Compressor for GK1001rbii

IPYF · #1 03-31-2011, 02:09 AM

Im new. Hello.

Recently I recorded a metal record. I've never been bananas about my tone and I was worried it would end up being borrie if I used my own gear so I left the task of getting a good sound up to my producer. The tone he got for me blew my flipping socks off and now I am determined to replicate it without having to sell the family cow.

This is the set up I used in studio.
Trace Elliot AH1200-12 Head
Trace Elliot 1048H cabinet 300w RMS
BBE Sonic Maximizer
Boss ODB-3

This is my own rig
GK1001rbii 750w
Trace Elliot 1048H cabinet 300w RMS (same as the one in studio but a wee bit older)
Behringer 500w 1x15

For the sake of note I use a 2006 Ibanez BTB450QM

Now here is what I want to do. I want to dial up a similar tone to my studio tone without spending a lot. Obviously I am going to need to get a ODB3 in order to get the required growl and I am working on this currently. For the sake of interest the pedal is used at 95% dry signal just to produce a slightly brighter slightly broken up tone from the Trace Preamp. The real difference with the GK and the Trace is that I feel I am lacking a compressor and this makes any note which isnt in the bass or low mid register fall out of the live mix. I also don't really see the merit in having the BBE as it really only was used to get more midrange clarity for tracking.

I was wondering if anyone who uses a GK could recommend a compression option which has worked well for them and whether this use was done in conjunction with any drive of distortion. I think a stomp will be best because an outboard unit may be hard to regulate to line level. Also I would love to know if anyone has any other recommendations; other than recommending that I lose the Behringer cab; trust me. I know. I am aware that getting an identical sound out of both a Trace and a GK is not possible. I am really just looking to improve on what I have as much as I can.

joeydavidson · #2 03-31-2011, 03:02 AM

I've used an Aphex Punch Factory and a Demeter Compulator with my 1001rbII, the aphex was completly transparent and subtle and the Compulator added a slight plumpness to the notes and had a slight roll off of the highs, both worked well with that amp. I didn't like using the overdrive (from a VT bass pedal) with a compressor at the same time as I felt the drive from the VT added enough compression on it's own.

I recorded with the Aphex (with a Mesa cab), the sound surprized me (probably like in your experience) that amp sounds very good recorded, the engineer was saying he liked it and how he didn't have to adjust much of anything after the bass tracks were recorded.

Also you can make a 1001rbII growl at low volumes by raising the volume of your compressor above unity, it won't clip the input volume (if you take care to adjust it slightly below it's clipping threshold) but will send a louder signal to the boost section. There's another member here that uses this technique as well.

jg919 · #3 03-31-2011, 03:50 AM

Hi,
I think Joeydavidson makes some fantastic points - adjusting your compressor to above unity (to taste, in relation to the GK natural overdrive) is a great way to get your sound.
I would reccommend using pedal comp's as opposed to rack ones with GK amps - this way you can use them to drive the input on the amp, AND you can use your eq to characterise the comp'ed sound instead of visa-versa.

The comp I use (mostly for live shows) is the DOD Milk-Box - it really fills out your sound, and is much, much smoother than any other pedal I've tried...MXR's, Keeley's, Aphex, BBE, Boss, as well as many other 'one-off' boutique pedals.
Second in line are other pedals such as the Markbass Compressore, Ross, Focusrite and some others. All in all it boils down to taste, so check 'em all out if you have to haha!

As a great alternative, visit Compressor Reviews for some GREAT insight into the world of compression on bass.
All the best! JOHN

Rockmusician · #4 03-31-2011, 04:19 AM

I use GK and have tried various compressors. I never really liked them. Concentrate on your EQ.

georgestrings · #5 03-31-2011, 09:03 AM

EBS Multicomp is highly regarded, and will work well with most G-K amps... I'd imagine that you could get really good results running one of those in the effects loop on tube sim mode, and running a post-EQ DI send to the board...

- georgestrings

IPYF · #6 03-31-2011, 04:08 PM

Thanks guys. I shall check these out if I can dig them up.

deputyjk · #7 04-08-2011, 06:41 AM

Hi IPYF

Did you ever make any progress on this? I too have a GK1001rb and am considering buying a Trace Elliot AH1200-12 Head. Trying a TE at a studio also blew me away!

Did adding the EBS Comp allow you to replicate the sound of the TE?

Aram · #8 04-08-2011, 11:43 AM

Another vote for the MultiComp...really adds a lot to the GK sound, and I've had mine for years. Lately I've been punching it on and off when necessary, but formerly I used to keep it on all the time.

I run it in front of the amp (not through the effects loop) but should work fine with either.

deputyjk · #9 04-09-2011, 04:06 AM

Hi Aram

Can you explane how it added to the GK sound?

Aram · #10 04-09-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deputyjk

Hi Aram

Can you explane how it added to the GK sound?

Well, it gives it a lot more depth and punch, and with the tubism switch on it rounds it out (or warms it up?) a bit. Basically, if you walked into a room and someone was using it with your rig, you might not notice, but if it got switched off you'd immediately think something is wrong. Hard to explain, I think you'd really have to try it out to get it.

I will say it's not an obvious "squash your sound" compressor like the dbx for example. It's more like a high quality studio unit crammed into a stomp box.