Black Finger Compressor and other bass compressors

[VH4_BigRig]

hey guys, I was talking to the bass player from a local band (Iconoclast) the other day, and asked him about the rig he was using, because he was getting a great live sound out of it. He said "use a solid state head and a black finger compressor" (his head was a GK of some sort). Have you guys had any experience with these? In general, what compressor do you like the most for playing bass and why? Any thoughts would be great! Thanks in advance!

 

[RockStarNick]

I can see why he's saying that: The solid state amp will give you all the headroom you need, and because the Black Finger is tube, it'll be warm, and the optical compression will be very transparent.

I've tried using the typical MXR compressor-types with bass, and you always get a noticeable artifact sound, with lots of pumping going on. Not good for bass. For bass, you want compression, but you NEED to maintain that impact.

For me, I think the BBW opto-stomp is absolutely kickass for bass. REALLY really transparent.

I use the BBE opto stomp into a Sansamp ParaDriver and get an incredible bass tone.

 

[sebby123]

keeley compressor and Trex bass compressor

 

[blackba]

I have actually gotten away from using a compressor on a bass. I do think the Barber tone press does a nice job though, although I have been considering picking up a trace elliott SMX.

Here is a great site on compressors, lots of good info. He does give his top few compressors if you don't want to wade though it.... http://www.ovnilab.com/

 

[RockStarNick]

Barber tone press USED to be my favorite for bass till I tried the BBE Opto Stomp.

 

[VH4_BigRig]

I have actually gotten away from using a compressor on a bass. I do think the Barber tone press does a nice job though, although I have been considering picking up a trace elliott SMX.

Here is a great site on compressors, lots of good info. He does give his top few compressors if you don't want to wade though it.... http://www.ovnilab.com/

Wow, that's a pretty thorough compressor site- I wish there was a site like this for each effect type! Thanks for that. I know you're a fellow stingray/sterling lover, so you know where the good bass stuff is

The guy on the site likes the BBE a lot too, sounds like I'll have to see if I can find one to try out!

 

[blackba]

I have actually gotten away from using a compressor on a bass. I do think the Barber tone press does a nice job though, although I have been considering picking up a trace elliott SMX.

Here is a great site on compressors, lots of good info. He does give his top few compressors if you don't want to wade though it.... http://www.ovnilab.com/

Wow, that's a pretty thorough compressor site- I wish there was a site like this for each effect type! Thanks for that. I know you're a fellow stingray/sterling lover, so you know where the good bass stuff is

The guy on the site likes the BBE a lot too, sounds like I'll have to see if I can find one to try out!

It is a very nice site. I am thinking of picking up a BBE Opto stomp as well. I am using my tone press now on my guitar rig and so I could use a compressor for my bass.

I am a former Music Man Sterling owner (should have never have sold that bass). I would love to find a used MM sterling 5 string, I am keeping my feelers out for one. Right now I have a nice black Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass.