love it.

[@ramonotero7536]

The Best, Mxr

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I have the MXR Bass Dyna Comp, most worthless piece of garbage I ever heard. I love my other MXR stuff (overdrive, chorus, and envelope filter), so I just assumed it'd work well and I liked it because it's simple. It's completely unusable, makes me sound like a speaker is blown. I think I'll try the Darkglass.

[@WoutervanTiel]

What about the Cali 76?

[@zordosway3846]

Would like to have heard it with your own bass or a bass you feel more comfortable playing, just going by the sound of the fret buzz the pedals bring out more of

[@everettcussler525]

Actually you "entered the realm of multi band compression" with the spectra, which is a 3 band compressor derived from a rack unit from tc.

[@johnraspberry2269]

what is the Italian song you played when testing the MARKBASS?

[@WillXPower99]

Sounds like boson bill

[@RH-xs8gz]

Now thats a spicy-a meata ball!

Cali76?

[@christophercaldwell511]

Thomann is the best just ordered a Hofner bass that couldn’t be found anywhere is the US ordered from Germany on Tuesday tracking says it will be here on Monday less than a week from a Germany to US incredible service and communication.

[@doodykim1246]

which comp is nature?

[@kmcclure1961]

Add the Caii 76, best bass compressor on the market if you can afford it.

[@cdbassplayer]

Aguilar TLC, for me it's simply the best. I recommend it!

[@anonymousguy7723]

What about Aguilar...?

[@underpressureman]

does any of the bass heads out there know the difference between the mxr m87 bass compressor and the mxr studio compressor?

[@jonathanalcantara1986]

from what I've heard they are the same. MXR just made the studio because the guitar guys didn't like to have a compressor that says "bass" on it

[@core_fin]

I've played for a few years now, even recording in studio and several dozen paid gigs. I've had cheaper multi effect things, individual pedals and now the Quad Cortex. Sure, I can hear a small difference with the A/B comparisons here, but it might as well be you know.. whatever knob in a different position or maybe a different amp/cab sim. The difference to me always feels so minimal that I've yet to find a compressor that really makes me go "aah! thats the thing!". Like the only thing I can ever hear a compressor do is slightly color the tone which could as well be a different preamp or another pedal setting. Hardly ever I can actually notice it doing anything for compressing the highs or the lows, just color. Yet, I still use a compressor in my chain cos I feel "im supposed to", its just that i feel it does nothing worth mentioning.

[@core_fin]

I guess what I can'ish hear is bass on actual studio tracks being compressed. I guess its serial compressed (to hell), but I wish I could actually get that live somehow.

[@LuxeXx]

what's the difference between a bass compressor and a normal guitar compressor? REPLY

[@lavadoraautomatica1]

LuxeXx reply now!!!! Lol is probably just the frequencies that they handle.

[@NephtaliValdez]

Best video ever!!!

[@timworley3235]

wouldnt you want to have dynamics though? i get it in maybe a metal show where you want to be loud all the time but literally every other genre (and even metal sometimes) you want to be able to play with those dynamics!

[@NothingHereButMe]

A compressor doesn't kill all dynamics. Plus, they're very good for recording, stops peaks. Also, I just like the sound of a compressed bass guitar better, sits better in a band mix and is fuller

[@timworley3235]

right fair enough, im thinking about getting a pedal, but a compressor pedals probably not the best first pedal haha

[@jmpsthrufyre]

Tim Worley I can't stand them. But because of that I haven't tried any for a long time. I prefer playing a note and having what I played come out of the speakers the way I played it. I know the engineer where I recorded a demo with a prog metal band thought I was wrong. That just made me laugh

[@lavadoraautomatica1]

I'm glad that you exercising your constitutional right of freedom of speech and voicing your opinion. But your opinion is wrong.

[@h1de]

The trick is not to limit but to just compress enough to regulate and leave some dynamics.