Bass Compressor

trevschultz · #1 10-21-2009, 12:20 PM

I recently started looking into a compressor to go with my setup to give me some extra punch and drive for live performances. I don't exactly know what to look for though. Do I have to buy a "bass compressor" or can I just use any one I want? I think I would prefer one with tubes but I'm not sure.

Emre Hanli · #2 10-21-2009, 12:23 PM

http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml

trevschultz · #3 10-21-2009, 12:52 PM

beautiful! I feel like i've struck gold. thanks!

RickenBoogie · #4 10-21-2009, 12:57 PM

Just for the record, I have 2 boards, 2 comps. One, a "tube" comp, (Trex Squeezer), and one "not" a tube comp, (EBS MultiComp). They're both great, but not much different tonally. The tube, iow, does not make it "tubey". Just sayin'.

trevschultz · #5 10-21-2009, 01:02 PM

That's what I was reading about alot of them. The Markbass COMPRESSORE seems to have gotten great reviews especially about it's tube sound. I use a Gallien-Krueger 410 and 115 stack and i'm really looking for something to give me that thick fat sound that cuts through the mix and allows me to be nice and loud without being muddy and overwhelming

billhilly66 · #6 10-21-2009, 01:38 PM

DBX 160

Emre Hanli · #7 10-21-2009, 01:45 PM

I believe cutting through the mix has a lot to do with the other instruments of the band. And you might just be OK for three tunes in a row and then get lost in the mix again with your guitard tapping on one of his pedals...

And as a side note, you won't waste too much time learning to use the search function.

Bassmike62 · #8 10-21-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevschultz

I recently started looking into a compressor to go with my setup to give me some extra punch and drive for live performances. I don't exactly know what to look for though. Do I have to buy a "bass compressor" or can I just use any one I want? I think I would prefer one with tubes but I'm not sure.

Preferrably, use a comp made for bass, they usually "get" all the frequencies used by a bass. I have the Boss compressor right now, which is used for guitars and bass and looking to trade it for the EBS multi comp.

maneyro · #9 11-25-2009, 01:34 AM

Do you know the difference between DBX 160A and DBX 160X?

bongomania · #10 11-25-2009, 01:57 AM

The "X" was made in the USA, and was assembled by humans. The "A" was made in Asia, and assembled by robots. The circuitboard is pretty much identical in both, however the specific components used can sound different. I prefer the X.

maneyro · #11 11-25-2009, 10:24 AM

T-REX Squeezer vs Electro Harmonix Black Finger?

bongomania · #12 11-25-2009, 12:21 PM

Read the links in my sig.

RickenBoogie · #13 11-25-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maneyro

T-REX Squeezer vs Electro Harmonix Black Finger?

I have both, and the TRex is the one on my board. The Black Finger is better suited for guitar, and a little bit hissy, but still has great tone, as does the Squeezer.

Bassnut62 · #14 11-27-2009, 12:49 AM

Keeley 4-knob compressor is absolutely astonishing. It doesn't colour your sound at all, which I have found to be a problem with Boss and EHX compressors. The Keeley is studio grade and a nice small pedal. The whole pedal does exactly what you want a compressor to do and is easy to use. The attack control allows you to delay the bite of the compressor if you want, this lets the bass through and then compresses, thereby maintaining full bass impact. It uses so little power that you can run it on a 9v battery for months too. Nice pedal!

shrigg · #15 11-27-2009, 06:51 AM

The Keeley 2 knob is the same as the 4 knob, just with the other two knobs moved internally. Simpler to deal with on stage yet the adjustability is still available. Beautiful build quality too.

mccartneyman · #16 11-27-2009, 07:19 AM

I've been using the EBS MultiComp bass compressor for almost a year and like it quite a lot. It has three modes, solid state/tube/multiband switch, active/passive switch and of course on/off. I tend to leave it on all the time. It adds sparkle and sustain to all mu basses. On my Lakland 55-94 with rounds, it is amazing. Even with flats, it adds some nice definition and brings the bass up in the mix without distortion. Worksd well with all my bases, including my Hofner & Stagg EUB. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it goes through 9v batteries quickly and you have to take the entire back off to replace. Not a problem if you run it using an AC adapter, though.

Robs1887 · #17 11-27-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

I've been using the EBS MultiComp bass compressor for almost a year and like it quite a lot. It has three modes, solid state/tube/multiband switch, active/passive switch and of course on/off. I tend to leave it on all the time. It adds sparkle and sustain to all mu basses. On my Lakland 55-94 with rounds, it is amazing. Even with flats, it adds some nice definition and brings the bass up in the mix without distortion. Worksd well with all my bases, including my Hofner & Stagg EUB. The only bad thing I can say about it is that it goes through 9v batteries quickly and you have to take the entire back off to replace. Not a problem if you run it using an AC adapter, though.

How does the tube simulation sound with that pedal? I've been looking at that one for a while, but I wanted something with a good tube sound. So I guess my real question is: Is the tube simulation good enough to warrant not spending the extra money on a tube compressor?

iamdenialNJ · #18 11-27-2009, 12:23 PM

My Demeter Compulator is in the mail. Gonna be getthing it sometime before Monday. I'm pretty pumped.

RickenBoogie · #19 11-27-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs1887

How does the tube simulation sound with that pedal? I've been looking at that one for a while, but I wanted something with a good tube sound. So I guess my real question is: Is the tube simulation good enough to warrant not spending the extra money on a tube compressor?

The EBS pedal is as tubey as the Trex, which has a tube. I've said this somewhere before, but you don't necessarily *need* a tube to get a tubey sound.

mccartneyman · #20 11-27-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robs1887

How does the tube simulation sound with that pedal? I've been looking at that one for a while, but I wanted something with a good tube sound. So I guess my real question is: Is the tube simulation good enough to warrant not spending the extra money on a tube compressor?

I use it in multiband, mostly, but there is a definite tube sounding compression in tube mode -- slightly warming to my ears.