Compressor for live gigs

NDpeppers · #1 09-02-2009, 08:22 PM

i was just wondering how many of you guys actually use a rack compressor live in your rig? i was thinking of taking it out just to have space but i've gotten used to the pucnhyness of it....

Slax · #2 09-02-2009, 08:27 PM

I haven't really found a strong need to use one at gigs before... so I guess I'm in the camp that doesn't use it.

Jason P Bass · #3 09-02-2009, 08:46 PM

I use an FMR RNC.

The threshold is set to engage only for crazy volume spikes, like making contact between the strings and the pole pieces.

tinjenbass · #4 09-02-2009, 09:04 PM

I leave that all to the FOH. I use my fingers for my compressor

JimmyM · #5 09-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Used to have a comp, but grew to dislike it.

mccartneyman · #6 09-02-2009, 09:27 PM

Been using an EBS pedal comp for about five months and find it indispensable now. Sound man likes it too.

NOVAX · #7 09-02-2009, 11:18 PM

dbx 160A= industry standard

rpsands · #8 09-03-2009, 12:27 AM

I use an optostomp (bbe) in my chain, with a small amount of compression. It normalizes the volume of my strings a bit which I approve of, and makes the whole thing just a little punchier. Nice.

bluevoodoo · #9 09-03-2009, 12:59 AM

It's the best effect to add to a rack IMO. It helps my bass cut through during loud parts where my fingers dig in deep by avoiding spiking the signals to FOH, it allows them to boost your signal (which means you get heard). Even if the sound guy says they are going to compress your signal its better off trusting your sound by compressing it yourself especially live... it also protects your speakers from signals spikes which can cause your speakers to blow if you play loud! eg. live music

I am currently using the alesis nano compressor which only takes up half a rack space and its worked great in my rig so far. I'm looking to upgrade but haven't really looked into it too much.. I hear good things about tube compressors though.

MarkTAW · #10 09-03-2009, 01:23 AM

Hmm. I have a nanocompressor & an RNC lying around. I may have go try adding one to my chain.

georgestrings · #11 09-03-2009, 06:01 AM

No thanks for me - although it is true that a comp will tame hard hits, they also squash dynamics too much for my liking...

It's not unusual for sound guys to insert some compression in an attempt to save their FOH speakers...

- georgestrings

BluesWalker · #12 09-03-2009, 06:16 AM

I use an EBS compressor pedal at all live gigs. It is set for a small amount of compression and nicely levels out my string-to-string output.

Zooberwerx · #13 09-03-2009, 06:23 AM

BBE OptoStomp because I'm a compulsive ka-nob twiddler. Compression and Volume....what else do you really need?

Riis

Fratone · #14 09-03-2009, 06:34 AM

I've got a DBX 166XL in my rack. It sounds great for what I do. IMO almost anything can benefit from light compression. Leave it in.

$.02

MysticMichael · #15 09-03-2009, 09:29 AM

I'm not using one presently, but intend to get one. With compressors, the key is subtlety. Less is more, and all that.

I love the things that compression did for Paul McCartney's studio tone. No reason why that sound couldn't be replicated in a live setting...

MM

4Mal · #16 09-03-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

No thanks for me - although it is true that a comp will tame hard hits, they also squash dynamics too much for my liking...

It's not unusual for sound guys to insert some compression in an attempt to save their FOH speakers...

- georgestrings

more or less, yeah ...

A slight touch of compression can work but - compression certainly does not add punch. It robs punch ... that is more or less it's job. In my book, punch is based on dynamics. The comp controls them. Best bass comp around ? your right hand - assuming you are a right handed picker ...

that being said, I'm giving the Punch Factory another run - mostly in my guitar rig though where I'm looking for that Nashville squash and chime thing ...

I run a 166XL - in my PA, on my mains set for 'brick wall limiting' - I do not dig major transients going through horn drivers and the attendant repacement cost ...

KJung · #17 09-03-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Mal

more or less, yeah ...

A slight touch of compression can work but - compression certainly does not add punch. It robs punch ... that is more or less it's job. In my book, punch is based on dynamics. The comp controls them. Best bass comp around ? your right hand - assuming you are a right handed picker ...

That's basically where I am on using compressors live (at least with bass backline). They make much sense in the studio when doing final mixing/mastering, etc., but live... not so much if you have your chops together. I guess I can see a slight amount of mild compression that kicks in at the hardest notes if you are using a rig that is not quite up to the task, but other than that, doesn't make any sense to me.

If you need a compressor to actually balance your absolute volume/dynamics on a gig, or even out string to string balance, then IMO, a trip to the woodshed would be more useful that a trip to guitar center for a compressor.

IMO and, strongly, IME!

Hoover · #18 09-03-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Mal

compression certainly does not add punch. It robs punch ... that is more or less it's job. In my book, punch is based on dynamics.

To some folks, "punch" refers more to the perceived impact of instantaneous transients -- that Jackhammer To The Sternum effect -- and by delaying the onset of compression (via the Attack Time parameter) you can often use a compressor to increase "punch".

But that being said, I too have stopped using a compressor in my live rig, because it was robbing me of micro-dynamics. When I was playing mostly rock and funk and doing a fair amount of slapping the compressor was a godsend, but as I started doing more and more jazz and improvisational "new music" I needed to be able to convey very fine degrees of dynamic shading, and the compressor just obliterated those. So now I leave my dbx 165a and AudioArts 1200 in the studio.

Pickebass · #19 09-03-2009, 10:32 AM

I have a compressor in my rig. I have a Symetrix 501 which works really well. The best thing about it is that it doesn't compress too much. I slap and pop alot, so sometimes it's going into the board really hot. This allows me in most situations to take the DI straight out of my amp with full EQ and most soundmen take it direct with no EQ or adjustments

vinxbass · #20 09-03-2009, 11:23 AM

I have a compressor, but it's built into my amp. I usually run it pretty low so that I can be more dynamic with my playing.