Compression- Rack compaired to Pedal

TheVoiceless · #1 08-10-2011, 08:42 AM

Hey TB,

I am putting the finishing touches on my live/studio rig. I have a Keeley 4knob pedal compressor that I use as an always on effect when playing with a band at loud volumes. Before I built my pedal board I was going from the bass to the Keeley and so on. Now the way I have it set up I am going through the Radial Tone Bone, looping my effects through that, then from the out of the Tone Bone into the Keeley out to my amp.

I did some testing and did not hear much of a difference from moving the compressor before the Tone Bone. But I did notice the coloration in either position of the chain. Which is not a bad thing. But from what I understand about compression, I am using it more as an effect.

While my bands current PA does not include a compressor, most PA's and Studios have rack mount compression. Which I think is more for controlling lows and will not add coloration.

I have room in my rack case for a compressor. But I am not sure if I need one. From what I know, the rack mount compression would not be redundant of the Keeley pedal compression. They would serve as two separate functions. And while I do like the sound of the Keeley I am also into the idea of having compression that would not effect my tone.

Does anyone else use a pedal compressor and a rack compressor? Would it be redundant? If you do use both, do you use them at the same time? What I am thinking is I could use the rack compressor as the always on and use the pedal as a an effect only?

Like most gear heads I like any excuse to buy more gear.

bongomania · #2 08-10-2011, 09:06 AM

Pedal just means the device is in box on the floor. Rack just means it's in a rackable box. There are pedal comps with many controls and functions, and there are rack comps with only two knobs. There are transparent pedals and color/effecty rack units.

Instead of thinking in terms of pedal and rack, think in terms of the specific functions and qualities you are wanting to achieve.

TheVoiceless · #3 08-10-2011, 10:05 AM

OK thanks,

Well I guess in my situation I would like a transparent compressor/limiter. I have the room in my rack so I guess that's the first place to look. I was assuming that pedals could not do the same job as a rack mounted device.

I thought the Keeley was pretty transparent. But after doing more comparing it on then off I could tell it adds a color. I like the sound it creates, but would like the option of using it more of an effect then as a limiter I guess.

I will take a look at your reviews and see what I can come up with. I guess if I can find a rack mount compressor/limiter I can free up the space on my board and add another effect or keep the Keeley and use it as an effect instead of an always on compressor.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Pedal just means the device is in box on the floor. Rack just means it's in a rackable box. There are pedal comps with many controls and functions, and there are rack comps with only two knobs. There are transparent pedals and color/effecty rack units.

Instead of thinking in terms of pedal and rack, think in terms of the specific functions and qualities you are wanting to achieve.