Overview

The MXR M87 Bass Compressor is a studio-grade compressor pedal designed specifically for bass guitar, delivering transparent, musical dynamic control that evens out the playing signal without squashing the natural tone of the instrument. The pedal features a comprehensive control set with attack, release, ratio, input, and output knobs, giving players the same level of adjustment found on rack-mounted studio compressors. A multi-LED gain reduction meter provides real-time visual feedback on how much compression is being applied, an invaluable feature for dialing in precise settings on stage or in the studio. The compression character is clean and transparent, taming peaks and evening out fingerstyle dynamics without adding unwanted coloration or noise. The attack and release controls allow everything from fast, percussive limiting that adds snap and punch to slower, more transparent leveling that gently smooths out the overall dynamics. The constant headroom technology provides 18 volts of internal headroom from a standard 9-volt power supply, ensuring clean, undistorted performance even with hot active bass signals. Build quality is robust in the standard MXR compact housing. The M87 is ideal for professional bass players, session musicians, and live performers who need reliable, studio-quality compression in a pedalboard-friendly format. The five-knob control set requires some understanding of compression parameters to use effectively, which may challenge players unfamiliar with compressor operation.

Effects Pedals

A studio-grade bass compressor with full attack, release, ratio, input, and output controls plus LED gain reduction meter, delivering transparent dynamic control with 18V internal headroom.

Instrument Details

$179 Intermediate
Brand MXR
Type Compressor Pedal
Made In USA
Year 2011
4.7 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.7 /5

The MXR M87 has long been a staple on professional boards because it brings genuine studio-grade FET compression into a compact footprint. Unlike many stompboxes that mask your instrument's character, the M87 is remarkably transparent. It doesn't add artificial 'warmth' or 'grit'; instead, it provides surgical precision over your dynamics without sucking out the low end.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the 10-LED gain reduction meter. For bassists, visual feedback is crucial for setting the threshold correctly, especially when switching between subtle fingerstyle and aggressive slap. The Constant Headroom Technology (CHT) ensures clean performance even with high-output active pickups, preventing the unpleasant internal clipping that plagues lesser units.

Ergonomically, the five-knob layout offers granular control over attack and release times typically reserved for rack gear. However, the controls are quite sensitive; a small nudge can significantly shift the response, which might be intimidating for beginners. While it excels at transparent leveling and peak limiting, players seeking a 'squishy' vintage effect or heavy tonal coloration might find it a bit clinical. In its price bracket, it remains a top-tier contender against boutique rivals. It is a rugged, reliable workhorse for any bassist needing their signal to sit perfectly in a mix while maintaining its natural voice.

Category Ratings

Effects Pedals
4.7
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
MXR M87 Bass Compressor Screenshot

Added: Feb 12, 2026

jimdunlop.com/mxr-bass-compressor

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