EBS MultiComp

I think this unit is extremely easy to use. I always thought that the best way to get a good setting is playing with the unit long enough that in reality you are using your ears instead of what the knobs are saying. But this unit has what it takes for a pedal unit with two knobs. "Comp/Limit" and "Gain" knobs. Very easy and straight foward.
The Comp/Limiter controls the amount of compression, and the compressor ratio. The Gain control controls the output. But there is a switch which puts the compressor in either of the three modes. Tubism activates the Tube type compressor and simulates it very well. Multiband enables you to adjust the upper and lower compression rates, via two screw type knobs where you turn the upper and lower frequencies separately. And the Normal which gives it a one band compressor sound. All the settings are quiet. I should inform you that originally I was sent the older "Grey" color version until I went on the EBS web site and they said there was a black label version. I informed the place where I purchased it and they switched the piece with the "Black Label" Model. But as I played the grey model it was slightly noisey but when I received the Black Label model it was silent. They updated it sounding quiet as can be.

This piece sounds better than any floor compressors around and sounds better than most rack compressors I have heard. I have a DBX 160A and a 163x. But this unit is amazing for its purposes. I like the Tube setting but the Multi Band is equally good if you set it right. I use it with an eden 500 and a eden 410xlt and find it to work great with this setup. If I lost or had it stolen I would immediately get another

Made to last. If you have one of the EBS pedals you know what I mean. The best built in my opion pedal.

Never needed to call.

If you are looking for a compressor with a limited budget by all means get this pedal. It sounds better than many of the racks models available. But make sure you get the Black Label model. Once you play it you will notice the difference immediately and will not play without it.

Pretty straightforward to use, Comp/Limit knob sets amount of compression, Gain can be used to boost output level.
Three-way switch is used for the type of compression.

Side switch for active of passive instrument is recessed into the side of the unit and can only be operated using a very small screwdriver or something similar. A bit cumbersome if you want to use it with a passive and an active bass.
Manual could be more informative about the two internal trimmers that adjust threshold levels in Multiband setting. Adjusting these trimmers requires the bottom plate to be removed, it would have been nice if these could be accessed from the outside IMO.

Very subtle "effect" since it doesn't color your sound, this isn't an "in your face effect" like a distortion. You have switch it off and on and listen carefully to notice the difference.
I use it with an Ampeg B2 combo and a J-bass. It's not noisy in my setup. I run the EQ almost flat, just a bit of bass boost and a bit of mid cut, treble remains flat. If you would turn up the Gain on the pedal I assume it would add some noise, I haven't turned up the Gain past 10 o'clock.

Switched to Tubesim the unit colors your sound in pleasant way, good for fingerstyle playing IMO.
In Multiband mode it really delivers the goods, this is *the* setting if you're into pop and slap. With a bit of tweaking of the internal trimmers you can get that "slapped J-bass" sound, (as thight as a mouse's ass), Woohoo!
Haven't used Normal mode yet, Tubesim and Multiband give me all I want/need soundwise.

I can't comment on relaibility yet, haven't got long enough. It sure does look and feel very sturdy. Unit case is die cast (I think), four screws hold the blue bottom plate. No flimsy plastic battery door parts that can break off.
Since it has a pretty hefty price tag I can't afford a backup, besides my wife would kill me.

I e-mailed customer support and got a reply within a day. I asked about the workings of the two trimmers inside the unit. I got a helpful answer that was concise and to the point.

I play pop/rock/funk, it's good for my needs. Have been playing bass for over 10 years. Would buy it again if lost or stolen.
Didn't compare it to other compressors, chose this one because of the general reputaion of EBS pedals and some good reviews that can be found on the Internet. The relatively low price I payed was a deciding factor too! It's price increased recently.
It has everything I want, less is more!

Pretty simple to set up : power on switch, gain knob and compression knob. The manual is too short, and should give more details about the 3 position mini-switch (normal, MB which means multiband, tubesim).
Also are inside two mini potentiometers to set up the high and low threshold. Also here the manual is too short (no examples of settings). Needs a bit of use to get the "perfect" setup. The led shows when compression happens, it helps the comp setting. You have to unscrew the bottom to change the battery.

I use a Cort with Bartolini passive pickups, on several amplifiers (old Peavey TNT, Hartke Kickback 15, SWR Workingman 15...). The pedal adds a bit of high hiss, especially if you boost the highs on the amp. Otherwise the sound is excellent, especially in normal or multiband mode. The tubesim mode alters the original sound a bit. Gives from very soft to pretty hard compression, without changing the sound of the instrument. Makes the bass sound more compact and precise. You cannot hear the difference straight forward (kind of subtile pedal), but when you turn off the pedal, you say "the sound was better before (when the pedal was on)".

Very good construction. I do not intend to have a backup (pedal is expensive).

Never had to deal with support, yet.

I play classic rock in a combo, but I think this pedal fits every kind of bass playing. Only have it for 3 weeks, but I don't want to play without it now. I definitely would buy another one if it were stolen or broken. Among the best bass compressor pedals. A bit expensive, though.