T.C. Electronic SpectraComp

[johnsonabq]

Wanted to know who here uses one of the T.C. Electronic amp heads with the SpectraComp compressor. What do you think of it and it's role in your sound?
Thanks!

[KJung]

Had the RH450 for a while. Very nice head and a VERY nice compressor. However, for me, the power management system in that head gave it a tone and a feel that was already compressed. This is not a bad thing per se, but I ended up never using the compressor at all. Seemed like too much of a good thing.

The RH heads are voiced and the power management is designed to really emulate an all tube system, which has that sort of 'compression of the peaks' built in already.

So, my view is it is a GREAT compressor that is redundant given the design and voicing of the amp.

[johnsonabq]

Originally Posted by KJung

Had the RH450 for a while. Very nice head and a VERY nice compressor. However, for me, the power management system in that head gave it a tone and a feel that was already compressed. This is not a bad thing per se, but I ended up never using the compressor at all. Seemed like too much of a good thing.

The RH heads are voiced and the power management is designed to really emulate an all tube system, which has that sort of 'compression of the peaks' built in already.

So, my view is it is a GREAT compressor that is redundant given the design and voicing of the amp.

Thanks... I'm thinking that due to the high power output of the Blacksmith the power management will rarely kick in. I guess we'll see on that.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by johnsonabq

Thanks... I'm thinking that due to the high power output of the Blacksmith the power management will rarely kick in. I guess we'll see on that.

I have not played the Blacksmith. However, the power management system imparts a similar tone on the RH450 at all volume levels. It is more of a voicing thing that, to my ear, emulates a kind of 'sealed 10' vintage cab at all volume levels... very warm, very punchy, and a bit of loose 'give' to the feel (like a tube amp). The Blacksmith might be a different beast though.

[guy n. cognito]

Originally Posted by johnsonabq

Wanted to know who here uses one of the T.C. Electronic amp heads with the SpectraComp compressor. What do you think of it and it's role in your sound?
Thanks!

I found the spectracomp on my 750 virtually unusable. There is already so much compression in the signal that even the slightest turn of the knob meant all thump and no tone.

[parapentep70]

In my experience, if you normally use a hint of compressor to reduce some unfrequent peak (when slapping a tad louder), really as a limiter, when you play loud on the RH750 you don't need to add this compression. These "300W tube character" does all the job. A nice job.

When you add serious compression as a sustainer (I sometimes do it to get a more "organ-like sound" in certain slow songs), then it's a nice compressor. I think the dual band processing has something to do with it.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by parapentep70

In my experience, if you normally use a hint of compressor to reduce some unfrequent peak (when slapping a tad louder), really as a limiter, when you play loud on the RH750 you don't need to add this compression. These "300W tube character" does all the job. A nice job.

When you add serious compression as a sustainer (I sometimes do it to get a more "organ-like sound" in certain slow songs), then it's a nice compressor. I think the dual band processing has something to do with it.

That is actually a good way of putting it. Absolutely NO need for additional 'peak limiting' with these heads, but for a more 'compression' application as a 'special effect', the compressor is better than most stand-alone pedals IMO.

[Stealth]

I've fiddled with the SpectraComp on my BG500 combo, and I got exactly the same vibe parapentep70 and KJung have. There's no need to limit the peaks, but it helps as a sustainer in clean mode and helps feed the TubeTone in driven mode. I usually use it as the latter to boost the driven sound, and it does its job really well.

[BackToTheGroove]

Originally Posted by Stealth

...but it helps as a sustainer in clean mode and helps feed the TubeTone in driven mode. I usually use it as the latter to boost the driven sound, and it does its job really well.

+1 that the TubeTone works hand in hand with the SpectraComp, and also dependent on your Gain setting. I have the BH500 and the comments above about no need to limit peaks is correct. It doesn't seem to do that because of the inherent voicing of the amp anyway, but works more for sustain and also helps to fill out the girth of a low gain bass like my '74 Ric. Yes, like an effect, although subtle; but really helped thicken up my Ric's tone. With an ATK750 or my P401 I need between 0-4 of SpectraComp, where the Ric sounds full and 'there' at 7 or 8. That help?

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by johnsonabq

Thanks... I'm thinking that due to the high power output of the Blacksmith the power management will rarely kick in. I guess we'll see on that.

I'd agree with most of what's been said with respect to the Spectracomp -- I almost never use it myself.

On your point above, as I understand it, the APM doesn't "kick in"; it's there. It will sound somewhat different at different volume levels, in a manner akin to a tube-based power section as you push it further and further. How well it achieves this is a matter of opinion, of course. One of the roles of the Spectracomp/Tubetone pair can be to get this happening at lower volume, but they have other functions, of course. With such a presumably potentially loud head as the Blacksmith, you might find yourself using these more than I with my "baby" RH450.

[johnsonabq]

One thing I'm starting to do is NOT use the active bass and treble on my Modulus. I'm leaving them flat now and will use the EQ of the Blacksmith and SansAmp. This seems to keep the SpectraComp from being so noticeable since it is first in the signal path (after the tuner and mute). So now I'm sending the "pure" sound from my bass to the amp. I kinda like that.

[johnsonabq]

I should say I use compression as part of my "sound" not an effect. From the mid 80s to the mid 90s I used a DBX 163 heavily, but, then I found the dual band compressor of Trace Elliot. That was a break through as it kept my low end from getting too "boomy" yet still let the higher frequencies of my strings come through. And did it without killing dynamics. This was important as I had just switched from using a pick to my fingers (primarily). I'm hoping Spectracomp will do that also. If not?... Well I can always break out the Trace Elliot pre amp again and patch it in. LOL I'm thinking the APM in the Blacksmith acts more as a limiter then a compressor. But like I said, we'll see. Since I'm just getting back into playing after a hiatus I have yet to really put it through it's paces. Hope to soon though.

