The MXR M87 Bass Compressor is a compressor pedal built for bass. One thing players should know going in: the threshold "sweet spot" is notoriously difficult with the tiny knobs on the M87 controls1.
What it does
The M87 evens out a bass signal's dynamics the way a studio compressor does, in a stompbox format. Its Output knob controls the overall effect volume, according to the Dunlop manual2. Premier Guitar's review explains the role of that control in practice: "The Output control provides the 'makeup gain' to bring back what was lost after the compressor lowered the volume"3. In other words, once compression tames the loudest notes, the Output knob brings the overall level back up.
A row of ten Gain Reduction status LEDs shows how hard the compressor is working at any moment2.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| OUTPUT | Controls overall effect volume2 |
The manual for the Blackout Series version, the M87B, describes the same OUTPUT knob arrangement4.
How it compares
Independent compressor review site ovnilab.com, in a comparison with the Origin Effects Cali76, noted that the M87 "has four preset ratios, while the ratio knob on the Cali is adjustable throughout the range"5. The same reviewer found setting the threshold a challenge on the MXR: the "sweet spot" is "notoriously difficult with the tiny knobs on the M87"5.
On the M87's controls, reviewers have found the threshold "sweet spot" notoriously difficult with the tiny knobs6.
Videos
BassTheWorld.com
Mezzanota on line negozio di strumenti musicali
Nazzareno Zacconi
Questions
When did the MXR M87 come out?
Dunlop announced the MXR M87 Bass Compressor at NAMM in January 2011 as part of MXR's Bass Innovations line, alongside four other new MXR stompboxes that year.
How does the M87 differ from the Origin Effects Cali76?
Both are studio-style compressors in pedal form, but the M87 offers four preset compression ratios, while the Cali76's ratio knob is adjustable continuously throughout its range. Reviewers have noted the M87 shares the same control layout as the Cali76.
Sources (6)
- Dunlop Announces MXR M87 Bass Compressor Pedal, No Treble
- M87.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2019
- MXR M87 Bass Compressor Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-09-20
- M87B.pdf, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com), 2023
- Origin Effects Cali76, ovnilab.com
- The MXR M234 Analog Chorus and M87 Bass Compressor, Vintage Guitar, 2013-08-27
