I have been using an MXR M87 bass compressor for a few years now, and it was doing its job, I suppose. It is one of the best pedal compressors at the price thanks to its LED level readout. However, after reading the reviews for the Empress, I was convinced it would be an improvement.
Well it arrived, it’s gone on the board and the M87 will be relegated to the dusty cupboard full of pedals slowly becoming ‘vintage’.
It has more control, better monitoring, and sounds amazing. Truth be told, I oft-times could have left the old M87 compressor turned off and lived without, but the Empress has a voice of its own. (Not to say it’s an overly coloured pedal, but I can hear it’s smoothing effect on my playing, in a VERY good way!)
If you’re considering an upgrade for the ubiquitous M87, you could do worse than buy this. I doubt you’ll regret it.