FMR RNC (Really Nice Compressor)

 No one thinks of compressors or limiters as effects, but they are. They not only act as a governor for gain, but also change what’s enhanced in your EQ. That’s why some engineers agonize over EQ to compressor, or compressor to EQ. Up until a few years ago, pedal compressors were less than subtle, and not so great for the gentler use that bass often wants. FMR, a company from Texas, came out with the modestly-named RNC (Really Nice Compressor). It could be adapted for rack mounting, but was small enough to sit on a pedal board. It has thorough controls for attack, sustain, ratio, etc. And it’s about $225 CAD. I still think you’d have to spend about a thousand dollars more to get a better compressor.