Product ReviewsMXR M87 Bass Compressor Pedal for Bass Guitar (open Box)

Beyond "WOW" factor

I normally use in line compression and I've tried a lot of different brands. MXR consistently delivers the goods. I tried to save a few bucks by using the comparatively much less expensive Dyna-Comp and the Super-Comp; both are good units and worked well for a time, but tend to be a bit too linear for the bass. I finally dropped the $$ on the MXR M87 and the difference was immediate and dramatic. Totally tailored to the needs of the bassist, the MXR M87 is a beast! Tasty design, easy to use, very flexible and well made, I had my settings in very short order. I'm kicking myself for not getting one long before now. If you are considering an in line compressor, this one should be on your short list. If you wondering whether or not to buy this particular pedal - wonder no more- GET ONE...GET ONE NOW!!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: jeffsmusicgear

MXR M87 Bass Compressor tames the beast

I'm really just a couple years into playing bass and I was looking to achieve a round, smooth, compressed sound with less dynamic range than without compression. This pedal really fit the bill! After researching lots of options out there, I ultimately settled on this MXR pedal because of the LED readout to help visualize the level of compression being applied. But the independent in and out volume controls proved to be essential in dialing in the effect much better than could be achieved by simple attack & release knobs alone.

The product quality is top-notch, and unless you boost the signal volume too high, this is a quiet pedal without added hiss when using a quality power supply. I use Shure SE846 earphones for IEM and I can't detect any noise when this pedal is configured properly.

My only critique is that the ratio knob is a four-position dial and not fully sweepable across a range. But that works out to be just fine as the four ratio options of 4, 8, 12, and 20 meet my needs extremely well.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: sweetwatersound

Got a wild hair in your sound? This MXR bass compressor could be the answer

This small bass compressor is a smart addition to your pedal board as it does an excellent job of taming wild notes and leveling your signal. It's especially useful if used toward the beginning of the signal chain, before input-sensitive effects such as envelope filters and octavers. It's also very good at catching spikes from slap-bass playing and smoothing out your picking technique. It's versatile with a good selection of controls normally found on most rack-mounted compressors: input (threshold) level, attack time, gain-reduction ratio, release time and output signal level. There is also an LED display for gain reduction that aids with attack and release times. Because of the array of controls at your disposal you can tweak your settings from a very subtle, almost unnoticeable compression effect all the way to total pumping squashed craziness and just about anything in-between. It can even be used as a limiter, just crank up the ratio setting and shorten the attack and release times.
So, is it an LA-2A in a box? No, but it's pretty close to a DBX 160x to my ears. Which is pretty darn good for a pedal-sized compressor and makes for an impressive piece of bass technology. 4 and 1/2 stars. I'd give it 5 stars for a separate threshold control and a battery compartment instead of having to remove four screws and the bottom plate to change the 9-volt- but that's just me.Read full review...

So versatile that I could not think of a single possible improvement!

Having purchased this unit among other pedals to replace a Zoom B2.1u Multi FX unit, I found myself wondering whether there really was anything to gain from the change.

I was very quickly convinced that it was worth every cent, as the MXR compressor gives you all the versatility you could want in a compressor. The LED bar graph shows you exactly how much compression is being applied at a given moment, and serves as a fantastic way to adjust your settings so that the signal is being compressed exactly where and when you want it to be. Your eyes will tell you what your ears may not!

Unlike many of my other pedals, the MXR Bass Compressor stays in the state you leave it in. Other effects need to be toggled on or off to suit my 'default' sound every time the pedal board is plugged in, but thanks to the 3PDT toggle switch, this unit stays in the state you left it in. If it was on when you unplugged, it'll be on when you plug in again, and vice versa! The other benefit of this type of switch is that you get true bypass.

Overall, the MXR Bass compressor is very compact, built tough, versatile, adjustable, doesn't color your tone, and leaves you believing it couldn't possibly be improved, as it's already PERFECT!

I would absolutely buy another one if this was stolen and would not even need to consider the competition!Read full review...

An great combination of features, sound and value

I've tried a bunch of compressor pedal for bass but the MXR Bass compressor offers almost a studio studio compressor in a compact pedal for a great price. Flexible control with selectable ratios, in and out levels and attack and release controls. You can pretty much dial in any kind of compression you're looking for and it sounds great also. MXR hit a home run with this one.Read full review...

Great value but not studio

I have been using this pedal for 3 months. It provides the functionality I am looking for which is plenty of sustain and compression. It is not a studio quality compressor in the respect that fine adjustments can be made but it is performing the exact function I am looking for on stage.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: crazydavesmusic

Don't leave home with out it

This pedal is exactly as described and really enhances my sound especially slapin,
real quality compression, I would highly recommend this item.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: proaudioland

Awesome pedal

Perfect compressor pedal for bassist, whatever technic you use to play, yet it offers lot of control.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: squidmusic

The best bass compressor yet

Several controls to be able to tweak for infinite possibilities. Highly recommended.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: rumnear11

The best

Best compressor I have ever used.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: citymusicsteve