Compressor for tapping?

cjmodulus · #1 08-31-2011, 10:44 AM

Well, i've ran several searches and found some useful information, but not quite everything I'm looking for.
When I tap there's a slight loss of volume. It's not that bad, but it's noticeable, especially in a band setting, and since I just joined a Djent band (Gasp! metal!) I think i'm probably going to be doing even more tapping.
My technique is pretty good (I won't say amazing or beginner, because i'm sure I'm somewhere in between) and my action is on the low side, so i'm wondering what compressor settings people like to use to even out the volume differences between finger style and tapping. Obviously it'll take some experimenting on my part, but I figured having some info to start with couldn't hurt.
Also, I don't currently have a compressor, but there's one on my multi effects pedal (digitech bp200), so i'll probably test these settings on there until i can afford a compressor. I've read through TB'er bongolation's FAQs and reviews, and I'm looking at either an Aguilar TLC or an EBS multi comp.
any thoughts on these two pedals?
Thanks in advance, all responses appreciated.

cjmodulus · #2 08-31-2011, 01:41 PM

Anyone?

clutebass · #3 08-31-2011, 01:47 PM

what if you used a volume pedal to boost your volume when tapping?

chaosMK · #4 08-31-2011, 02:06 PM

It looks like you use decent basses (which can sometimes be the culprit). Maybe try steel strings?

I've never had any trouble with tapping volume on my Cirrus. If anything I'd use a compressor to cut it back a little.

Now that I think about it, I do run into volume issues if I am trying to tap cheesy guitarist style (hammering and going diddly diddly) but usually I approach things from an entirely different angle.

cjmodulus · #5 08-31-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutebass

what if you used a volume pedal to boost your volume when tapping?

I actually did something like this with the boost pedal on my GK amp, and it worked, but I found that most sound guys don't like I when the volume spikes up mid song. That and the band mates complained I was too loud during that section :/. I think this may be part of the solution, but I think a compressor would definitely help even out the signal.

Regarding the basses, I use nickel strings pretty much exclusively. I play in the highschool jazz band in addition to my other work (although it looks like I'm making the switch to upright full time for school), so I like not having the extra bright edge of the steel strings. But I may give that a shot. I have another set of nickels to go through and then I'll look into some steels.
Thanks for the responses guys!

Darkglass · #6 08-31-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjmodulus

Well, i've ran several searches and found some useful information, but not quite everything I'm looking for.
When I tap there's a slight loss of volume. It's not that bad, but it's noticeable, especially in a band setting, and since I just joined a Djent band (Gasp! metal!) I think i'm probably going to be doing even more tapping.
My technique is pretty good (I won't say amazing or beginner, because i'm sure I'm somewhere in between) and my action is on the low side, so i'm wondering what compressor settings people like to use to even out the volume differences between finger style and tapping. Obviously it'll take some experimenting on my part, but I figured having some info to start with couldn't hurt.
Also, I don't currently have a compressor, but there's one on my multi effects pedal (digitech bp200), so i'll probably test these settings on there until i can afford a compressor. I've read through TB'er bongolation's FAQs and reviews, and I'm looking at either an Aguilar TLC or an EBS multi comp.
any thoughts on these two pedals?
Thanks in advance, all responses appreciated.

Hey! First of all, have you got any clips of your band!? (I'm a huge Djent fan! Meshuggah, Periphery, AAL, Textures, you name it!)

Second, check out the MXR compressor, the samples were quite nice IMO!
Is also normal to lose volume when tapping, most compressors out there can make all the notes sound more even, and also boosting if you want.

Regards -Doug

chessrocks · #7 08-31-2011, 02:44 PM

I generally prefer multiband compression for that sort of thing.

When you're popping and tapping really hard, it can sound rather sharp, harsh and strident at times.

By setting the crossover frequency around 2-3khz on a multiband comp, that can help even things out tone-wise as well as volume-wise.

cjmodulus · #8 08-31-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chessrocks

I generally prefer multiband compression for that sort of thing.

When you're popping and tapping really hard, it can sound rather sharp, harsh and strident at times.

By setting the crossover frequency around 2-3khz on a multiband comp, that can help even things out tone-wise as well as volume-wise.

Thanks for the settings tip! Will try it out

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkglass

Hey! First of all, have you got any clips of your band!? (I'm a huge Djent fan! Meshuggah, Periphery, AAL, Textures, you name it!)

Second, check out the MXR compressor, the samples were quite nice IMO!
Is also normal to lose volume when tapping, most compressors out there can make all the notes sound more even, and also boosting if you want.

Regards -Doug

I like your taste in bands! No recordings yet, I answered a post on a Facebook group looking for players to do some djent, and the guy was going to send me and a guitarist (who's really good) some demos, and we're gonna see where it goes! When there are some recordings I'll be sure to post them.

ga_edwards · #9 09-01-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chessrocks

I generally prefer multiband compression for that sort of thing.

When you're popping and tapping really hard, it can sound rather sharp, harsh and strident at times.

By setting the crossover frequency around 2-3khz on a multiband comp, that can help even things out tone-wise as well as volume-wise.

+1. To really make tapping shine and sound fluid, you need to pile of the compression (IMO, not to mention Billy Sheehan's opinion too). The problem is, is that although it makes the tapping sound great, it kills the dynamics down the low end when you switch back to finger style playing.

A dual band compressor goes some way to alleviate this problem by allowing you to heavily compress the high end and gently compress the low end.

Of course you could do what I now do (again, inspired by Mr Sheehan) and split your signal into two compressors, I actually send separate signals from the 2 pickups in my Attitude bass to separate compressors and blend them. One taking care of the fat low end and one doing the mids and high end.

Trouble is, there's not a lot of decent cheap dual band compressors. The Ashdown and Digitech are a waste of time IMO for this type of application. The only other dual band pedal I know of is the FEA, but it ain't cheap! Perhaps try splitting your signal into two compressors and see what you get?

BTW, I should also add that mids are important when tapping - that's where the voice is. Also, depending on the style, a little tube screamer style OD can help things shine.

MuthaFunk · #10 09-01-2011, 11:54 AM

You may be able to pick up two pedal compressors used andhave one always on and just click the second one on for tapping passages. Make sure whatever the tapping compressor is it has a high ratio or limit feature. Set it with a lot of compression and turn it off when after tapping.

You may not even feel the need for the always on compressor and only need 1 pedal used just for tapping.

alexa. · #11 09-01-2011, 11:58 AM

@OP: I had the same problem and the EBS did it for me.
It's also great cuz you can jump around stage and not have to worry about playing too hard or too soft

cjmodulus · #12 09-01-2011, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the responses.
The two compressor idea isn't a bad one, but I don't have too many peaks and valleys when playing fingerstyle (I play lightly near the bridge, and I've listened to a bunch of live recordings and haven't noticed anything too bad). If I got one compressor, I'd probably only turn it on for slapping and tapping, but if I can get two I'd keep one on for finger style playing.
I've looked at the FEA dual band compressor and your right, it's not cheap! But it looks like a great pedal.
My one reservation on the EBS pedal is that I've read that they 'go bad' after time. If this turns out not to be the case then id definitely put it on my list to check out.
Any comments on the Aguilar TLC? That's another one I've been considering.
Also, thanks for the tips on settings to those who gave them. I'm pretty new to using pedals.
Thanks again to everyone who responded. Keep 'em coming!