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Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor

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Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor

$90.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (11)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Pigtronix Philosopher Bass

1 community setup

3 wishlisted

22 saved

Page last updated May 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 10, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.0 (5)

$90.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $90

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor is priced in 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

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Description

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Unlock the potential of your bass with the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor. Designed specifically for bassists, this pedal offers the legendary Philosopher's Tone compressor circuit in a compact, micro-sized package. Whether you seek subtle peak limiting or infinite clean sustain, the Philosopher Bass Compressor delivers with its versatile Sustain control. Its true charm, however, lies in the Blend knob, which masterfully combines your instrument's clean sound with optical compression. This preserves your natural string attack while elevating your sound with added punch and sustain.

A standout feature of this pedal is the GRIT knob, introducing harmonic distortion crafted for low-frequency dominance. This adds a layer of warmth and depth that can transform your sound, whether you're plugging into a tube or solid-state amp, or even going straight into a mixing board or DAW. The pedal's clever internal voltage-doubling circuit ensures it operates at 18VDC, providing superior performance, especially with active basses. With true-bypass switching, your signal remains pristine when the pedal is not engaged, ensuring your tone is always pure. Compact yet powerful, the Philosopher Bass Compressor is a game-changer for bass players seeking unparalleled control and tonal richness.

Key Features:

Compact bass-friendly compressor with the Philosopher's Tone circuit
Infinite clean sustain with adjustable compression threshold
Blend knob for parallel compression, preserving natural string attack
GRIT knob for harmonic distortion tailored for low frequencies
True-bypass switching
Operates at 18VDC via internal voltage-doubling circuit for enhanced performance with active basses

Product specs

Brand	Pigtronix
Model	Philosopher Bass Compressor
Finish	Teal
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Effect Pedals, Compressor Pedals

FAQs

Does the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor work well with active basses?: Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor is designed to handle the higher output of active basses, providing smooth compression without losing clarity or dynamics.
What kind of power supply does the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor require?: The Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a center-negative plug, which is common for most pedalboards.
How does the Philosopher Bass Compressor enhance my bass tone?: The Philosopher Bass Compressor enhances your bass tone by providing even sustain and dynamic control, allowing for a more consistent sound across all strings and playing styles.
Can the Philosopher Bass Compressor be used for live performances and studio recording?: Yes, the Philosopher Bass Compressor is versatile enough for both live performances and studio recording, offering reliable compression that enhances your bass sound in any setting.
Is the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor true bypass?: Yes, the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor features true bypass switching, ensuring that your bass tone remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.

Videos

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Sweetwater

Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor Demo With Doug Wimbish - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2013

Sweetwater

SNAMM '18 - Pigtronix Philosopher Micro Bass Compressor/Sustain Pedal Demo

Premier Guitar

Pigtronix Philosopher Micro Bass Compressor/Sustain Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor Video Test

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Bass Weekly - Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor

Bass Weekly!

Reviews

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PROS

Great sound quality, perfect for enhancing bass pops
Offers crazy good sustain capabilities
Includes a blend function for better control
Transparent compression adds some color without overwhelming
Provides tons of headroom for boosting
Can effectively replace skill, enhancing overall sound
Helps achieve a great equal sound in performances

CONS

Requires 18v for optimal performance, not as effective at 9v
Blend control labeled as Compression can be confusing
Grit feature considered mediocre by some users
Rolls off the highs slightly too much for certain tastes
Can produce weird clipping distortion when used with 9v

Owner Insights

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

User experience

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Owners appreciate the pedal's small form factor, which conserves space on pedalboards without sacrificing functionality.
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After over 4 years of use, owners of the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor report no complaints, indicating long-term reliability and satisfaction.
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The pedal has been described as maintaining tone integrity, making it a preferred choice for those who dislike tonal coloration from their compressors.
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Some users report unwanted noise and distortion when the sustain knob is above 0, often resolved by adjusting power supply voltage.
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Setup and maintenance

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The MXR bass compressors, M76 and M87, are virtually identical except for their paint jobs, allowing players to choose based on aesthetic preference without sacrificing functionality.
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Users suggest starting with flat EQ settings on the amp and low gain to minimize noise and distortion, particularly when using compression pedals.
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Comparisons

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The Fairfield Circuitry The Accountant compressor is acknowledged for its pronounced presence, offering a distinct alternative to the more subtle Cali76.
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Some users prefer the Philosopher Bass Compressor for its tonal versatility over other compressors, such as the Keeley+ and Exotic Sp, citing its unique blend and treble controls.
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Compared to the Philosopher's Tone, the Orange Kongpressor is noted for producing less noise, offering a quieter alternative for noise-sensitive setups.
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Use cases and applications

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The XVive Bass Squeezer compressor is noted for its switchable overdrive circuit, providing a growl and low-mid emphasis suitable for aggressive playing styles.
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The pedal excels in adding a natural distortion when used with the bridge pickup, but can produce a thick lead tone when switched to the neck pickup.
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Users find the pedal versatile, functioning as both a compressor and a grit/saturation effect, particularly effective with bridge pickups for a crunchy sound.
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Value and pricing

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The original version of the Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor, while discontinued, can be found used at affordable prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
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Features and functionality

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The Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor micro version includes a "grit" setting for additional tonal nuance, appealing to players seeking more control over their sound.
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The Philosopher Bass Compressor performs optimally with a power supply between 12V and 18V, providing higher headroom and reducing distortion compared to 9V.
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The Philosopher Bass Compressor's blend knob allows for precise control, enabling users to mix clean and compressed signals for a balanced tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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Switching to higher voltage power supplies (12V to 18V) significantly improves performance, reducing clipping and distortion in the Philosopher Bass Compressor.
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Critic Reviews

Quick Look – Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor, Bass Envelope Phaser, and Bass Fat Drive Pedals | Bass Gear Magazine

bassgearmag.com

The Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor impresses with its robust build, compact size, and user-friendly design. It features high-quality analog, optical circuitry, and simple controls that allow for a dynamic blend of clean and compressed signals. The unique "Grit" switch adds a subtle tube-like tone without sacrificing low-end clarity. While the lack of a grit level control might limit tonal adjustment, the pedal shines in live settings, offering versatile sound shaping for various playing styles. Ideal for bass players seeking an easily adaptable compressor, this pedal is a compelling addition to any bassist's setup.

positive

Full Review

Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Pigtronix Philosopher Bass Compressor is a versatile and compact pedal that offers more than just standard compression. With its easy-to-use controls for volume, compression, sustain, and a unique "grit" function, it can replace other pedals like chorus and fuzz, providing a clean and dynamic sound. The pedal performs admirably in various settings, from small clubs to outdoor festivals, with a noticeable difference when using the 18V adapter versus 9V. While it excels in adding sustain and subtle distortion, the absence of significant flaws makes it a strong contender for any bassist's setup. Overall, this review paints a positive picture of the pedal's performance and versatility.

positive

Full Review