Compression essential?

CaseLogic · #1 02-12-2010, 01:12 PM

Do most of you have compression pedals out there? I feel that a compression pedal is essential, but maybe I am mistaken.

If so, what kind of compression/limiter equipment do you have, and do you like it?

edit: to clarify, I don't have one but am considering that my next purchase

gnasher1993 · #2 02-12-2010, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseLogic

Do most of you have compression pedals out there? I feel that a compression pedal is essential, but maybe I am mistaken.

I have a compressor but I definitely don't think it's essential.

What makes you think it is essential?

**barebones** · #3 02-12-2010, 01:17 PM

Search for bongomania's compressor reviews. Pretty much everything you wanted to know about compression but were afraid to ask!

CaseLogic · #4 02-12-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnasher1993

I have a compressor but I definitely don't think it's essential.

What makes you think it is essential?

just a feeling I got, I feel like most people who gig out there use it to help them keep their dynamics from getting out of control

I also feel like it's esp helpful for slappers and poppers.. to maintain better volume when switching between s/p and finger plucking

walker rosewood · #5 02-12-2010, 01:28 PM

http://ovnilab.com/ <---everything you want to know.

electracoyote · #6 02-12-2010, 01:28 PM

I have my doubts about limiters and compressors. I think they can be abused and may even result in an unnatural sound.

However, on a whim, I got an el cheap-o Behringer Bass Limiter/Enhancer.

I use it with a light setting. It does a nice job of focusing my tone and cleaning up the little sonic anomalies.

I may try something a little better and well-made some day, but I'm in no hurry. This is doing the trick for me.

All things in moderation.

SoonerMatt · #7 02-12-2010, 01:31 PM

I thought I needed one until I played with one, and honestly they're not really my thing. I can see the need for one and in actuality it probably couldn't hurt, but personally I don't think they're "essential."

If you have a filter/auto wah you may want to look at a limiter to control volume spikes, though.

Basshappi · #8 02-12-2010, 01:42 PM

I've played for over 30 years without using one. Most of the bassplayers I've met over the years haven't used them either.

Essential? No and rarely necessary or desirable.

bongomania · #9 02-12-2010, 02:16 PM

"Essential", no. Necessary, sometimes. Desirable--well, that depends on the individual. http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/necessary.shtml

T. Alan Smith · #10 02-12-2010, 02:20 PM

I'm in the market for a comp pedal, but I've gone for years w/o one.

cbrophy · #11 02-12-2010, 02:22 PM

There ar those that say one pedal is too many...that being said....I have and use the EBS Multicomp...great pedal!

walker rosewood · #12 02-12-2010, 02:53 PM

I view compressors not as necessity, but luxury. As in you can get away without one, but if you have the money and the means, then why wouldn't you get one?

Swift713 · #13 02-12-2010, 07:06 PM

I find my compressor pedal absolutely necessary for pedal compression.

JimmyM · #14 02-12-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaseLogic

just a feeling I got, I feel like most people who gig out there use it to help them keep their dynamics from getting out of control

I also feel like it's esp helpful for slappers and poppers.. to maintain better volume when switching between s/p and finger plucking

those who use compressors like that are called "lazy bassists." unless you're using it as an actual effect (and some do), compression should be pretty much unnoticeable...just a little to tame stray peaks and valleys. i used one for a couple years but got sick of what it did to my dynamics when i went back to tube amps, so i don't use one anymore.

Swift713 · #15 02-12-2010, 10:21 PM

I like the sound and feel of compression. To my ear it's like overdrive without the clipping(dirt) if that makes any sense. I played for many years without one so for me it's a tone choice not a control crutch.

pnut166 · #16 02-13-2010, 12:26 AM

I never used compression until I got a Line 6 amp with one built-in. I don`t use it on every song, but for a few of my tunes, on the very lightest setting, it`s great. I find it actually gives me a warm tone through this particular amp, when used with a high gain setting, but of course sucks the dynamics out, and quickly sounds like crap if turned above 1. So, essential - no. A nice effect on certain tunes - absolutely.

**jmattbassplaya** · #17 02-13-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnasher1993

I have a compressor but I definitely don't think it's essential.

What makes you think it is essential?

Probably the fact that basically every bass book and seasoned pro says they are a must... In all honesty I don't see why they are so essential myself. I like to hear my nuances...

bongomania · #18 02-13-2010, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

I like to hear my nuances...

When used correctly, a good compressor will enhance your nuances and make them easier to hear!

thejohnkim · #19 02-13-2010, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

When used correctly, a good compressor will enhance your nuances and make them easier to hear!

agreed. a properly used compressor will fit you in the mix better than without, causing your playing to be heard consistently BETTER than without.

grimniggzy · #20 02-13-2010, 08:11 AM

Don't want one. Extra noise is part of my sound in my three piece band. Although I wouldn't rule it out in another band/another style of music.