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.

[NordLead]

Should I run into a DBX first, then run into my Sansamp Bass Driver DI? Or first into Sansamp, then the DBX? The Sansamp website says that you should probably run into the compressor first, then into the Sansamp. The thing is though, isn't the input on the Sansamp expecting instrument level? The signal would be line level coming out of the DBX.

[Bakkster_Man]

I disagree with Sansamp, compression should usually come after EQ, otherwise it messes up your levels. Light EQ afterward is OK, but the bulk of it (and any other level changing effects) should come before compression. The generally accepted exceptions are delay (due to the rebounds dropping volume if compressed along with the dry) and a few EQ cuts (becausee they don't affect volume as much) which can come after compression.

Unless, of course, you're going for a weird effect.

[tech21nyc]

Originally Posted by NordLead

Should I run into a DBX first, then run into my Sansamp Bass Driver DI? Or first into Sansamp, then the DBX? The Sansamp website says that you should probably run into the compressor first, then into the Sansamp. The thing is though, isn't the input on the Sansamp expecting instrument level? The signal would be line level coming out of the DBX.

That's not an easy call. With the original SansAmp Classic we would recommend placing a compressor before as we were assuming a stompbox comp was being used and they usually are not the best to put after a device like a SansAmp.

For a line level compressor you could run it after the Bass Driver but it really depends how you run the Bass Driver. If you are using the amp emulation one of the byproducts of this is compression which would occur in a tube amp. You may or may not need compression.

When I record DI bass in my studio I will sometimes go into a couple of DI's and from there into an Empirical Labs Disstressor which which is a pretty high end compressor. If I track a grittier bass sound with one of our SansAmps I usually won't bother with the compressor as the signal is already compressed. It's very easy to see this on the wave form in the DAW.

There is really no absolute right or wrong. It's more about what works for you.

[Downunderwonder]

A compressor can be used to juice up before the other effects for better tracking or MOAR.

Or it can be used to curb the excess MOAR from said effects.