chrisanthony1211 Posted November 8, 2014 Share Posted November 8, 2014 To compress or not to compress, That is the question, Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the peaks and spikes of outrages signals, Or to place a compression circuit on a sea of phat bass. And by opposing, reduce them, to smooth them, to die, to sleep, Well that's enough of that! I've always used a compressor, however recently due to events beyond my control I've been going about my business without one and I'm quite liking the "uncompressed" sound I'm hearing, so I thought I'd get some thoughts on whether fellow basschatters compress, and if so, what are you using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted November 8, 2014 Share Posted November 8, 2014 I didn't use a compressor live. Couldn't get on with them. Only time I used compression was on recordings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted November 8, 2014 Share Posted November 8, 2014 Depends which compressor and how it's set up. Generally I don't like them much but I really rate the Diamond one (but it's big money). Very 'musical' and sounds nice without coming across as an 'effect'. Paul Turner uses one and he really doesn't like compressors Just bought a Demeter to try out as an alternative but haven't had time to really use it properly yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted November 8, 2014 Share Posted November 8, 2014 I don't much like using them. If I get peaks and troughs when I'm playing it's because I want them there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTypeV4 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I find compressor pedals a little lacking probably because alot of the settings are 'built in' so to speak.. I like to have control over all aspects of the compressor to best suit my requirements especially on a full range device. Attack and release, knee and make-up are commonly missed off pedals and we're simply left with a 'one knob does it all' or at best a threshold and ratio set. The old Trace SMX compressor pedal and the later Ashdown version work reasonably well to my taste but again, a lack of detailed controls limits fine tuning. Use of compression is very subjecive and somewhat personal. It also depends on what we want to achieve with it too as compression can be used as both a corrective and creative tool. Maybe we just want to smooth out peaks and troughs a little, maybe we're looking to squash the nuts out of some aggressive slap or possibly using it more like a limiter to eek a little more SPL out of and under-powered rig? All situations would require completely different settings and just like EQ, some would love it and others would hate it as a component in their sound. Neither of my amplifiers has compression built in but both being valve (particularly the Ashton) have a degree of natural valve compression. The Trace seems to do the 'transparent' thing whereas the Ashton does the 'squashy' thing. In a live situation both are more than adequate for my tastes but when recording I do prefer to add more by using a comprehensive (hardware or software) full range or multi-band compressor. Multi-band is great (two-band is perfect for me) as I can have completely different settings for each (low / high) frequency band allowing for a borderline invisibly compressed bass sound thats 'always present' in the mix without being squashed to death. I do have an old Boss LMB3 but the compressor on that was inadequate / intrusive and for a time I simply used it's enhance function. It sits largely dormant now although I do drag it out now and then just to remind myself that I don't really need it anymore. To the O/P, if you're happy running without then do so, if you're happy with what you're achieving and how it sits solo and in a mix then it's all good surely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 After many, many trials of using compression and then not, and then back to compression etc etc. I have come to the conclusion that I like compression very much BUT ......... it needs to be an expensive, high quality compressor with pretty fine control, used VERY sparingly. I still get loads of dynamics but it all simply sounds nicer, punchier and more present. Currently use the Empress comp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1415489494' post='2600951'] If I get peaks and troughs when I'm playing it's because I want them there. [/quote] ^^^^^ this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I nearly always have a mild overdrive on, so that's my compressor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I don't use them live and don't feel I need them. It is all about getting your technique and playing style to a stage whereas you are happy getting the sound out there. Recording is different in that your main job is getting the sound down and then the mixing stage is a lot more discerning and critical with so many other factors involved. If I had a big gig, then the engr might compress me for his version of the live mix and I'd be happy with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 [quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1415524654' post='2601057'] I nearly always have a mild overdrive on, so that's my compressor! [/quote] Same here, my VT DI manual states that there`s compression within the unit so that`s good enough for me. For studio work the producer just adds whatever is needed - all far beyond my knowledge base but as it sounds good that`s all Im concerned about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisanthony1211 Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Interesting to hear that not many of us bassists use a compressor live, I always thought that it's what's bassists did, never too old to learn I suppose! