Is there such a thing as “the best bass compressor pedal”? Unfortunately, both “no” and “yes” answers are correct in this case.
It does not exist because two factors are almost unpredictable in terms of the “best” sound: the bass compression quality you need to be satisfied with and your guitar amplifier cabinet’s reaction to a compressed signal.
Yes, it exists because a good bass compressor can be a game-changer for a weak bass guitar or a beat-up speaker to get smooth, even flat tones, balanced sound, and boosted volume.
Without further ado, let us get straight to the best bass pedals available on the market at the moment.
Top 4 Best Bass Compressor Pedals:
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | MXR M87 (Editor's Choice) | Check Price |
 | Aguilar TLC | Check Price |
 | EBS Multi Comp | Check Price |
 | Markbass Compressore | Check Price |
MXR M87 Bass Compressor (Editor’s Choice)
It is one of the best bass compressors on the market. However, if you are looking for a simple, easily adjustable device with good functionality and great sound from a reliable manufacturer, you hardly find something better than the M87 compressor pedal.
EBS Multi Comp (see below) had almost no competitors for many years, but this advanced compressor became a game-changer.
What is the difference? You have more controls, modern LED scale for those who do not believe their ears. 🙂
You get the functionality that is usually available only with much more expensive compressor pedals. Input/output controls give you full control over compression, while a nice easy-to-read LED indicator helps you understand the compression level applied.
The complete manual will help you adjust the correct settings in just 10-15 minutes. Therefore, it might be beneficial for beginners.
The sound is excellent for different styles. M87 can both fatten and limit your tone depending on a particular situation and your desire.
MXR has an excellent reputation in the world of bass professionals, and their M87 bass compressor is just one more piece of evidence of their reliability.
Aguilar TLC Bass Compression Effect Pedal
This very nice-sounding pedal is a strong and exciting competitor of the M87 reviewed above. However, many bass-involved professionals recommend TLS as a perfect alternative if you are not fully satisfied with MXR’s device.
This bass compressor allows you to individually set each of the settings needed for perfect punchy bass. It makes your bass sound consistent and flexible at the same time, smoothes it out, and can even compensate for some negative sound effects of an old cabinet.
Please note that it is supposed to be subtle, and if you want a compressor pedal that can make your sound more colorful, you probably need something else.
This bass compressor pedal is the most expensive one of all reviewed in this article. However, in my opinion, its price is pretty fair. In addition, you can easily adjust this device even you are a bass newbie and do not fully understand the meaning of the words “release” and “attack.”
EBS Multi Comp True Dual Band Bass Compressor Pedal
This model is a famous and respectful one. This thing is made for the real experts of bass compression who want to feel all nuances and know what they want to get from a compressor.
You have a minimal number of controls, and all of them are needed for some basic settings.
It stresses attack very well, makes the bass more dried, and sounds more colorful.
Two separate compression bands make this device unique: the signal is compressed separately for low & high frequencies. This interesting feature can be helpful, for example, for heavy metal compositions that need to catch all the peaks.
However, this compressor pedal’s main feature is its ability to produce a crystal clear and transparent sound that does not feel compressed from any point of view.
The tone is impressive and becomes focused and direct if you set everything right.
This bass compressor is not noisy, which is unfortunately not rare for cheaper compressor pedal models.
This device is a perfect investment of money, especially recommended for professional players who understand what is right and terrible regarding bass.
However, even if you are getting to first base in bass guitar playing, you may want to buy this top-notch equipment for better bass sounding.
Markbass Compressore Bass Compressor Pedal
Wow. How many controls! And even a bulb.
This compressor pedal is a VERY sophisticated device. It would be best to be extremely careful when making adjustments because sound becomes pinched and muffled easily.
A bulb adds some color, but it is almost invisible.
And it is perfectly quiet. You have no ambient noise at all.
I think there is some noise cancellation inside.
This compressor can easily pump up a sound, make it wide and more volumetric.
This bass compressor pedal is excellent, but it has some drawbacks.
- First of all, this device is huge for the majority of people.
- Secondly, it is so sensitive to adjustments that it may be annoying for people who do not like to fiddle with settings.
However, Markbass Compressore is a top-notch bass compressor pedal, and I can recommend it to people who love deep and rich bass.
Other Good Bass Compressor Pedals
I reviewed above all the best bass compressor pedals available on the market at the moment. However, there are still some exciting alternatives you can try on your own. I list them below and give a short description to each one:
- Carl Martin Classic Opto Compressor Pedal is a perfect device for the money. It has a low level of noise, many different settings, and the right way of working with sound.
- Demeter Compulator was competing with EBS Multi Comp for some time. It has similar settings, a less colorful tone, and is more accurate in terms of peaks. I have tried it several times, and the overall impression was positive.
- Diamond BCP-1 has just three controls, but the sound quality is fantastic. This compressor pedal has its color, and it makes the bass juicier but not muddy. It works gently with peaks and produces almost no noise. However, it is pretty delicate, and if I have some time, I will do a full review for this perfect bass compressor pedal.
- They say 3Leaf PWNZOR is similar to Diamond BSP1; some people also praise FEA Labs. However, I have never tried them and can say nothing about their pros and cons.
Do You Need a Bass Compressor Pedal?
Everybody asks this question from time to time.
Compression haters say that all bass compression pedals are made to compensate for bad players’ weaknesses, old bass guitars, or outdated audio equipment.
They say a solid bassist does not need any bass compressors, which may “destroy” the right tone. They call the compressed sound “dull,” “dimed,” and even “flat.”
Is there a grain of sense in their words? For people who think so, I strongly recommend reading an interesting article which completely covers this topic: “Is using a bass compressor cheating?”.
My article is not about the pros and cons of bass compression, although this topic is quite essential, and I will try to highlight just the main points:
- Even the best bass compressor in the world cannot get unique sounds from a bad bass guitar. Bass compressor pedal cuts dynamic peaks, emphasizes attack.
- Loud sounds become quieter and quiet sounds – louder. Eventually, a compressor makes the bass more consistent; low-end frequencies do not disappear during a strong attack.
- Yes, good compressor pedals are very sensitive to sound quality. That is because they absorb and increase all ambient noise.
However, all strong bass players use compression for better consistency of volume, as I said above. Why?
- Because you are supposed to have perfect pitch and susceptible fingers to play every note with the same volume, you still can try, but a good compressor helps you get the same result without extra effort you may need for something else.
- Moreover, some tones can not be gotten without a good compressor, even from the world’s best bass guitar.
- Also, when you play guitar, quieter notes should not fade too quickly, and that is when some soft compression may be irreplaceable and help keep those notes from rapid decaying.
Thus, if there is still some doubt, you need to go to your local music store and try one of the aforementioned devices. Only you can decide whether you need any compressor or not, and only you can choose the best compressor pedal for any genre, including but not limited to metal, country, etc.