[sawzalot]

The SpectraComp really shines when you use the DI out. Like most have said, the power management imparts its own sort of compression, but when you're recording using the head as a preamp, the SpectraComp really shines. It's an awesome compressor, probably the best single-knob compressor I've ever used.

[Bassflute]

Originally Posted by KJung

Had the RH450 for a while. Very nice head and a VERY nice compressor. However, for me, the power management system in that head gave it a tone and a feel that was already compressed. This is not a bad thing per se, but I ended up never using the compressor at all. Seemed like too much of a good thing.

The RH heads are voiced and the power management is designed to really emulate an all tube system, which has that sort of 'compression of the peaks' built in already.

So, my view is it is a GREAT compressor that is redundant given the design and voicing of the amp.

Completely squashed dynamics. Horrible. I hate that amp now. And I get complaints all the time that I'm TOO loud, because the second part of the note blooms too much. It would be nice if there was a way to turn that function down/off, but there isn't. That amp is really a one trick pony because of this, which is such a shame because the pre-amp design is beyond brilliant/revolutionary, and I still love that part of the amp. But ever since Bass Gear Mags exposé on the power section, that's all I can hear/feel now with those amps; it drives me nuts.

I initially loved the tc amps, but then...



And the compressor...nope, sorry, not impressed. Wheezing and gasping, mid-range sucking horrid bloody thing, and who need it when there's SO much compression going on in the power amp section anyway?

The best compression circuit EVER in a bass amp is the one in the AER line. Amp companies should do what Samsung does with all of their products, just copy it verbatim, wait till they sue, and tie them up in court so long it doesn't matter anymore. They did it with Sony monitors, Pentax Cameras, and now everything Apple builds - seems to be the way they do business. Who needs R&D when you can just STEAL it, and you're too big to sue?

Cheers,
Cameron

[c-ba55]

Originally Posted by Bassflute

But ever since Bass Gear Mags exposé on the power section, that's all I can hear/feel now with those amps; it drives me nuts.

I initially loved the tc amps, but then...


,
Cameron

Sounds like you should see a psychologist to help you with that. Maybe he could hypnotize you into forgetting how it works so you could just listen and enjoy again.

[afroman]

I own a Classic450 and although I agree with the criticisms about the sound being dark, rolled-off and compressed, I really like the amp. Power rating dilemmas aside, the amp has a built-in vintage sound that I really like and I always use the Spectracomp at about 10 o'clock.

I feel it adds a little tightness and clarity that enhances the sound dramatically. It's not the amp for players who want more sheen and presence in their sound. I also love the EQ points, as I normally end up cutting the bass and boosting low-mids to obtain a punchy sound that doesn't get too bassy; letting the PA do the heavy work.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by johnsonabq

... then I found the dual band compressor of Trace Elliot. That was a break through as it kept my low end from getting too "boomy" yet still let the higher frequencies of my strings come through. And did it without killing dynamics. ...I'm hoping Spectracomp will do that also. If not?... Well I can always break out the Trace Elliot pre amp again and patch it in.

Just so you know, there are several other dual-band compressors out there, and some of them are much better quality than the old Trace.

Originally Posted by johnsonabq

I'm thinking the APM in the Blacksmith acts more as a limiter then a compressor.

It seemed to me that the people in this thread that actually have experience with the amp have been telling you it's the other way around. *shrug*

[4-string]

Originally Posted by Bassflute

Completely squashed dynamics. Horrible. I hate that amp now. And I get complaints all the time that I'm TOO loud, because the second part of the note blooms too much. It would be nice if there was a way to turn that function down/off, but there isn't. That amp is really a one trick pony because of this, which is such a shame because the pre-amp design is beyond brilliant/revolutionary, and I still love that part of the amp. But ever since Bass Gear Mags exposé on the power section, that's all I can hear/feel now with those amps; it drives me nuts.

I initially loved the tc amps, but then...





Cheers,
Cameron

Why you didn't hear this prior to the BGM article is what I don't get. And re the second part blooms too much, we are talking ms here. I do agree that there is a strong voicing in these heads that one might love or hate, but I just don't see why you would go from love to hate over an article in BGM.

The compressor is really, really good IMO, but personally I use it very sparingly.

[johnsonabq]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Just so you know, there are several other dual-band compressors out there, and some of them are much better quality than the old Trace.

It seemed to me that the people in this thread that actually have experience with the amp have been telling you it's the other way around. *shrug*

Yes I do know that there are other compressors out there. I've owned many from the Digitech Bass Squeeze to the T.C. Electronic Triple C and I just find the Trace Elliot to give me the best sound so far. IMHO YMMV

And yes I do hear what the others are saying but I also know what my research on the Blacksmith (of which I did much) tells me. Judging by some of the responses on the thread I need to take all this with a grain of salt.

I have noticed that none of the respondents have actually owned and used (professionally) a Blacksmith. As I said, I have yet to put the amp through it's paces, and then when I do, I'm going to make up my own mind. I think I've got a good take on how this community feels about T.C. Electronic bass amps. Thank you all for your input.

[johnsonabq]

Hmmm... Just signed up for the digital version of Bass Gear Mag and the latest issue has a favorable review of the RH450...