Compression

[xian3000]

I own an Ampeg PF-500 amp and was wondering about the compressor that is built in. I was thinking that using the compression would even out the volume between my low and high notes. Also, I switch between using a pick and my fingers while playing. Since using a pick is usually louder than fingers I was thinking that using compression would eliminate the difference in volume.

Right now I have my compression knob turned to about 4 o'clock which I think is a ratio of 9:1. I was wondering what you guys think. I've never used compression before. Do you think using compression helps with the issues I mentioned above? Am I using too much compression?

[loopmantra]

the trick is to use compression subtly,which means highest possible treshold,fastest attack and moderate release....although it depends on your style of playing,ofc.but you will wanna stay out of the squashy zone.
btw,built-in compression usually SUCKS.big time.maybe you should consider buying it in a pedal form(markbass,keeley,mxr,etc) or a bit more expencive rack compression..

[lowfreq33]

It can also mean setting the threshold low and using a really low ratio, like 1.5:1 or 2:1.

[xian3000]

Like I said before, I have no experience with compression. On this amp I just have one compression knob. I looked up multiple reviews as well as threads on talkbass about this amp and people say that the compression on this amp works pretty well.

Any other thoughts?

[loopmantra]

Originally Posted by xian3000

compression on this amp works pretty well.

true.
highly unlikely that something would be bad with ampeg.
I'm a proud owner of b100r btw..
I guess that knob is "treshold" and "ratio of compression" at the same time...think you should crank it up to the right,when you play with a pick...that way,your high strings would be audible as well as your low strings..
nevertheless,trial'n'error is the best way to go from here.

[warwick.hoy]

A single knob compressor seems quite limited to me.

I think the key to usable compression is having a unit that gives you more control than most built in amp compressors offer.

I've found that with all the amps that I've played with built in compressors (including an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro) I've opted to leave the compression off.

If you are looking for suggestions as far as pedal compressors go,...check out Bongomania's reviews:

Compressor Reviews

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by xian3000

Right now I have my compression knob turned to about 4 o'clock which I think is a ratio of 9:1.

Welll.... The manual says the maximum position has a 10:1 ratio, but they don't specify whether the knob is even a control over the ratio, or what ratios are near what knob positions. For example changing the threshold can effectively change the ratio, but that doesn't make it a ratio control per se. I'm not saying 9:1 is wrong, I'm just saying there is no way to know whether it's right.

Originally Posted by loopmantra

highly unlikely that something would be bad with ampeg.

Welll.... they've made a few dogs over the years, and one-knob compression is commonly pretty lame, so I would not assume anything good about it.

But I'm just cautioning against making assumptions--if actual users are saying it's good, that's great.

[loopmantra]

Originally Posted by bongomania

But I'm just cautioning against making assumptions--if actual users are saying it's good, that's great.

bongo,politicaly correct,as always...