MXR M87 Bass Compressor

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$189.99 to $209.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (114)

1 Critic Review

19 Reviews

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32 community setups

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98 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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4.5 (62)

$209.99

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4.5 (18)

$209.99

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4.6 (411)

$209.99 New

$188.79 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (52)

$189.99 93 available New

$139.00 18 available Used

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4.0 (19)

$209.99

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4.7 (221)

$198.00

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£219.00

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Average Price: $195

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, MXR M87 Bass Compressor is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "MXR M87 Bass Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Take your bass tones to the next level with the MXR M87 Bass Compressor, a pedal that packs studio-quality compression into a compact, road-ready format. This pedal does more than just tighten up your sound - it offers complete control over your tone, allowing you to shape it to your exact requirements.

The M87 Bass Compressor features Attack, Release, Ratio, Input, and Output controls, granting you the power to achieve everything from subtle peak limiting to all-out squash. The standout feature is the Constant Headroom Technology (CHT) which ensures maximum headroom and crystal-clear sound quality, allowing your full dynamic range to shine through until your signal reaches the compression threshold.

The pedal's unique 10-segment LED gain-reduction meter offers a highly visible, intuitive way to dial in your sound. And with True Bypass switching, your tone remains pristine when the pedal is switched off. Built with a rugged metal housing, this pedal is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent use.

Key Features:

Studio-quality compression in a compact, durable stompbox
Full control over your tone with Attack, Release, Ratio, Input, and Output controls
Constant Headroom Technology (CHT) for maximum headroom and clear sound quality
10-segment LED gain-reduction meter for easy sound dialing
True Bypass switching maintains your tone when the pedal is off
Rugged metal housing built for durability and longevity
Powered by 9V battery or Dunlop ECB-003 AC adapter (sold separately)

Product specs

Pedal Type	Bass Compressor
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching	True Hardwire
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries	1 x 9V
Power Usage	19mA
Height	2.12" (including knobs)
Width	2.62" (including jacks)
Depth	4.37"
Weight	0.56 lbs.

FAQs

What type of compression does the MXR M87 Bass Compressor provide?: The MXR M87 Bass Compressor offers transparent compression, allowing you to retain your bass's natural tone while controlling dynamics effectively.
Does the MXR M87 Bass Compressor work well with active basses?: Yes, the MXR M87 Bass Compressor is designed to work well with both passive and active basses, providing consistent performance across different pickup types.
How does the MXR M87 Bass Compressor handle dynamic range?: The MXR M87 features a built-in CHT Constant Headroom Technology, which provides plenty of headroom and ensures that your dynamic range is preserved without unwanted distortion.
Is the MXR M87 Bass Compressor easy to use for beginners?: Yes, the MXR M87 Bass Compressor is user-friendly with its intuitive controls, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bass players seeking to refine their sound.
What power supply does the MXR M87 Bass Compressor require?: The MXR M87 Bass Compressor requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.
Does the MXR M87 Bass Compressor have true bypass switching?: Yes, the MXR M87 Bass Compressor features true hardwire bypass switching, ensuring that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off.

Videos

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Bass Stuff

Reviews

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PROS

Offers precise control over compression settings
Transparent compression doesn't alter the original tone
Durable build quality with solid connections and metal knobs
LED display aids in setting up and visualizing gain reduction
Versatile for different playing styles and techniques
True bypass ensures signal integrity when the pedal is off
Priced competitively, offering great value for its features
Compact size for pedalboard efficiency
Works well with both bass and guitar, enhancing clarity and control
Mimics high-end studio compressors like the UREI 1176 in pedal form

CONS

Requires a hot signal for optimal performance, not suited for all basses
Learning curve due to multiple controls and settings
Attack and release controls have limited effectiveness for some users
Produces noticeable self-noise at high output gain settings
Lacks a continuous sweep for the ratio control for finer adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M87 Bass Compressor.

Features and functionality

1 0

The input knob is highly sensitive; careful adjustment is crucial for desired compression levels, especially on a 4:1 ratio setting.
Source
1 0

The MXR M87 has a fixed threshold; the input knob adjusts how hard the signal hits the compressor, affecting its responsiveness.
Source
1 0

The M87 lacks features like a High Pass Filter and blend knob, which are present in the Empress Bass Compressor, enhancing its versatility for parallel compression.
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Comparisons

1 0

The MXR M87 is likened to an 1176 compressor in terms of configuration, but some users find it less intuitive compared to optical compressors like the LA-2A.
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1 0

The MXR M87's LED meter provides visual feedback on compression levels, aiding users new to compression in setting the pedal correctly.
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0 1

Alternatives such as the Ampeg OptoComp are noted for those preferring optical compression, highlighting personal preference in compressor type.
Source
0 1

The Empress Bass Compressor offers a mid switch and a variable HPF, providing more tonal options compared to the M87.
Source

Use cases and applications

1 0

The M87 can be particularly effective when used with a High Pass Filter (HPF) in front, especially for basses with pronounced low frequencies.
Source
1 0

Transparent compression allows for subtle leveling, ideal for players switching between different playing styles like plucking and slapping.
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1 0

It's possible to use two compressors in a signal chain, one at the beginning for input control and another at the end to ensure a peak-less signal to the amp or FOH.
Source

Setup and maintenance

1 0

It's noted that the meter's green light indicates reasonable compression, with increased levels acting as a limiter effect.
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User experience

