compressor: fx loop or before amp?

[nicolas]

hey what do you guys prefer: a (rack mounted) compressor in the effects loop or a stomp box before the line in?

I'm currently using a DBX 166 in my rack but I'm thinking of getting the EBS compressor pedal to take on tour when I can't take my rack.

[Grad Demon]

Actually I have experience with both the EBS comp and 166XL live and in the studio.

The 166XL sounds OK and obviously has much more tweaking options. It is an entry level studio comp/lim, somewhat harsh and 'digital' sounding.

On the other hand the EBS sounds great with just two knobs and one switch. It really shines when using the tubesim option. Battery life is about 8 - 10 hours, so if you want portable and good sound..

Edit: use the 166XL in the effectsloop and the EBS before line in.

[nicolas]

use two compressors?! isn't that a bit overkill?

[Grad Demon]

Ehm nope. If you use the 166XL --> effects loop; if you use the EBS --> before line in

[René_Julien]

FWIW, I think the EBS is more practical for the gigging bassist.

From your OP I assume you want something for using live? Right?

[nicolas]

yes live use. so the DBX is better for rackmount and the EBS is better as a stompbox? but what if you had to choose between the two? regardless of what's more practical.

[René_Julien]

I think rack equipment looks cool... but that would be a silly argument to go with that.

I'm not gigging with electric bass anymore, just private practice and jamming. The idea of rack equipment is tempting, but it's a bit more realistic putting a pedalboard togheter. (That is to say if you have other pedals.)

I only desire one setting, some very light compression. So I personally would go for the EBS. Sometimes on, sometimes off.
Would fit me perfectly.

How are you using your DBX now? Do you think all the functions and the tweaking is what you need? Or do you want something simpler?

The EBS costs 185€ in my local store, seeing that we live in the same country it wont cost much different in your local store.
A bit pricey, , but if you can afford it, nice compressor.

Two days ago I actually went to buy a compressor, tested out a few, EBS was good for me.
But I came home with a new bass instead and forgot to buy the compressor.
Different story.
(going back saturday)

[nicolas]

haha yeah I love the look of it in my rack. but I'm leaning more towards a pedal board these days since I sometimes can't take my own equipment on tour.

[René_Julien]

Well, since I don't am in a band with electric bass anymore, I often get the idea of a rack full of equipment for a "home studio".
Not that I deserve that, I'm just a hobbyist.

Pedalboard would do for a mere mortal like me. Plus it's easier, grab&go since I'm jamming a lot lately with a friend who is just picking up guitar.


Not to derail the thread, but I'm curious:
what band are you in?

[bassman1185]

Personally, I have just started running my setup like this:

Bass -> Symetrix 501 in rack -> pedalboard -> amp input

The 501 is a very nice compressor, and it gives me lots of options (way more than any stompbox compressor, except for maybe Joe Meek's pedal comp) and it actually lets me see what is going on with my sound. That's nice, because sometimes in a band situation it's hard to hear how much of a difference the compressor is making. The only downsides are that now I need three long cables instead of just two, and there is just a touch more setup to do.

[TimWilson]

I used to have an expensive Behringer compressor in my rack, and then I tried out Boss' compressor pedal and found it to be better (for my style, which is a bit more compression than most use).

[bongomania]

Check out the FAQ and reviews linked in my sig.