EBS MultiComp Blue Label

The EBS MultiComp Blue Label is a compressor pedal for bass, made by the Swedish company EBS. It is a new version of the MultiComp, which EBS calls "the most popular EBS effects unit ever," and it keeps the same simple approach: one COMP control for the level of compression and a toggle switch that chooses between three modes, Tubesim, MB (multi-band) or Normal.¹²

EBS says the pedal evens out unwanted peaks in volume level when playing your bass to get a more consistent sound, and that it adds the punch and presence you need to make your sound stand out in the mix.²

Three modes and the compression control

The Blue Label keeps the MultiComp's famously simple panel. One knob and one switch cover everything¹²:

The multi-band mode is the design the pedal is built around. The MultiComp uses two overlapping compressor bands that work independently on the lower and upper register to reduce unwanted peaks, so the low and high parts of your signal are handled separately rather than by one broad-band compressor.²

EBS describes the pedal's character as smooth compression that allows for dynamic playing even when the compressor is engaged, and points to the MultiComp's reputation among players³⁴¹:

Size, weight and power

The Blue Label is a physically smaller take on the original. EBS says the new version has a reduced footprint by 12% compared to former editions, and is lighter to save space and overall weight on your pedalboard. The recessed jacks keep the space needed between pedals to a minimum, which matters on a crowded board.¹

History and availability

EBS makes the MultiComp Blue Label as part of its Blue Label line, and the company describes it as a compressor that uses two overlapping compressor bands working independently on the lower and upper register to reduce unwanted dynamics. According to EBS, it adds the punch and presence you need to make your sound stand out, bringing clarity and definition that helps parts sit up in the mix.¹ The pedal is available from your local EBS dealer or from any major online musical instrument dealer.¹

• Two overlapping compressor bands that work independently on the lower and upper register¹
• Adds punch and presence, clarity and definition, so parts stand out in the mix²
• Sold through local EBS dealers and major online musical instrument dealers²

All three models were available since before Christmas 2019, with the NAMM Show 2020 being the "unofficial" US launch.³ The pedal is sold through EBS's dealer network: EBS directs players to get it from a local EBS dealer or from any major online musical instrument dealer.²

Can a guitarist use it?

Yes. RockBoard's PedalPedia says thousands of bass players, guitarists, and other musicians all over the world use it on their pedalboards.⁵ The company has also made a dedicated guitar version: bass favorites the MultiComp GE and the DynaVerb GE were brought to guitarists in EBS's Red Label line, shown at Musikmesse 2015.⁶ See Compressor Pedals for how this design compares with other compressor types, and the EBS MultiComp Guitar Edition for the guitar-specific version.

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