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I use really heavy compression, as it means I can use different techniques to get different tones without losing volume. Well, that's what I tell people, really it's to clean up my sloppy playing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tdw Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I have one amp (eden david series) with a built in compressor which i sometimes allow to come on a little bit, other than that i dont use it myself - but the sound engineers generally compress the bass i think, so most gigsi do i reckon it ends up somewhat compressed anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I kick in a bit of compression when I play with a plectrum. I've not got great technique. My 'ups' are a touch quieter than my 'downs' and it sounds terrible; hours of practice don't seem to help so I'm cheating! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 A local BCer was selling an EBS Multicomp for cheap, so I bought it to see what compressors did. No matter what setting I used, I couldn't hear any difference. I sold it on, and the buyer gave feedback about what a great compressor it is. So I'm none the wiser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironside1966 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Why do you want to use compression? Unless you really understand what you want from the compressor it is difficult to answer. If you want to change your sound then, Yes If you just want to keep the bass in the right place of the mix then it is best done FOH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTypeV4 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 When mixing, I often compress the bass. Sometimes I feel the need to squash the bass a bit to help it fit whereas other times it happily sits just snug without. Occasionally it is needed to apply alot of compression if a bass sound lacks context, is borderline incompatible with everything else or is simply badly / sloppily played. At this point mentioning above, it becomes more objective than personal IME.. [quote name='ironside1966' timestamp='1415568418' post='2601600'] If you just want to keep the bass in the right place of the mix then it is best done FOH. [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elephantgrey Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I like to use my compressor at the start of my chain, it lets me have a little more control over how much drive i get out of my dirt pedals, and also keeps my right hand in line when i get a bit… excited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I have recently bought a Cali76 for use on guitar, and I have it switched on the whole time. It's brilliant. I have yet to use it when recording bass, but I definitely will, as big peaks on bass notes otherwise mess up my attempts to get a good signal down. I have no desire to use it live though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefrash Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Its a funny one for me, because when playing live (including rehearsal) I generally like a low amount of compression, I probably could do without it but I seem to prefer it. At home though through earphones I love loads of it as it sounds cool as f***! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulo m Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 (edited) On my board i firstly start with the MXR M82 set to a mild grab\squash..& @ the end place an APHEX xciter before the amp' between these two pedals the tone becomes Fat & fingers on strings sounding ( a la M MILLER).when moving to slap the tone remains present & full ( using a jazz bass with Nordstrand NJ4s & a John East preamp) That WILL LEE type tone....so compression yes......BIG TIME. Edited November 14, 2014 by paulo m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51m0n Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Compression is very misunderstood I wrote this a while ago to help people set up a compressor for bass:- http://web.archive.org/web/20130215154741/http://blog.basschat.co.uk/setting-up-a-compressor/ I use compression live, low ratio very low threshold to just increase the fatness a touch, and to sculpt the transients if I'm slapping. FOH would be great, except I don't trust most live sound people with a bass tone. Mixing I use all sorts of tools to improve everything, but compression and eq are the cornerstone of good mixing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I always use it and love the sound it gives. I use a Boss unit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 I like to use a little bit of compression all the time on my fretted basses but I could live without it, at the moment I use an MXR Bass Compressor which is great but the Diamond was the nicest sounding pedal I've owned so far. I also have an old Boss CS1 which is a bit of a weird pedal but works well on fretless as an effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonEdward Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 [quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1415479813' post='2600848'] To compress or not to compress, That is the question, Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the peaks and spikes of outrages signals, Or to place a compression circuit on a sea of phat bass. And by opposing, reduce them, to smooth them, to die, to sleep, Well that's enough of that! I've always used a compressor, however recently due to events beyond my control I've been going about my business without one and I'm quite liking the "uncompressed" sound I'm hearing, so I thought I'd get some thoughts on whether fellow basschatters compress, and if so, what are you using? [/quote] I'm rather attached to my Nova Dynamics Compressor/noise gate by TC Electronic - discontinued - but you can get them pre-loved at auction. It has a visual meter - so you can see what it's doing - and doesn't colour your tone - to my ears. Similar to the MXR wotsit (horribly overpriced IMHO). I use it mostly for recording, but see no reason why I wouldn't use it 'Live'. Also, I have it at the end of my effects chain to smooth? overall levels - nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.