Is compression what I'm looking for?

friendlytoast · #1 03-09-2009, 08:24 AM

Hi guys and gals. This is my first post to this forum and I'm glad to finally be a member.

Lately I've been considering adding a compressor to my setup. I play a vintage p-bass thru an Ampeg classic and 8x10. Currently, I don't run any effects... just straight from bass to amp. I play fairly simple punk music that doesn't involve any super dynamic popping or slapping, so I figured that I didn't really need a compressor. I've been trying to emulate the tone of Mike Dirnt, Dookie-era green day but can't quite get it right. I think that what I'm missing in my personal quest for tone is a bit of compression. I know what compression is in a general sense...so I guess my question is do any of you pick players use compression? Is compression what I'm really looking for? Is it even necessary when using a tube amp? And where should I start? The Demeter compulator looks nifty, but Im not sure about spending that much money on a pedal I've never used or an effect i'm not sure I need.

Thanks for the help!

JimmyM · #2 03-09-2009, 03:09 PM

If you don't know for sure that it's compression, then I don't recommend buying one. I know Dirnt used a Precision/SVT on that album, but there was also several racks of $1000+ effects in the studio, so pinpointing it to compression is not only about compression but the type of compressor. Chances are it was a tube compressor, which is very expensive.

Which points to the futility of trying to chase sounds you hear on albums. Use it as a guideline, sure, but don't be so concerned about copping the exact tone. Dirnt sounds like Dirnt no matter what he uses, and you're not Dirnt, so don't worry about copping his tone. You have a great bass and amp, so just go for getting the best Friendlytoast sound you can get.

olaff421 · #3 03-09-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

but there was also several racks of $1000+ effects in the studio

This pretty much sums it up. In the studio pretty much everything is going to be compressed to some degree. If you are search of your tone, like most of us are, try a few out to see if it fits what you hear.

**DosiYanarchy** · #4 03-09-2009, 04:30 PM

I thought i needed a compressor once - sort of didnt really know why, just thought it was something i needed, so i got a BBE optostomp, and TBH i dont think i ever NEEDED a compressor, but im sure it levels out my tone a little, so i always have it on, and its always on my board.

but essentially studio is studio, live is live - if you get to hear some dookie-era live greenday and you still think 'nope that is something specific about his tone' then maybe we can find out what he was using.

i dont know if it helps i swear i read somewhere along time ago that mike likes to boost the 2k freq a little, coz it seems to be where his pick attack tone lies.

roflol · #5 03-09-2009, 04:43 PM

crank your amp more for more natural compression ;<

Projectile · #6 03-09-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Chances are it was a tube compressor, which is very expensive.

Chances are it was an 1176 which is the most common compressor used on rock and punk bass tracks in most recording studios IME. The 1176 is solid state, but yes, it is very expensive.

I would say buy a used compressor to try it out, then you can always sell it again for the same price if you don't like it. Compression isn't just about leveling out the signal. It can definitely change your tone a lot depending on attack and release settings. Different compressors do sound different, but there are enough similarities to at least get a feel for how compressoion works, and to know whether you like a compressed sound or not.

Go here for great compressor reviews on bass:
http://www.ovnilab.com/

jamesie · #7 03-09-2009, 04:55 PM

oooor try the ebs multicomp - this little box sounds really nice and isn´t that expensive

Prozactrooper · #8 03-09-2009, 05:13 PM

+1 bongomania's stuff is damn handy

friendlytoast · #9 03-09-2009, 08:19 PM

Wow, thank you all for the quick replies!

For the most part I'm very happy with my sound. Maybe I'm just looking a bit too hard for an excuse to buy another piece of gear.

I guess I'll head down to the music store and mess with some pedals. But after reading a few other posts here on the use of compression I think that it's not really a pressing need.

Prozactrooper · #10 03-09-2009, 08:42 PM

get a nice cheap multi effects if a toy is needed, say its for the drum machine or something

JimmyM · #11 03-09-2009, 08:52 PM

+1 for the multi. You can get a Zoom B2 for $100 that actually sounds great for a lot of different things. Doesn't have my favorite compressor in the world, but it's as good as most stompbox compressors and will give you an idea (albeit an exaggerated idea) of what a compressor does.

But it's very much an optional thing. I used one for a few years, then dropped it when I switched back to tube amps. Part of the fun of an SVT is listening to it breathe as you play

JimiLL · #12 03-11-2009, 11:03 AM

Well, on the dookie album, Im pretty ssure that he was using a Gibson EVO (I think?). Its an all maple bass with a humbucker rather close to the bridge. I think this is where he got that unmistakeable tone, a tone which you dont hear on the new albums. Because he's using a Precision on those, which I dont really care for

dannybuoy · #13 03-11-2009, 11:07 AM

If you're sure it's compression you're after, then I wouldn't recommend the B2's compressor at all, it's unpredictable and makes your levels go up and down like a yo-yo!

JimmyM · #14 03-11-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

Well, on the dookie album, Im pretty ssure that he was using a Gibson EVO (I think?). Its an all maple bass with a humbucker rather close to the bridge. I think this is where he got that unmistakeable tone, a tone which you dont hear on the new albums. Because he's using a Precision on those, which I dont really care for

Nope, Dirnt used a Precision on the Dookie album and only toured with the Gibson.

Projectile · #15 03-15-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

If you're sure it's compression you're after, then I wouldn't recommend the B2's compressor at all, it's unpredictable and makes your levels go up and down like a yo-yo!

+1

The compressors on every multi-effect box I've ever used were absolutely terrible. Like, vomit in my mouth bad.