What bass drive/compressor?

[danbanbass]

Hi Guys,

 

My setup consists of a Fender vintage 2 precision bass with a Emg geezer pickup and fender high mass bridge, I use it with a sansamp bddi v2 into an Ampeg V4 head and 212av cab.

 

I’m looking for a compressor to use just to even the notes out a smidge more and smooth things out, any suggestions? I don’t need anything too complicated.

 

Bass overdrive wise I’d like a bit of natural sounding valve style grind rather than full on overdrive.

 

Whats out there and any recommendations?

[Supernaut]

You're after "natural sounding valve style grind" but play an Ampeg V4 - am I missing something? Surely that and the BDDI has you covered? 

[Lozz196]

For a set & forget compressor the Keeley Bassist is a good option. No bells & whistles, just does what you’re after very easily.

 

Drive - well to add in a tad of drive I like the Ampeg Scrambler, as it has a blend you don’t lose low end and it just adds that bit extra to the sound. I have this on my Ampeg SCRDI and use it to just remove the clean sharp edges of the sound.

[BassAdder60]

Another vote for the Keeley Bassist although I did find a couple from new that had noise issues. 
 

Drive pedals .. best I ever used was Darkglass Omicron. Awesome pedal that kept your bass still sounding like a bass ! 

Edited 5 hours ago by BassAdder60

[Frank Blank]

Paging @Osiris...

[Osiris]

48 minutes ago, Frank Blank said:

Paging @Osiris...

 

Thank you, young Francis 

 

Honestly, with an Ampeg V4 and a Sansamp, I think you probably already have more than enough compression in your signal chain without adding an additional pedal. My guess - obviously based on nothing more than an assumption based on your gear - is that it's an EQ issue rather than a compression one. The inherent Sansamp sound is a massive mid scoop which while sounding great on its own tends to make anything above the E string difficult to hear in the mix, at least that's been my experience wherever I've tried it over the years. Try dialing back the blend control to under 50% to make the mid rich tone of the Precision more prevalent. And the Ampeg tone, especially if you have the low boost button engaged, also cuts a big chunk of the low minds which usually translate as the bass frequencies you hear in the mix. So if you use that, try switching it off. It might not sound so pleasing on its own but will help you hear the bass clearer in the mix.

 

And again, with the Ampeg and a Sansamp, I'm guessing you have enough drive for a natural drive sound, especially when trying the above suggestions to counteract the mid scoop of both. 

[Rodders]

17 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

For a set & forget compressor the Keeley Bassist is a good option. No bells & whistles, just does what you’re after very easily.

 

 

 

I agree with Lozz on this, another recommendation for the Keeley Bassist, I've struggled with compressors, tried different ones but this is the easiest to use and gives you a great even sound.