GK amps and compression...

raul · #1 11-15-2011, 10:56 AM

do you who have and play and love GK amps use a compressor? i have a 1001RBII and it's awesome! i don't have a compressor. I'm not so sure i need one. GK seems to have a sort of compression to them in a way, to my ears...i just wonder if a compressor pedal may be too much?

i do use plenty of drive pedals and such when needed...

do you use compression with GK amps?

bassgod0dmw · #2 11-15-2011, 10:59 AM

I use one. I don't think they have any natural compression as you say, but I've got a 2001 RB which has tons of headroom.

Do you need one? I have no idea. I like compression for certain things, so I use one.

raul · #3 11-15-2011, 11:02 AM

hmmm...maybe it's not natural compression, maybe i just like the tone! i do...

Warrior_Bass · #4 11-15-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

I use one. I don't think they have any natural compression as you say, but I've got a 2001 RB which has tons of headroom.

Do you need one? I have no idea. I like compression for certain things, so I use one.

Same story with me. I think the clarity and headroom are sorta "anti-compression" in that the amp gives you what you put into it (with higher levels).

bongomania · #5 11-15-2011, 11:11 AM

GK's "G.I.V.E." technology does use compression, and it takes effect when you are driving the amp hard. I imagine the RB2001 would have to be cranked and pushed very hard/loud before any compression was noticeable.

Whether any amount of compression is "too much" or "not enough" is entirely up to personal preferences. There is no correct amount in a general sense. You'll have to decide for yourself, because there is honestly NO way for anyone else to advise you on that. See if you can borrow a nice-quality compressor from somebody, and experiment with it. Be sure the one you borrow has these two features: a light or meter to indicate when your signal is over the threshold (being compressed), and a knob to control either the input signal level or the threshold (so you can control how much of your signal is being compressed).

FWIW, drive pedals compress the signal, so you're certainly getting more compression when those are switched on.

It partly depends on what effect you want to achieve, like peak limiting, or sustain, or "fatness", or whatever.

CLPalacio · #6 11-15-2011, 11:25 AM

I have it built in (also with chorus and limiter) on my GK 1200SEB and use it often.

mouthmw · #7 11-15-2011, 11:54 AM

I don't feel like there's much compression with my 700RB II, in fact I've recently borrowed my rig to a guy whose band opened for us, and it was quite noticeable that he could benefit from one. Quite a few volume spikes, sometimes he was too quiet or too loud during 8th notes or even some licks. I think GK really shows your technique, and is quite transparent but has that trademark GK sound - that dry growl. I don't use compressor and I feel that way I train my technique more. My guitarist said: "Yea he needs one, but you'd only lose your dynamics". I don't think he's necessarily right about losing your dynamics if you use compressor though.
I think the transparency is even more noticeable with my GK NEO 412 cab, than it was with my Ampeg 810. I think Ampeg's inherit blankety sound helps with that.