Compressor/Gate

GladToBeBack · #1 04-02-2011, 07:36 AM

I use an Alesis 3630 when I record. Plugged into my amp the other day and noticed a lot of things I don't usually hear. Have only ever recorded, havent played in front of an audience yet. To reproduce the same sound I get on my recordings is in my best interest to get another 3630 and use it on FX Send/Recieve on my amp for live?

groove pump · #2 04-02-2011, 08:00 AM

Hmm... I'd say just set it up the same way as when you record, but I might be missing some downside that's hiding in plain sight.

Don't use it in your signal chain ahead of something like an envelope filter that's touch dependent in terms of its response, right?

I've actually learned a lot around here just by doing searches and sifting through the FAQ's - just in case you haven't been there yet.

GladToBeBack · #3 04-02-2011, 08:26 AM

No real downside other than investing into another 3630, which they're relatively cheap. I dont know why I posted this, it seems like the obvious answer is get another compressor and go.

Another thing I'll add is the amp I'll be using live is not the one I record with. I run a direct line to the mixer and the live amp pushing more power makes it harder to get good sound without overmodulating. The amp I record with is much smaller and I have more control over the volume. That could also have something to do with it I suppose...I could also learn to play more smoothly and cleanly, but that takes too long. jk.

groove pump · #4 04-02-2011, 08:39 AM

Oh, I gotcha.

Well, your signal to the board is usually the property of the sound-dude and there's usually compression out there with a more complete system. Most of the guys I've worked with like a pre-eq signal, so I doubt they'd want it compressed.

You could also just set your threshold high enough along with enough ratio so that your 3630 is more of a limiter for when you hit it too heavy. If you only want to knock down those nasty clanks and unintended thumps, your unit should be able to accomplish that and save your rig from at least some abuse.

Don't be surprised if your live sound is typically different from what you hear when you record it. The different settings can make for "apples and oranges" in terms of what's audible.

TimmyP · #5 04-04-2011, 12:54 AM

Among professional mixpersons, the 3630 is more hated than any other unit. Get at least a dbx of some sort.

If you use it in a guitar rig, it needs to be in a loop, not between the guitar and amp - it will load the pickups and kill the tone.

kr0n · #6 04-04-2011, 06:13 AM

dbx 266xl sucks for bass. Creates artifacts and annoying "clicking" when the compression kicks in.

modulusman · #7 04-04-2011, 06:59 AM

I use either a DBX 166 or 160A inserted into the board channel strip for my bass. The Alesis sucks compared to either of above mentioned.

GladToBeBack · #8 04-04-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyP

Among professional mixpersons, the 3630 is more hated than any other unit. Get at least a dbx of some sort.

If you use it in a guitar rig, it needs to be in a loop, not between the guitar and amp - it will load the pickups and kill the tone.

I've seen that but never had a problem with it...

And it would be in the loop coming off the amp not between the bass and the amp.

And the DBX would be a nice option...if it didn't cost so much. I am on a shoestring budget right now and have not had issues with the 3630 while recording.

gnjpowell · #9 04-04-2011, 12:31 PM

If you are getting "artifacts and annoying "clicking"" with the dbx 266xl then it is not setup correctly IMHO - BTDT.