How to compress a bass

For most bass instruments, set threshold around −14dB, ratio 4:1, attack 20ms, release 120ms.

Updated 2026-05-03

Short answer

For most bass instruments, set threshold around −14dB, ratio 4:1, attack 20ms, release 120ms. Aim for 4–6dB of gain reduction. Bass needs more compression than most sources because the dynamic range between notes is huge, and the listener needs each note to sit at the same level.

Threshold: −14 dB, aim for 4–6 dB of gain reduction
Ratio: 4:1, controlled, even level across notes
Attack: 20 ms, preserves note attack
Release: 120 ms, recovers between notes
Knee: 4 dB, natural onset

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Aim for 4–6dB gain reduction

Bass has a wider dynamic range than almost any other instrument, open strings ring louder than fretted notes, plucked notes louder than fingered. Pull the threshold down until you see 4–6dB of gain reduction on the loudest notes. This evens out the bassline so every note sits at the same level.

Ratio 4:1 for even level

4:1 is the bass standard. It's audible enough to control dynamics, gentle enough to keep groove. For very dynamic playing (slap bass, fingerstyle jazz), push to 6:1. For consistent playing (DI synth bass, MIDI), drop to 3:1, the source is already controlled.

Attack 20ms preserves note attack

A fast attack (1–5ms) clamps the pluck and the bass loses definition. 20ms lets the attack through before the compressor engages. For slap bass where the pop is the character, push to 30–50ms. For sub bass with no transient (sine wave synths), attack doesn't matter, go faster.

Release 120ms recovers between notes

The release should let the compressor fully recover before the next note. At 120 BPM with eighth notes, that's ~250ms between notes, 120ms release gives plenty of recovery. For faster playing or sixteenth notes, drop to 80ms. If you hear pumping, slow the release down.

Frequently asked

How much compression on bass?

4–6dB of gain reduction on the peaks. Bass has the widest dynamic range of any common instrument and benefits from heavier compression than vocals or drums. For radio-ready pop, you can push to 8dB on the loudest notes.

What ratio for bass compression?

4:1 is the standard. 6:1 for dynamic playing styles (slap, fingerstyle jazz). 3:1 for already-controlled sources (DI synth bass, MIDI). The ratio matters less than how much gain reduction you actually pull.

Should I use one compressor or two on bass?

Two often works better for bass guitar. First compressor: 4:1, fast attack to control dynamics. Second compressor: 2:1, slow attack for character. Each one only does 2–3dB of gain reduction so neither sounds heavy.

Should I compress bass before or after EQ?

Subtractive EQ (high-pass, 300Hz mud cut) before compression so the compressor reacts to a clean signal. Boosts (body, growl, attack) after compression so they aren't squashed. A typical chain: HP → cut 300Hz → compress → boost 800Hz.

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