Compressor...any reason to run parallel?

[togglehead]

So i just picked up a DB750 and im looking to fill up the last rack space with a compressor. Ignoring the discussion of which to buy...lets just say its intended purpose is to even out the EQ of the amp, and prevent any potential volume spikes from finger slips...

So, i have a few options. I COULD get a stomp box of some kind, but, that doesnt let me use that last rack space...and, gives me something else to carry and buy batteries for.

I could run the comp from the Pre out to the power amp in on the db750, to leave it permanently in line...or, on the FX loop...there is a series parallel switch. I didnt think blending a compressor would be the best idea, since the dry signal is what you want affected....but...is there something im missing?

Also...would the comp be best for my needs before the pre amp, or after the pre amp? (stomp box vs after preamp)

TIA

[Bassflute]

effects loops are for effects, so use it. Plugging a stomp box into the front end of an amp is an awful way to add effects.

And if you want an AMAZING little compressor, better than stuff many times the price, get the little Summit Audio TLA 50. It's a 1/2 rack tube compressor (they have a rackmount kit available for 2 units, so you'd still have room for their lovely TD 100 DI).

I have previously owned 2 DBX rackmount compressors, and the venerable Drawmer DL 241 stereo rackmount compressor. All of them have been bigger, heavier, and up to twice as expensive as the little Summit unit, with more knobs, buttons, switches, and lights, but none have come close in terms of sound. Incredible little thing.

http://www.summitaudio.com/tla50.html

http://www.summitaudio.com/td100.html

My rig:



Cheers,
Cameron

Originally Posted by togglehead

So i just picked up a DB750 and im looking to fill up the last rack space with a compressor. Ignoring the discussion of which to buy...lets just say its intended purpose is to even out the EQ of the amp, and prevent any potential volume spikes from finger slips...

So, i have a few options. I COULD get a stomp box of some kind, but, that doesnt let me use that last rack space...and, gives me something else to carry and buy batteries for.

I could run the comp from the Pre out to the power amp in on the db750, to leave it permanently in line...or, on the FX loop...there is a series parallel switch. I didnt think blending a compressor would be the best idea, since the dry signal is what you want affected....but...is there something im missing?

Also...would the comp be best for my needs before the pre amp, or after the pre amp? (stomp box vs after preamp)

TIA

[togglehead]

Nice rig....WAY out of my scratch range right now. I just picked up an Ashly CL100 for pretty cheap...and i hear good things for that coin.

thanks!

[walker rosewood]

Originally Posted by Bassflute

effects loops are for effects, so use it. Plugging a stomp box into the front end of an amp is an awful way to add effects.

except that most pedals are designed to run at instrument/mic level (before your amp), while most rack units are designed to run in the effects loop at line level.

to the OP, I think you realize, but it wasn't clear to me from your post, that running from the pre-amp out to the power amp in, IS exactly what the effects loop does. (in most cases)

Check out ovnilab.com for tons of info about compressors, placement in chain, rack vs stomp, etc.

[recnsci]

Originally Posted by togglehead

Nice rig....

+1000

API cream with Lexi cherry on top.

Tone wise, I would be more than happy with just API straight into some loud and flat monitor/PA (525 is a bit better than 225, but that would be nitpicking).

BTW, why the hell is API not in the rack?

[togglehead]

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

except that most pedals are designed to run at instrument/mic level (before your amp), while most rack units are designed to run in the effects loop at line level.

to the OP, I think you realize, but it wasn't clear to me from your post, that running from the pre-amp out to the power amp in, IS exactly what the effects loop does. (in most cases)

Check out ovnilab.com for tons of info about compressors, placement in chain, rack vs stomp, etc.

Oh yeah...i know thats the same thing as an FX loop, just in permanent series. THe DB750 offers a series parallel switch for the actual FX loop, so i was just using that for reference.

Mainly, barring impedance things, i was asking about the benefits for having the compressor being before the pre, rather than after the pre....

[cheapbasslovin]

I'm not a comp expert by any means, but there is something to be said for blending a compressed sound. If your clean average level is a little lower than your compressed average level, you get a pretty fat sound but the dynamics still come up and over when you really dig in without puncturing the ear drum or igniting equipment.

In my rather minimal experience, anyway.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Bassflute

effects loops are for effects, so use it. Plugging a stomp box into the front end of an amp is an awful way to add effects.

That is just not true in most cases. On previous occasions you have argued that your amp's fx loop is where your effects sound best--and that's fine, nobody could argue with that. But you then go on to say that all effects belong in the effects loop always, and there is so much wrong with that I don't even know where to start. You've also previously made the claim that your EBS pedals work great when fed a line-level signal, and I don't know about most of them but I can tell you with the compressor that is just false.

To anyone who wonders what the real deal is, please check out this article http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/fxloop.shtml and do some research to see how the terms mentioned there apply to your specific amp and your specific effects.


To the OP, please read this: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/blending.shtml
There are several compressors that utilize parallel compression, and it's often used as a "trick" by studio engineers as well. The two big factors to juggle are: whether you are getting unwanted clipping, and whether there is any signal loss due to phase cancellation. Each of those has different solutions--and some people are lucky enough to not have problems with those at all. Experimentation with your specific gear is the key.

[togglehead]

Originally Posted by bongomania

That is just not true in most cases. On previous occasions you have argued that your amp's fx loop is where your effects sound best--and that's fine, nobody could argue with that. But you then go on to say that all effects belong in the effects loop always, and there is so much wrong with that I don't even know where to start. You've also previously made the claim that your EBS pedals work great when fed a line-level signal, and I don't know about most of them but I can tell you with the compressor that is just false.

To anyone who wonders what the real deal is, please check out this article http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/fxloop.shtml and do some research to see how the terms mentioned there apply to your specific amp and your specific effects.


To the OP, please read this: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/blending.shtml
There are several compressors that utilize parallel compression, and it's often used as a "trick" by studio engineers as well. The two big factors to juggle are: whether you are getting unwanted clipping, and whether there is any signal loss due to phase cancellation. Each of those has different solutions--and some people are lucky enough to not have problems with those at all. Experimentation with your specific gear is the key.

Luckily, i usually dismiss fanatical responses like your quote immediately, even without knowledge of prior history. Alo since im already aware the very nature of each fx unit (and amp, and cab, and bass, etc) is different. Haha. Depending on whether its an additive effect, a subtractive effect....whatever...

Anyway...i picked up a used Ashly CL100 locally for pretty cheap and threw it btw the per and power amp o the aggie...sounds very transparent, and not very noisy at all. I got lucky for a used unit and its good so far at the volume levels im able to use in my house. Cant wait to really crank it and see how she responds.

Ill probably try it in parallel through the FX loop also at some point, but as of right now...ill leave her as a permanent chain.

[togglehead]

oh and thanks for that site, you guys. Their review helped me buy the Ashly, and it was very informative.