Dunlop MXR M87 Bass Compressor

To begin, I want to clarify that I am using a continuous compressor to even out the levels between the highs and lows, and not to boost a specific sound. I purchased this compressor as a replacement for an EBS MultiComp, which was performing its function adequately, but was starting to produce a distracting background noise. I was immediately impressed with the MXR M87 compressor during my first try. The LED indicator for the compression ratio is very user-friendly. Compared to the EBS, the sound is almost unchanged (the EBS still adds a significant amount of high frequencies, which can be desirable for an entry-level or vintage bass). Furthermore, the compression is much more effective than the EBS, which has a maximum ratio of 5:1. However, after a few days of testing, I found the settings to be difficult to adjust. With a bass guitar with a high input level, the input gain adjustment is very sensitive (too sensitive). When I adjust the settings for fingerstyle playing, my slap sound becomes overly compressed, and when I adjust the settings for slap, there is almost no compression for fingerstyle playing. Finally, I prefer when the Attack and Release settings are automated and automatically adjust to the note being played. With a bass guitar with a very long sustain, I need to set the release time to be very long in order to prevent the volume from "returning" to its original level, which is not a good setting for the rest of the playing. Overall, it is a good compressor, but as I already have difficulty using a parametric EQ, there are too many buttons for me. I also think that it is not particularly suitable for my bass guitar, which has a very high output level. I have replaced it with a Keeley Bassist Compressor, which is not yet available at Musix, and which is absolutely perfect for me.

To begin, I want to clarify that I am using a continuous compressor to even out the levels between the highs and lows, and not to boost a specific sound. I purchased this compressor as a replacement for an EBS MultiComp, which was performing its function adequately, but was starting to produce a distracting background noise. I was immediately impressed with the MXR M87 compressor during my first try. The LED indicator for the compression ratio is very user-friendly. Compared to the EBS, the sound is almost unchanged (the EBS still adds a significant amount of high frequencies, which can be desirable for an entry-level or vintage bass). Furthermore, the compression is much more effective than the EBS, which has a maximum ratio of 5:1. However, after a few days of testing, I found the settings to be difficult to adjust. With a bass guitar with a high input level, the input gain adjustment is very sensitive (too sensitive). When I adjust the settings for fingerstyle playing, my slap sound becomes overly compressed, and when I adjust the settings for slap, there is almost no compression for fingerstyle playing. Finally, I prefer when the Attack and Release settings are automated and automatically adjust to the note being played. With a bass guitar with a very long sustain, I need to set the release time to be very long in order to prevent the volume from "returning" to its original level, which is not a good setting for the rest of the playing. Overall, it is a good compressor, but as I already have difficulty using a parametric EQ, there are too many buttons for me. I also think that it is not particularly suitable for my bass guitar, which has a very high output level. I have replaced it with a Keeley Bassist Compressor, which is not yet available at Musix, and which is absolutely perfect for me.