Adding a compressor and sonic maximizer to a rig

doomaborus · #1 02-11-2010, 03:19 PM

Is it really necessary? What are the pros and cons to doing this? Just looking for opinions and insight.

bassman1185 · #2 02-11-2010, 03:24 PM

They are two different units that do two different things.

The compressor will help tame volume spikes, and depending on what kind you get, they can also add punch to your sound.

Sonic Maximizers will add depth and clarity to your rig, but they can also scoop out all your mids and actually make it harder to cut through a mix if you overdo it. If you're careful with them, though, they can be pretty handy.

Andyman001 · #3 02-11-2010, 03:30 PM

If you think your sound is "flat" sounding the sonic maximizer helps it sound more full, try to find somewhere to play through one to see if you like. Never played through a comp. before.

doomaborus · #4 02-11-2010, 03:30 PM

Which kind of compressor would add punch to my sound? I'm operating on a fixed budget of spending no more than $300 for a compressor IF I don't buy a sonic maximizer, which, is looking to be the case.

walker rosewood · #5 02-11-2010, 03:38 PM

http://ovnilab.com/ ---all about compressors.

BBE has a model that is a sonic maximizer and a compressor in one rack unit. Lots of maximizers on ebay too.

bassman1185 · #6 02-11-2010, 03:43 PM

You'll have lots of options for a compressor for $300. I have a Symetrix 501 compressor, which is a rackmount unit that is pretty transparent, but still adds some punch, and I love it, even through I haven't really used it for a while. If you're looking for a stompbox compressor, the EBS Dual Comp is pretty popular, and the Aguilar TLC compressor is supposed to be pretty awesome.

Jason P Bass · #7 02-11-2010, 03:44 PM

My opinion is that a BBE sonic maximizer -may- improve your sound in isolation, but can weaken your sound in the mix.

I think mine is the 362. If I was going to do solo work, or solo + drums, I would probably put it back in my amp case. Otherwise, it's not something I'll use.

A compressor is worth the money, but using it properly is a bit of an art. When you get one, you'll probably 1) go overboard or 2) think it does nothing. Just keep that in mind when you form your first impressions.

Bassman203 · #8 02-11-2010, 03:47 PM

So sonic maximizers do do something. I've been wondering for awhile.

doomaborus · #9 02-11-2010, 03:49 PM

I'm only looking for rackmount compressors. I've heard a lot of good things about Dbx, so I may give the 1066 a whirl. Thanks for the links and info, guys! You've all made my search a little easier.

capnsandwich · #10 02-11-2010, 03:50 PM

I've got an Alesis 3630 compressor and a BBE Sonic Maximizer in my GK rig. The compressor helps with keeping my tone even and, when pushed, will add some punch. The BBE actually enhances the low end and gives me a good slap tone. Together with the GK 700RBII, it really does help my tone stand out amongst the Fender Strat shred fest that my band's gigs end up being. I've had people multiple times ask me how I get my tone. I just point to my rack and hold up my fingers. Sound guys love me.

Here's a couple YouTube vids of my band's rehearsals with my rig going. It's YouTube so it may or may not give you an idea of what it does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN5VmLFyFHc&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Misn5...eature=channel

doomaborus · #11 02-11-2010, 03:59 PM

Another question for you guys...when I'm mounting these into a rack unit, how would I hook up everything? Do you go from guitar > preamp > compressor > BBE > amp? Or are the compressor and BBE switched?

Please bare with me, i'm a noob at this sort of stuff.

cdginger · #12 02-11-2010, 04:05 PM

If youre looking for a stompbox i would DEFINITELY go with a Keeley 4-Knob Compressor, and if thats to much, then go with the 2-knob.
http://www.humbuckermusic.com/keco4knve.html
Its like an ua-La2a in a stompbox. Greatest stompbox ive ever used!

SpamBot · #13 02-11-2010, 04:09 PM

A SM is a two-band boost-only EQ. IIRC the Lo Contour is centered at 50hz and the Process is either 2khz or 4khz.

capnsandwich · #14 02-11-2010, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomaborus

Another question for you guys...when I'm mounting these into a rack unit, how would I hook up everything? Do you go from guitar > preamp > compressor > BBE > amp? Or are the compressor and BBE switched?

Please bare with me, i'm a noob at this sort of stuff.

I run everything through my effects loop and it goes effects loop out > compressor > BBE > effects loop in. Then just run my amp to my two 8 ohm cabs like normal, running my rig at 4 ohms.

alexgeddy · #15 02-11-2010, 04:43 PM

Hi,

If you are looking for a good (and studio quality compressor) try finding a DBX 160A...it's been around for awhile...easy to use, and has been a reference for a while...You might could find one used for 300 or less!!

stiles72 · #16 02-11-2010, 04:54 PM

Not necessary...

bongomania · #17 02-11-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdginger

i would DEFINITELY go with a Keeley 4-Knob Compressor, and if thats to much, then go with the 2-knob.... Its like an ua-La2a in a stompbox.

No it is not. You can like it all you want, but it has exactly nothing to do with the tone or action of an LA2A.

doomaborus · #18 02-11-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiles72

Not necessary...

What isn't? A compressor and/or sonic maximizer?

Bassmike62 · #19 02-11-2010, 09:00 PM

I tried the BBE unit recently and sort of liked it. I'd like to try an Aphex Bass Xciter before I decide. The demo on the Aphex site is interesting.

As for comps, I recently sold a CS-3 and got an EBS multi-comp. Works well for me.

Phump · #20 02-11-2010, 10:05 PM

I recently added a Keeley comp to my rig and it's the most musical, tube like/natural compressor I have ever used or owned. You don't even have to know what this box is to appreciate it's sound. It's the silver pedal on the upper right.

P.S. It has a blue LED!