budget compression

[tc4b]

I play a cheap ibanez active bass through a sansamp rbi into a digi001. I like everything OK, especially the sansamp. I have a FMR RNC I use for vox and guitar, and I love it. Hate it on bass, makes it sound like a tuba.

I want a compressor I plan to use only for bass. I'm considering a dbx166 or a symetrix 501, as these have been recommended for bass quite a bit. Are there any better <$200 solutions? I know I'm a cheapskate, but it's not my main instrument. I'll trade up for better gear when I learn to play better.

In case it matters, I usually play rock or r&b with my fingers, no pick, no slapping (at least not until I learn to do it well). Strictly for recording.

Thanks!

[bongomania]

Check out the reviews linked in my sig. At the top of the page is a link to my favorites, which includes a section on budget options.

[tc4b]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Check out the reviews linked in my sig. At the top of the page is a link to my favorites, which includes a section on budget options.

Incredibly helpful, thank you! If I went with a pedal, would you put it before or after the sansamp? I know pedals are meant to come before the amp, but the sansamp'ed signal is the one I want compressed, right?

[jar546]

Great thread provided by Bongomania. Can you please address the issue why some don't believe in any pedals or think that you can make pickup adjustments to even out tone? Guys like Levin use 2 compressors for his setup.

I have been noticing some tone issues with my basses and I had a good friend of mine come in for the holidays and recommend a compressor for my setup. He tried out everything that I have and said that was the only thing he would recommend to even out the tone and volume of the notes. I was told I could play lighter on the strings and get a more consistent sound. I was given a 1/2 hour lesson with waveforms on how a compressor works and it makes sense.

Are there any recommendations for a bass compressor? There are a few out there but the price differences are pretty big which makes me ask why....

I trust his opinion because he has been performing/playing music for 35 years, graduated then taught at Berkely College of Music and works in California writing/performing and editing music for TV shows and movies along with playing in a pile of bands over the years. Primarily a guitarist, he plays the bass, keyboards, sax and accordian.

I keep seeing posts from some of the members here who don't understand why anyone would ever need a pedal.

thanks for the replies (hopefully)
_________________________
Jeff

Fender P-Bass
EBMM Stingray5HH
Eden D410XLT
MarkBass LMII
Hartke HA4000 (*FOR SALE)
SWR WorkingPro 1x15 combo 200W (*FOR SALE)

[stedtale]

The best budget compression I have found is to be more aware of your playing and technique. Hands are cheap.

[ehque]

Originally Posted by jar546

Can you please address the issue why some don't believe in any pedals or think that you can make pickup adjustments to even out tone?

That's because addressing the problem at the source is usually the best way to fix things. If the tone between strings is uneven, then it IS most likely a pickup problem, and you should address that instead of trying to fix the problem with EQ or compression.

Technique also goes a long way to improve tone.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by jar546

Can you please address the issue why some don't believe in any pedals or think that you can make pickup adjustments to even out tone?

It's because we all have different gear, different ears, different experiences, different expectations, and different prejudices. Some 5-string basses have a too-powerful B string no matter how you set the pickup height. You can "solve" that problem by playing that string more lightly or by using a compressor; both methods work, and both are a compromise. Some people prefer to keep everything as simple and "natural" as possible, while others like to use whatever tools may help to solve problems.

Anyone who says "real bassists don't use pedals" is stuck in a primitive closed mindset; but OTOH always remember that pedals are no substitute for talent or good technique. Once you have addressed everything you can through good technique, then external processors become refined tools for you to use artistically, rather than merely crutches to rely on.

[tc4b]

Originally Posted by stedtale

The best budget compression I have found is to be more aware of your playing and technique. Hands are cheap.

Of course, I agree. I use compression in inverse proportion to my skill level on an instrument. Piano, not at all. Vox, depends on how much I'm pushing my limitations. Guitar, just a little (unless it's for effect). Bass, well, at this point in my bass career, I need some. I'll work on technique.

BTW, hands are cheap? Try getting one replaced!!!

[jar546]

In my case, it is not just my technique. It is also the technique of an accomplished professional musician who has a much better ear than I do. The bass in brand new, the amp and cab are brand new and all of it is of a better quality. What I hear does not bother me because I know it will not be relevant when playing with a band as most sounds are hidden anyway.

It is his more technical ear that earns him a good living that is picking up this issue whether played with fingers or a pick. Yes or a pick.

There are plenty of big name celebrity players that are using compressors and pedals and its not because they suck. It is because they are looking for a particular sound and a sound that is more consistent.

[Swift713]

Plenty of big name players want a compressed sound. Much like people use distortion. IMO effects change the instrument that you are playing into something slightly different. They don't "fix" anything. Electric bass and guitar inherently include some signal processing, whether it's an amp, effects, a DI, a mixing board, or all of the above.