0 1

Some users experience extreme compression settings, describing the effect as like "trying to run in a swimming pool," indicating a potential steep learning curve.
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0 1

Some owners recommend initially using heavy compression to understand the pedal's effect, then dialing it back for subtle adjustments.
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0 1

Some users find the M87 overly aggressive, describing it as "grabby," which can lead to situations where the output is unexpectedly low.
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0 1

Users new to compression appreciate the Empress's metering and blend features, making it easier to understand and adjust compression effects compared to the HX Stomp.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 1

A suggestion includes using a sidechain input with a High Pass Filter for better compression control, particularly with vintage-style P-basses.
Source

Critic Reviews

MXR M87 Bass Compressor Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The MXR M87 Bass Compressor impresses with its transparency and flexibility, offering essential controls like threshold, attack, release, ratio, and gain, plus a handy gain-reduction meter. While it requires a bit more setup than simpler models, it avoids the pitfalls of adding noise or overly squishing the sound. Its compact size and sturdy design are perfect for pedalboard-conscious musicians. However, the battery compartment is cumbersome, and some may desire more variable ratios for limiting. Overall, it's a top choice for bassists seeking a reliable pedal without lugging a rack unit.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 19 Reviews and 114 Ratings

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2 star

1 star

spencerobrien

162

22 days ago

Does what a compressor is meant to do

Great to tighten a heavily distorted tone. Pair this with any distortion pedal and you're sorted for any live setting.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Metal melodic metal

jackgooginss

379

5 months ago

Great Compression Pedal

Great bass pedal, I've used a few other bass compression pedals and this has been the easiest and most user-friendly compression pedal.

Roles:

Bassist Composer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Rock Pop Funk / Soul

From Gear Setup

chrisdesign

4918

over 1 year ago

This is great!

A very transparent pedal as it makes the bass into more of a solid wall of sound but without changing the tonal shift much at all. That may not be for everyone, and at times I wish I had a different compressor. It’s not bad, far from it, but it’s a different style. Overall I really like it. I would love this pedal on my lows then have something more interesting like the custard factory on my highs, but that’s overkill for my bar gig lifestyle. I love led meter so whatever bass I plug in (from vintage to active) works with the rest of my rig. To this end, I have my tuner after my compressor so I can mute my signal, pedal on a note, and adjust the input for the upcoming song fast.

However, I shifted up to the Darkglass Hyper Luminal, which does a better job at making a thick/ wall of sound feel and adds an interesting saturation with the Bus compression. I also prefer compressors that have a character to them. The MXR is incredibly transparent, which is fantastic in its own way, but not for me

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Release: Full
Attack: 9’ o clock or 3’ o clock depending on what I’m playing
Input: make meter to -5 dB
Ouput: make unity to volume off

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

From Gear Setup

barnyscotheque

571

almost 2 years ago

Bass compression should be mandatory

Bass compression is essential. Have a compressor pedal and any sound engineer dealing with you will bless you for centuries. The M87 is perfect if you know sound engineering and wanna have control on parameters rather than a one-knob thing. Make it fast to avoid popping everyone's eardrums when you slap hard, or reduce the volume gap between low and high notes without affecting your tone in any way. I simply can't play without it

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Alternative rock Trip hop Post-hardcore

From Gear Setup

lukenelson

104

about 7 years ago

Banger

Most compressors that I found, only have about 2 features on it. And most reviews and lists that I found had this compressor at the top of the list. And for good reason! Being compression and maybe volume. With this one, You have multiple features on it to get great compression. Finding the balance YOU want with the Release and Attack and with the Input and Output. Not to mention 4 various ratios to get the right amount of overall compression.

wretchedfairy

241

over 4 years ago

Wonderful

A wonderful little pedal! Gives your instrument (don't be fooled - it says bass on the pedal, but this pedal works with both guitar and bass) added clarity and control in the mix regardless of how hard or soft you're playing.

It's one of the core pedals on my board and it's not going anywhere soon,

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

sean_nance

164

over 9 years ago

Great, Better than my last compressor unit

This is my second compressor unit, the first being a Markbass Compressore tube compressor that was just freaking gigantic. It worked well, but I don't think it warranted taking up literally 2/3rds of my board space. The MXR is just as good, if not better since it has more compression options in that you can adjust the compression ratio between four limit selections, a feature I like a lot. Being able to see the gain reduction amount on the LED screen is pretty cool too.

thwip

over 4 years ago

The best there is

There is no better bass compressor out there. There are many that are great, but this is still another level above.

Roles:

Bassist

Genres:

Rock Blues Funk / Soul

marcelo_carboni

1370

about 10 years ago

How could I live without this pedal for years?

I've added this pedal about 2 months ago to my board... Now, everytime I turn it on I come to the question: "How could I live without it for so many years???". Amazing transparent compression in a small box, rack quality compression on the palm of your hand. Very easy to set, controls with a lot of possibilities. If I have to choose to have only one pedal in my set it would be this one... A must have!

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock Metal

From Gear Setup

simon_phillip_guillen

over 8 years ago

The perfect compressor with an affordable price

Compressor is so tweak-able. Some compressors have an on-board attack and release on their circuitry but this monster of a pedal, though the difference is so subtle (takes a trained ear to know the difference) you can completely control everything. It's like having a producer's toy in a small enclosure.