Blank rack space to fill (or single rack-mount recommendation pt 2)

superkicky · #1 10-11-2007, 03:45 AM

I've got a blank rack space to fill as well (SVT-3PRO and ART 31-band EQ in the other slots). The thing is that I'm looking to be able to use the rack as a stand-alone rig without my pedals when I play in church, so I'm looking at either a compressor or rack tuner... though I've never needed to tune up between songs. So more a compressor than tuner.

It's been said (and I've searched, but to no avail) that the Tube Gain control on the -3PRO works in a weird way as a compressor of sorts. Has anyone had experience with this?

Or... third option; have my tech rehouse my Aguilar DB924 and a custom opto compressor pedal I have into one rack space. Then the issue here would be what if I wanted to bring the 924 and comp around without the amp? I'd look pretty silly bringing a 1-space rack around with so little inside.

Nakedness was never my forte, so please help me fill it out! And no, I won't go for a custom switching system

Also, if you're suggesting a compressor- please give me one that's under $200ish, and allows for 120/240v switching.

Niff · #2 10-11-2007, 04:35 AM

gain usually compresses the signal a lot. i'm no expert, but when i look at two recorded tracks high-gain and clean, boy howdy does the high-gain one do a lot of self-compression. although, i'm not sure in a church setting you're gonna want to crank the SVT to a crunchy setting, which justifies getting a comp..

TaySte_2000 · #3 10-11-2007, 05:58 AM

New Peterson Rack Tuner look amazing

superkicky · #4 10-11-2007, 06:49 AM

but I'd be the only one in tune... where's the fun in that

fishtx · #5 10-11-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superkicky

but I'd be the only one in tune... where's the fun in that

LOL...You play with guitar players don't you? So you should already be used to that...LOL

Colarndo · #6 10-11-2007, 08:50 AM

Wow bro, you have a tech?
31 Band EQ. That's some serious sound reinforcement there(Can do Pink noise calibration too). Power!
Rack Mounted Compressor under $200? USD or SGD?

superkicky · #7 10-11-2007, 09:02 AM

Haha, this tech would be goose... regular guy for myself and a few other people. I wish I had a tech to call my own, though. The 31-band EQ also comes with high- and low-pass filters. I figure I'll use the footswitchable EQ on the amp as a second channel instead.

The 200 would be in USD. Preferably less, of course

Colarndo · #8 10-11-2007, 09:14 AM

I'm not sure if the DBX compressors are below $200.
A discontinued Alesis Nano Comp(1/3U) comes cheap though.
Can range from $100-$150 SGD.

bongomania · #9 10-11-2007, 10:27 AM

You can click on the link in my sig for compressor reviews. A few of the rack ones I gave a positive review of are available for under $200 USD used.

Increasing the tube input gain of your SVT will result in compression, and also distortion. If it sounds good to you, great, you're all set. But if you want compression while still sounding "clean", the tube gain is not necessarily going to do the job. And as Niff said, cranking an SVT to a high-gain setting is a bit out of place in many churches.

Personally, I would be more inclined to put the SVT in its own rack case to save weight, and put all auxiliary devices in a second rack or pedalboard or other second module. For example, the DB924 and a Demeter Compulator (or other good small comp) can be adhered together with Velcro (hook and loop material) and you can keep it in the side pocket of your bass gig bag.

superkicky · #10 10-12-2007, 02:31 AM

Bongo- thanks! I did go through your page and tried looking for some nice used ones on the Bay, but came up empty handed.

I probably should have made the tube thing more clear- what I meant was the Tube Gain control on the amp that controls the power amp driver tube voltage, not cranking the amp to high levels :/

As it is I'll be carrying a Pedaltrain 2 HC around, so the multiple racks idea would be too much to lug when I play outside of church (2-space+2/4-space+pedaltrain+accessory bag+bass... no way). The velcro idea is a sweet one, though. I will definitely chew on that.

bongomania · #11 10-12-2007, 11:31 AM

Funny- "gain" usually means how much the amplitude of your signal (audio voltage) is increased. If Ampeg is using it to mean how much the amplitude of the non-audio voltage to the tube is increased, that would be... "interesting". It would also make me question how the compression is supposed to occur.

superkicky · #12 10-12-2007, 12:20 PM

According to Ampeg... less voltage to the driver tubes = squishier response and therefore a sort of compression. More voltage = faster response and more dynamics, therefore less compression.