Can a compressor give a low b string a fuller sound?

zachreh · #1 12-16-2011, 08:39 AM

I was playing along with an mxr m87 compressor the other day and it had a strange effect on my overall sound. I was wondering if I could use a setting that could fix my low b sounding too muddy and useless what do you guys think

aledeville · #2 12-16-2011, 10:28 AM

A muddy low B could also be because of the cab.

NeroJazz · #3 12-16-2011, 10:31 AM

...Paging Bongomania...

...Come in Bongomania...

Toastfuzz · #4 12-16-2011, 10:34 AM

Try EQ'ing it into a cleaner sound, either on your bass or amp. I found that lowering the super low sub frequencies and raising the low-mid frequencies added more clarity and reduced muddiness. Where you're picking the B on your bass makes a difference too, also how hard. I pluck my low B string softer than any other string to gain clarity but it doesn't lose the volume.

I dont know much about compressors but I can't see it having the desired effect you're looking for.

bongomania · #5 12-16-2011, 11:05 AM

If anything, the most likely result would be making the "muddy and useless" sound of the B string even more apparent! Some comps roll off the lows slightly, and that can have the effect of "tightening up" the low end, which might help in some cases--but the M87 is not one of those anyway. So no, it is not the right tool for this job.

blastjv · #6 12-16-2011, 11:28 AM

The only way I see a comp helping here is if the 'muddiness' you're hearing is really the low B overpowering your amp or cab. The comp may possibly tame that a bit by reducing the relative volume of the B string.....???

Probably not the tool for the job, but I guess worth a shot...

-JV

zachreh · #7 12-16-2011, 01:06 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I think the eq would be the best solution. I use an ampeg ph 350 and a Mesa 2x12. I have a traben with rockfield soapbars that I'm gonna swap for the seymour Duncan active phase 2 soapbars so hopefully that would fix the problem. I do like the sound of the m87 tho very smooth and balances my pick attack

chaosMK · #8 12-16-2011, 01:15 PM

Your B probably sounds muddy because you have too much bass boosted. For really clean B's cut your lowest lows and keep bass controls close to flat. Sometimes a nice round tone for EADG range doesnt work for B.

alec · #9 12-16-2011, 02:11 PM

Were you using your bass & amp when you were trying the M87?

zachreh · #10 12-16-2011, 02:56 PM

I was using my amp but not my cab. I was using the ampeh ph 115 at the store

IronSpatula · #11 12-16-2011, 07:43 PM

In my experience the single greatest factor in making a low B sound good is the string itself. A lot of sets have a B string that is lower in tension than the other strings, which makes it seem "muddy and useless." Plus it makes it hard to eq your bass because any changes you make on the low B's behalf will affect the other strings to some degree.

So if you're happy with your other strings you might want to try a heavier or brighter single low B. That could potentially be a much cheaper fix than a compressor or rig upgrade.

zachreh · #12 12-16-2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronSpatula

In my experience the single greatest factor in making a low B sound good is the string itself. A lot of sets have a B string that is lower in tension than the other strings, which makes it seem "muddy and useless." Plus it makes it hard to eq your bass because any changes you make on the low B's behalf will affect the other strings to some degree.

So if you're happy with your other strings you might want to try a heavier or brighter single low B. That could potentially be a much cheaper fix than a compressor or rig upgrade.

Another good point. Im using DR Hi Beams tuned to drop C with the B string at a low A. The Hi Beams are floopy to begin with, maybe switching to low riders is the answer but im not sure, there are too many elements to think about when looking for the perfect sound

lowfreq33 · #13 12-16-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachreh

Another good point. Im using DR Hi Beams tuned to drop C with the B string at a low A.

This MIGHT be part of your problem. What gauge A string? I'd want to roll with a .135 for a low A. Is it "floppy" on all the notes on the A string, or just the open string? If it's just the open string there's a chance a brass nut would help it speak a little more like the other notes.

zachreh · #14 12-16-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

This MIGHT be part of your problem. What gauge A string? I'd want to roll with a .135 for a low A. Is it "floppy" on all the notes on the A string, or just the open string? If it's just the open string there's a chance a brass nut would help it speak a little more like the other notes.

Im pretty sure its standard guage hi beams so its floopy with plenty of fret buzz. Id rather not mess with the nut because I want to keep the neck un modified but I had it set up for standard tuning but then droped it to C. After a few days on C the strings do settle and get a bit stiffer but next time I will set it up for drop C

Ric5 · #15 12-16-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachreh

I was playing along with an mxr m87 compressor the other day and it had a strange effect on my overall sound. I was wondering if I could use a setting that could fix my low b sounding too muddy and useless what do you guys think

Get an EQ pedal and boost the mids ...

darius8 · #16 12-17-2011, 01:20 AM

Use headphones if your amp has a headphone jack to see if you get the same results OR DI it in to mixing board. I don't think this is too far off the mark.

onegunguitar · #17 12-17-2011, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachreh

Thanks for the help guys. I think the eq would be the best solution. I use an ampeg ph 350 and a Mesa 2x12. I have a traben with rockfield soapbars that I'm gonna swap for the seymour Duncan active phase 2 soapbars so hopefully that would fix the problem. I do like the sound of the m87 tho very smooth and balances my pick attack

Stick a Mesa M6 on top of that cab and you'll be good to go

Actually,I just tried the Ampeg SVT Pro 7 with my Mesa 4x12 and my Mesa 2x12...the results were that my M6 had way better note definition with both amps eq's set flat and the M6 had more punch and volume. Not saying the Ampeg sounded bad,just seemed a little muddy to my ears.

blastjv · #18 12-17-2011, 05:58 AM

Yeah, this is a string issue.

I do use a comp to even things up a bit in drop C, but what you're describing is a lot more than a comp can correct.

-JV

zachreh · #19 12-17-2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onegunguitar

Stick a Mesa M6 on top of that cab and you'll be good to go

Actually,I just tried the Ampeg SVT Pro 7 with my Mesa 4x12 and my Mesa 2x12...the results were that my M6 had way better note definition with both amps eq's set flat and the M6 had more punch and volume. Not saying the Ampeg sounded bad,just seemed a little muddy to my ears.

Yeah messa amps are really nice, they sound very huge and I want to upgrade somtime. Im curious how it would sound with a GK fusion 550 tho

Zooberwerx · #20 12-17-2011, 08:50 AM

A comp can help but I've found it more useful to "re-assign" the low end to a higher freq when befuddled by mud. The first thing I would do is super-glue the bass shelving knob in its center detent position as boosting all-too-frequently accentuates the nastiness you've described. I've found the more useful low end response resides in the 225-250 hz (YMMV depending on the gear, room, etc.) preserving both presence and articulation. A single para EQ band is excellent for this application,

Sidenote: I had a chance to play with a new compressor at last night's gig and was able to pull off some fantastic results by simply manipulating the attack / release and threshold.

Riis