Needing compressor hookup advice

Immigrant · #1 04-30-2011, 10:26 PM

I'm fairly new to the bass world, and not too bright. I recently purchased a dbx 160a on eBay, and wonder if I can get advice on the best way to hook it up.

I have a fairly decent amp for a beginner- an Acoustic B600 with 410 and 115 cabinets. I plug straight in the front and currently have a Sansamp running through the effects loop. I occasionally use a Digitech effects thing, but it's kind of noisy.

Do I want to run the compressor through the effects loop? Should I keep the Sansamp in the loop, or use it as a stomp box between my bass and amp input?

I deeply appreciate any advice I can get. There seems to be a lot of brains on this site. Thanks in advance.

Calaverasgrande · #2 04-30-2011, 11:39 PM

It should be the last thing between the preamp and the power amp. So if you keep the sansamp in the effect loop then put the DBX after the sansamp.
Those are killer on bass. But be carefull. You dont want it compressing everything all the time. It is kind of hard to hear compression happening actually. You may want to read up on basic principles of compression/limiting and see if you can find some example setting posted for the 160. I am sure at least one version of the manual that comes with the 160 had example settings for snare, vocal and bass guitar.

JimmyM · #3 04-30-2011, 11:46 PM

wow, that's a good comp to start out with!

i hate loops, and never use them even if the gear is designed to work in a loop. when i was running compression, i liked to put it in first in line after the bass. either way will work fine but i prefer running all effects in line.

samjones_de · #4 05-01-2011, 12:04 AM

I recommend putting the sansamp between the bass and input of the amp and the compressor in the effects loop.

prd004 · #5 05-01-2011, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samjones_de

I recommend putting the sansamp between the bass and input of the amp and the compressor in the effects loop.

+1

Your DBX is a line-level compressor and will only work properly at line level, ie effects loop or preamp out

JimmyM · #6 05-01-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prd004

+1

Your DBX is a line-level compressor and will only work properly at line level, ie effects loop or preamp out

bah...i so don't buy into that.

prd004 · #7 05-01-2011, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

bah...i so don't buy into that.

Haha, you gotta be able to hit the compressor with something to compress! It may work your way, but it won't work right. You can't change the properties of voltage! It would be like taking your guitar cable from the output jack of your bass and inserting into the "power amp in" on the back of your amp. Sure some sort of sound would probably come out the speakers, but it aint gonna be right!

JimmyM · #8 05-01-2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prd004

Haha, you gotta be able to hit the compressor with something to compress! It may work your way, but it won't work right. You can't change the properties of voltage! It would be like taking your guitar cable from the output jack of your bass and inserting into the "power amp in" on the back of your amp. Sure some sort of sound would probably come out the speakers, but it aint gonna be right!

some would argue that it sounds very right to do that. i know johnny april from staind has said on here that he loves doing that but uses a pre for when he might need eqing.

MuzikMan · #9 05-01-2011, 04:29 AM

Everyone has their idea about how to connect their gear but there is a "standard" that would make a good starting point for new users. All instrument level gear (pedals, Sansamps, etc.) should be run in front of the amp. All line level gear (rack stuff) should be run in the effects loop. That is the way the engineers intended their stuff to be used. If you try that first and experiment later you can make your own informed decision.

Immigrant · #10 05-01-2011, 08:39 AM

Thanks for all the great (if varying) advice. The dbx 160a got good reviews on this and other forums/reviews. I had purchased a Behringer stomp-type compressor, and it's nothing more than a $30 paperweight.

From what I've read so far, what I'll try first (when the comp gets here) is bass to Sansamp to head, then the compressor in the effects loop. No, I'm not dissing those who suggested other ways.

Yes, a good compressor for a beginner. Maybe too good. I started with a Geddly Lee Jazz bass, added a Rick 4003 (since sold) and currently have two Ibanezes and a Peavey Grind. I suffer from GAS, but have come to grips with it after narrowing down the collection to 3.

I think I love this forum.

