Is a compressor/limiter recommended for playing with a light touch?

Slater · #1 04-30-2010, 01:56 PM

I have recently been working on my technique and started playing with a lighter touch and higher amp volume. However, playing in a Classic Rock/Blues cover band sometimes requires digging-in and/or heavy pick-playing, and the volume can get to be over-the-top. I usually can compensate with the volume knob on my bass, but it can be difficult to get it dialed-in on-the-fly.

I'm guessing that more and more practice is the ultimate solution, but I'm wondering if a compressor/limiter would be a useful tool, or just a crutch?

I'm posting to see what the TB community recommends.

Thanks...

Chris K · #2 04-30-2010, 07:26 PM

I admit: when I restarted playing bass, I used the built-in limiter on my amp. It helped. After a period of training on real clean an controlled playing, I switched it off and never used it again.

MooseLumps · #3 04-30-2010, 07:32 PM

A compressor would help you in your situation. There are a lot of pros who use compression live even though they have excellent technique. It can certainly be used as a crutch, but so can a .50 cal sniper rifle.

I use compression to help me maintain dynamic control live, as well as bring some of the nuances of my bass tone to the foreground. I would not hesitate to turn it off if the situation called for it.

It sounds to me like you could use a simple soft knee compressor. EBS, Demeter, Markbass, and Maxon have some great offerings that would really help you, I think.

Ovnilabs.com has piles of information on this subject

Queg · #4 05-02-2010, 10:20 AM

If you play with a bit of overdrive, using either a pedal or the gain section of your amp's pre, you can get a natural sounding compression that might help smooth things out.

Slater · #5 05-02-2010, 12:49 PM

Well, I gigged last night and the practice seems to be paying off. I turned my amp up about 20% more than I used to, and played with a lighter touch. Almost everything seemed easier to play, and I had more dynamic control. However, there were still times I had to concentrate on keeping from overpowering the mix. I also had to roll back my bass' volume for pick playing.

Right now, I'm thinking about trying a BBE Opto-Stomp (but that's an Effects Forum issue).

Thanks for the replies! (previous and future).