The Ashdown Studio Compressor is an Ashdown compressor pedal, currently around $181.75. Close alternatives include the MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition and the Origin Effects Cali76 MK2 Bass Compressor. It pairs well with the Laney RB3 Richter Bass Amp and the Sunn 100s.
Ashdown Studio Compressor
Ashdown · pedal
The Ashdown Studio Compressor (ADMS1) is a bass compressor pedal from the UK-manufactured PRO FX series. Controls include Threshold, Ratio, and Gain for core compression adjustment, alongside fixed factory-optimized Attack and Release parameters. The compact form factor fits cleanly on a pedalboard alongside other PRO FX units. Runs on an 18V linear isolated supply for low noise operation. Part of the PRO FX lineup alongside the Macchiato (Guy Pratt signature) and the Velvet Compressor. Steel housing with anodized fascia and Neutrik jack sockets. Designed for bass players who want straightforward gain-controlled compression without complex multi-parameter setup.
What stands out
“Designed for bass players who want straightforward gain-controlled compression”
— from the listing
“Use case: bass players who want straightforward stage compressor with three key controls”
— from the community notes
“Strengths: standard Threshold/Ratio/Gain controls with intuitive setup; UK-made PRO FX build with Neutrik jacks; 18V isolated supply for low noise”
— from the reviews
“The ADMS1 Studio Compressor sits in the PRO FX lineup between the single-knob Velvet Comp and the signature Macchiato, offering straightforward three-control compression with UK build quality”
— from the reviews
“Tone: clean controlled bass compression with user-adjustable Threshold, Ratio, and Gain alongside factory-preset Attack and Release optimized for bass guitar”
— from the community notes
Trade-offs
“Signal-chain interaction: place before drive or preamp for consistent input compression; the 18V PRO FX supply maintains a very low noise floor suitable for studio and live use”
— from the community notes
- compression
- gain
- compressor
- low noise
- studio
- bass
- attack
- release
Price updated Oct 23, 2026
Genres the Ashdown Studio 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.
Amps that pair well with the Ashdown Studio Compressor
Laney RB3 Richter Bass Amp
Laney
22% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (transparent → mid-forward)
The Richter's rehearsal-oriented bass EQ gives the Studio Compressor's low-noise squash a straightforward amp platform.
Comes later in the signal chain
Sunn 100s
amplifier
15% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (high headroom → compressed)
What Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Park P50B Super Bass
Park
14% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
What Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Peavey MiniMAX 500W Lightweight Bass Head
Peavey
7% matchAhead of the MiniMAX, the Studio Compressor's low-noise squash keeps the attack even before that raw, gigging-ready drive ever colors it.
Comes later in the signal chain
Hiwatt HB210HN
Hiwatt
7% matchWhat Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Hiwatt Park P50B Super Bass Handwired 50W Bass Head
Hiwatt
7% matchWhat Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Laney DBV410-4 Digbeth 4x10 Cabinet
Laney
6% matchWhat Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Traynor BB115
Traynor
6% matchWhat Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
See all 9 amps that pair with the Ashdown Studio Compressor →
Pedals that stack with the Ashdown Studio Compressor
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Mad Professor
36% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
Ashdown Studio Compressor's compressed voice suits Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive's own dynamic character
Comes later in the signal chain
Ibanez Tube Screamer
Ibanez
33% matchfills a frequency gapFills in a frequency range the other side doesn't cover, instead of piling more onto what's already there. (transparent → mid-forward)
The Screamer's mid-forward boost pushes into the Studio Compressor's low-noise, gain-evening squash for a driven signal.
Comes later in the signal chain
Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler
Dr Scientist
32% matchDr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler's own fuzzy character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes later in the signal chain
Mad Professor Fire Red Fuzz
Mad Professor
31% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
What Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Origin Effects Halcyon Green Overdrive
Origin Effects
22% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
What Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
Boss FZ-1w
Boss
19% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
Ashdown Studio Compressor leans toward compressed, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Comes later in the signal chain
Warm Audios Throne of Tone
Warm Audio
19% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
Ashdown Studio Compressor's compressed voice suits Warm Audios Throne of Tone's own dynamic character
Comes later in the signal chain
Mythos Golden Fleece
Mythos
19% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain. (dynamic → compressed)
What Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes later in the signal chain
See all 123 pedals that pair with the Ashdown Studio Compressor →
Cheaper alternatives
Ampeg Opto Comp Compressor
Ampeg
54% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher
Electro-Harmonix
52% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Boss LMB-3 Bass Limiter/Enhancer
Boss
46% similarityShared character: bass, attack, compression
Blaxx BX-Bass Limit
Blaxx
46% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
DigiTech XBS Bass Squeeze
Digitech
46% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, compression
Joyo R-27 Scylla Bass Compressor
Joyo
46% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, compression
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar character
MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition
MXR
64% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Origin Effects Cali76 MK2 Bass Compressor
Origin Effects
53% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Demon FX Call 76
Demon Fx
50% similarityShared character: compressor, compression, bass
Boss BC-1X
Boss
46% similarityShared character: bass, compressor, attack
Dr. Green The tourniquet
Dr Green
42% similarityShared character: compressor, compression, bass
Empress Bass Compressor Blue
Empress
40% similarityShared character: compressor, attack, bass
See all alternatives to the Ashdown Studio Compressor (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Ashdown Studio Compressor?+
The closest matches in character are the MXR M87B Blackout Bass Compressor Limited Edition, the Origin Effects Cali76 MK2 Bass Compressor, the Demon FX Call 76. Budget picks: Ampeg Opto Comp Compressor, Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher, Boss LMB-3 Bass Limiter/Enhancer. Boutique upgrades: Ashdown Velvet Compressor, Ashdown Macchiato Compressor Guy Pratt Signature.
What pairs well with the Ashdown Studio Compressor?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Laney RB3 Richter Bass Amp, Sunn 100s, Park P50B Super Bass — The Richter's rehearsal-oriented bass EQ gives the Studio Compressor's low-noise squash a straightforward amp platform..
How much does the Ashdown Studio Compressor cost?+
Around $181.75 (live listing price, updated Oct 23, 2026).