**IvanMike** · #11 05-01-2011, 08:49 AM

I've run DBX comps both ways, and with a hot output bass you can certainly run it first. However, part of what you may want to compress is your signal (particularly if you boost bass on your amp) after the preamp. As such, I like to use it in the effects loop.

FWIW, the sans amp stomp box works fine in the effects loop, it just distorts quicker (which is not a bad thing). The rack sans amps are all line level IIRC. I prefer to use a sans amp in a side chain effects loop if possible as the blend control on the sans amp isn't really a blend control - so i blend between dry and wet/sans amp on the effects knob on the amp. However, in your case, that would defeat the intent of the compressor.

Like everyone has said, go easy with the compression and learn how those controls work. DBX has some excellent manuals and should have info specific to bass you can use as a starting point.

ps, I would lose the digitech. Unless you really feel you need those effects they really just degrade your tone terribly. Also, as guitars will probably have effects on them as well, you may find that your bass "disappears" in the mix when you have effects on it. one or two good stomp boxes would serve you a lot better and sound much better. (and even then I'd use them sparingly). I'd also give some serious listening tests in the audience area to how your amp sounds with and without the sans amp.

esa372 · #12 05-01-2011, 12:20 PM

Some good info here:

Compressor and Audio Gear FAQ

Kinetic Monkey · #13 05-01-2011, 12:28 PM

try both directly after the bass and then in the loop. Use your ears to tell you what's best.

I'm a compression first kinda guy, I think it often makes the "bloom" of a compressor (when it drops out half way through a sustained note) a lot more notorious, and I like that. Other people don't like that and prefer it the other way around

Musicmaster75 · #14 05-01-2011, 12:31 PM

Andy's Corner » Guitar News Archive » FX LOOPS EXPLAINED

pretty easy read I found interesting

Immigrant · #15 05-02-2011, 06:04 PM

I hardly ever use the Digitech. It was the first pedal I bought, and in the past year realized it is a tone sucker. Some effects are cool, but there is a lot of noise along with it. Not too noticeable while recording, but through the amp it's lousy.

I'm sure after the comp arrives I'll have more questions.

ga_edwards · #16 05-03-2011, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

bah...i so don't buy into that.

Hah. I so agree.

Besides, if you have the comp in the loop, last in the signal path, anything you do before it be it change eq, or effects is going to change the way the comp reacts. I much prefer comp near the start of the chain.

As mentioned elsewhere in this thread, if your bass isn't hot enough to put a decent signal into the rack compressor, stick a preamp before it. To the OP, if you only used your sansamp for one sound, try putting that before the comp to drive it properly then route it into the amp.

FuzzBoxVoodoo · #17 05-03-2011, 05:59 AM

Given the fact that Compressors are input level sensative I run mine right after the bass and set the compressor where I want it,my reasoning is I have some pedals that boost and some that cut which would cause inconsistent reaction from your compressor.
I had a Aphex 651 which sounded great but was so sensative to input level that I couldnt deal with it live and sold it.
my .02

Calaverasgrande · #18 05-04-2011, 12:37 AM

not all compressors have enough gain to bring bass level up to line level. The DBX 163 (single slider, half rack) does. The Alesis microlimiter could do it, but would be noisy. A lot of comps can do it but will add noise.
As far a pre or post EQ, that is a perenial debate among audio engineers. I like comps post eq for everything except vocals and guitar.
However if you are in the habit of extreme eq boosts (like 6db) then you want the comp before the eq.

Immigrant · #19 05-06-2011, 07:07 PM

I want To THANK EVERYBODY for all the fantastic advice!
The compressor showed up and the owner's manual suggested some settings to start with.
I mounted it in my rack, ran it through the effects loop, ran my bass through the Sansamp and to the amp like a stomp box and, wow. Wow!

THAT'S the sound I've been looking for. I set it to overeasy (like eggs) and I go from thumping to flamenco strum to finger pluck- no real volume spikes at all.

Thanks again. This is the best bass forum ever.

MuzikMan · #20 05-06-2011, 09:08 PM

We like it when a plan comes together!