Electro-HarmonixBass Preacher Compressor/Sustainer Pedal

There are so many compressors out there, and a few that are bass-specific. I have (probably) owned all of the bass models, and several other units over the years. I have found compressors to be more "hit or miss" than just about any other effect, and few work well with every bass or rig. I used the Tech 21 bass Compactor for years, but it was very hard to dial in just the right sound and amount of compression. I had okay luck with the Spectra-Comp, and I really enjoyed the relatively expensive EH Black Finger tube compressor, but THIS Electro Harmonix Bass Preacher is the best i have come across. It is very effective, and it maintains the tone and volume of your bass. I like the small size, the sturdy case, high quality internal components, it's not made in China, and is is so incredibly easy to use. you can adjust this thing with little effort to a perfect balance of compression, sustain and attack. The three-way attack switch is a nice feature that make a dramatic difference. I like it set on slow, but it works well in the other settings too. It's not free, but the price is actually very competitive.

This is a very simple, straight forward compressor for bass guitar.After my Boss LMB3 quit working less than a year after I bought it, I was in the market for another bass compressor. I wasn't very satisfied with the Boss and was looking for something new. I own 3 other EHX pedals and have been very satisfied with their quality and durability.I play 4 and 5 string, active and passive basses and this pedal works well with all of them. I prefer a rawer tone and use a compressor just to mildly even out my playing and this fits the bill nicely. The sustain knob adjusts the amount of compression and the volume knob helps compensate for any volume drop. A three position toggle switch allows you to adjust the speed at which the compression takes place. While a knob to adjust the speed would have been a nice feature, they're probably saving that for the Bass Preacher Deluxe, but the presets in the toggle work well. The pedal is also true bypass, but seriously, why would you ever turn it off?

Never worked from day one; at least returning to Amazon was easy. Ended up with an MXR compressor, which, while more expensive, is a great pedal!

Noisy, but it does a great job. I wish I'd had a compressor like this a long time ago.

Compression is the only real pedal you really need for the bass (my opinion). This is a good one. Gives you a nice punchy sound. 3 way toggle is cool.

Works well but is very noisy...especially when using my jazz bass. I can't turn the volume up past 10' clock without a annoying hiss.

I'm a guitar player who is trying out bass guitar. I never used a compressor for my guitar before, but I found that with a bass there is a huge range of dynamics to be had, especially with effects (I'm searching for the perfect filter/wah/synth sound). This compressor evens out my signal and makes me sound better. I could practice and actually get a lot better, or just leave this thing on. I keep everything around 1 o'clock and set the timer to medium. It makes it a lot easier to mix when playing live as well.

I'm not very knowledgeable about compressors, so I like the simplicity of this pedal. It's quiet. When maxed, there is a faint hiss, but it isn't really noticeable. It's works fine through my active and passive basses. The 3 position toggle switch is perfect for my needs and the nano size is smaller than expected.