Best Bass Compressor Pedal
Why it's best: Joemeek (named after a legendary British recording engineer) has taken their studio-grade compressor circuit and squeezed it into a pedal. Probably the most sophisticated compressor pedal on the market, the FloorQ covers all aspect of signal compression with six controls that allow the user to tune it exactly to his or her taste. A standout feature on this unit is the Input Level control, which is engaged even when the compressor is off, very helpful when you need a hotter signal than your bass can deliver. Also, the pedal adds no color to your sound; the sound you put into it is the sound that comes out.
The other controls are: Slope (ratio of compressed to uncompressed signal), Compress (threshold, or at what decibel level the effect kicks in), Attack (self-explanatory), Release (signal decay), and Output. There's a lot here to work with, but if you're really picky about your sound (I sure am), the FloorQ is the way to go. It's more expensive than everything else on this list, but not by much, especially for all you get. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$249.00
Why it's a best pick: In case you didn't know, Aguilar is all about bass gear, so anything they make deserves a serious look. Their TLC Compressor appears to be a simplified version of the Joemeek FloorQ, with everything but the Output and Release controls. While not quite as versatile as the FloorQ, it has more than the average compressor unit, particularly the Slope (ratio) control, which gives you the option of adding anything from a little compression to total saturation. The TLC refers to Aguilar's exclusive Trans Linear Control circuit, and though they don't really offer an explanation, it's apparently how they fit such a sophisticated design into such a tiny container, something the folks at Aguilar like to do. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$269.00
Why it's a best pick: One of the more desirable bass compressors around, the EBS MultiComp offers three kinds of compression: studio grade solid-state, tube simulation and multi-band (varying compression levels calibrated for each frequency range). Not as complicated as it sounds. Besides the foot switch, it only has two knobs – Compression and Gain – and a pair of switches, one for the type of compression and one for active or passive basses. Obviously, you can't really micromanage your sound with a set up like this, but simplicity has its place, and in the world of music gear, a really large place. The compact size and sturdy housing make it even more desirable. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$198.95
Why it's a best pick: Slap bass is a complex mix of melody, percussion and rhythm, some of which can be all too easily muted by conventional compressors. AMT Electronics has therefore come up with a unit designed specifically for slap bass. All of the details and subtleties come through with the help of a built-in speaker emulation circuit. The controls include Level, Low, High and Drive, implying that the compression is pre-set; all you do is set up your tone. The Drive control adds distortion, in case you want to take it to another level. It should be noted that the Slap Bass Compressor can also be used for other bass styles besides slap, so feel free to give it a try. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: What sets the XBS Bass Squeeze apart from other compressors is its ability to compress high and low frequencies independently of each other. The studio-grade dbx OverEasy compression circuit is preset, but it's your choice as to where it's applied. There's also a X-over (crossover) control to determine where the highs and lows begin and end. One of its best features, however, is the price. You can find compressors for more than twice the price that can't do half of what this one does. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
