The Ashdown Velvet Compressor is an Ashdown compressor pedal, currently around $242.79. Close alternatives include the Boss BC-1X and the MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition. It pairs well with the Traynor SB110 and the Peavey MAX 150 150W 1x12 Bass Combo.
Ashdown Velvet Compressor
Ashdown · pedal
The Ashdown Velvet Compressor is a bass compressor from the UK-manufactured PRO FX series. A single Compact knob simultaneously adjusts Gain, Ratio, and Threshold while factory-preset Attack and Decay are optimized for bass guitar. Two further controls manage output and compression depth. Designed to run from an 18V linear isolated supply for low noise operation. Part of the PRO FX lineup alongside the Macchiato and Studio Comp. Steel housing with anodized fascia and Neutrik jack sockets. Described by Ashdown as delivering silky smooth compression that fattens the low end.
What stands out
“Described by Ashdown as delivering silky smooth compression that fattens the low end”
— from the listing
“Tone: silky smooth bass compression that fattens the low end while controlling dynamic peaks; factory-optimized attack and decay make the compression feel natural and musical”
— from the community notes
“Use case: live bassists who want a simple one-touch compressor that adds low-end thickness alongside dynamic control”
— from the community notes
“Standout strength: the Compact knob governing Gain, Ratio, and Threshold simultaneously simplifies setup to a single adjustment while preset Attack and Decay ensure musical results”
— from the community notes
“Second limitation: fixed Attack and Decay cannot be adjusted by players who need specific compression envelope response for pick or slap technique”
— from the reviews
Trade-offs
“Signal-chain interaction: place before drive or preamp for consistent input compression; the 18V PRO FX supply keeps the noise floor very low”
— from the community notes
- compression
- bass
- compressor
- attack
- decay
- smooth
- response
- low noise
Price updated Oct 24, 2026
Genres the Ashdown Velvet Compressor is commonly used in
- Country Pop
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Country
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Funk
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Alternative
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Blues
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Soul
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag.
Amps that pair well with the Ashdown Velvet Compressor
Traynor SB110
Traynor
24% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ashdown Velvet Compressor leans toward compressed, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Comes later in the signal chain
Peavey MAX 150 150W 1x12 Bass Combo
Peavey
23% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ashdown Velvet Compressor's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
Ampeg RB-110
Ampeg
22% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
What Ampeg RB-110 brings here leans toward gritty — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Ampeg SVT-CL
Ampeg
20% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
Ampeg SVT-CL leans this dynamic tone toward compressed, which it doesn't make on its own
Comes later in the signal chain
Peavey TKO 115
Peavey
19% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Compression before amp — the Velvet smooths the attack before the TKO 115's punchy, aggressive midrange ever sees it.
Comes later in the signal chain
Peavey MAX 208
Peavey
18% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
What Ashdown Velvet Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Mesa Boogie Subway D-350
Mesa Boogie
18% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ahead of the Subway D-350, the Velvet's smooth compression keeps a bright, mid-forward preamp gain from spiking unevenly.
Comes later in the signal chain
Laney Richter
Laney
18% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
What Ashdown Velvet Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
See all 14 amps that pair with the Ashdown Velvet Compressor →
Pedals that stack with the Ashdown Velvet Compressor
JHS PackRat 9-Way Rodent Distortion
JHS Pedals
33% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
JHS PackRat 9-Way Rodent Distortion leans this dynamic tone toward compressed, which it doesn't make on its own
Comes later in the signal chain
Origin Effects RevivalDrive
Origin Effects
33% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
Into a dynamic tone, Origin Effects RevivalDrive brings a pull toward compressed that's missing
Comes later in the signal chain
Ibanez Tube Screamer
Ibanez
25% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
The Screamer's mid-forward boost pushes into the Velvet Compressor's smooth, low-noise squash for a driven signal.
Comes later in the signal chain
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea
EarthQuaker Devices
24% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
The Velvet Compressor's smooth, low-noise squash evens the signal before the Chelsea's bright, British-voiced drive.
Comes later in the signal chain
Ashdown Double Shot
Ashdown
21% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ashdown Velvet Compressor's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
MXR 108 Fuzz
MXR
21% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ashdown Velvet Compressor's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
Keeley Muse Driver
Keeley
21% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
Ashdown Velvet Compressor's own compressed character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
SolidGoldFX Imperial BC183
Solidgoldfx
21% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (bright → smooth)
The Imperial's bright, cutting silicon fuzz responds a lot more evenly once the Velvet's smooth compression runs ahead of it.
Comes later in the signal chain
See all 129 pedals that pair with the Ashdown Velvet Compressor →
Cheaper alternatives
Ashdown Studio Compressor
Ashdown
71% similarityShared character: bass, low noise floor, compressor
Ampeg Opto Comp Compressor
Ampeg
64% similarityShared character: bass, peak, compressor
Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher
Electro-Harmonix
63% similarityShared character: bass, peak, compressor
Blaxx BX-Bass Limit
Blaxx
50% similarityShared character: dynamic control, peak, compressor
Boss CP-1X Compressor
Boss
46% similarityShared character: bass, peak, compressor
Laney Black Country Customs Custard Factory Compressor
Laney
42% similarityShared character: compressor, compression, bass
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar character
Boss BC-1X
Boss
50% similarityShared character: bass, peak, compressor
MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition
MXR
46% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Demon FX Call 76
Demon Fx
45% similarityShared character: dynamic control, compressor, compression
Ashdown Macchiato Compressor Guy Pratt Signature
Ashdown
43% similarityShared character: dynamic control, compressor, compression
Dr. Green The tourniquet
Dr Green
43% similarityShared character: compressor, compression, simple
See all alternatives to the Ashdown Velvet Compressor (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Ashdown Velvet Compressor?+
The closest matches in character are the Boss BC-1X, the MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition, the Demon FX Call 76. Budget picks: Ashdown Studio Compressor, Ampeg Opto Comp Compressor, Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher. Boutique upgrades: Origin Effects Cali76 MK2 Bass Compressor.
What pairs well with the Ashdown Velvet Compressor?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Traynor SB110, Peavey MAX 150 150W 1x12 Bass Combo, Ampeg RB-110 — Ashdown Velvet Compressor leans toward compressed, and that's a real, usable character to pair with.
How much does the Ashdown Velvet Compressor cost?+
Around $242.79 (live listing price, updated Oct 24, 2026).