Compressor - Tube Rack Mount or SS Pedal?

woodsideh · #1 02-19-2010, 11:41 AM

I am looking to get a good compressor. Our sound guy tells me I really need to go with the ART Pro VLA 2 Tube Compressor. I have also looked at the EBS Multi-Comp. I have seen other threads here discussing compressors but not enough about the ART Pro VLA to satisfy me. Anyone using this one?

René_Julien · #2 02-19-2010, 11:48 AM

an ss pedal will suffice

I have a tube rackmount... but I'm a nutjob.

IRL, as a bassist a pedal is the most sensible choice.

If you are an audio freak, own live-sound PA business, or are building you're own recording studio then an expensive rackmount (a decent one off course) might make more sense.

Off course, many great rackmount inexpensive comps can be found for use in your rig.
For example if you have a big rig anyway (rackmount amps and other stuff already) and don't have a pedalboard, then rackmount compressor might be handy. If you don't mind the weight of filled racks.

At 23:59pm it's up to you how much you are willing to spend and how much you want to obsess about studio-grade audio equipment.

bongomania · #3 02-19-2010, 12:17 PM

A few points, bulleted for clarity not for "meanness"

:

--The ART Pro VLA is a 2RU unit, and there will never, ever be a time when you need or want to carry a 2RU compressor in your bass rig. If you are buying it for home studio use, then that's fine. There are many tube comps in 1RU or even 1/2 RU format.

--There are both tube and ss in both rack and pedal forms. Posing the question as "tube rack vs. pedal ss" doesn't actually make any sense.

--There are so many more factors to consider beyond tube vs. ss. For one thing, not all tube devices sound similar, and ss can even be surprisingly "fat" or even "tubey" sounding, depending on your expectations and goals.

--The most important questions are: What is your real, maximum budget? What exactly are you trying to achieve? And do you have any particular preference in terms of pedal, rack, or power supply system? Answer those and we can help.

SteveC · #4 02-19-2010, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodsideh

I am looking to get a good compressor. Our sound guy tells me I really need...

If your sound guy thinks you need to be compressed, tell him to do it at the board. He should have compression available to him. If he doesn't, he needs to get some in HIS rack, not yours.

I am almost always compressed at the board so I have put mine in storage.

woodsideh · #5 02-19-2010, 01:56 PM

I would rather have something that is rack mounted. I agree that 2U is a little large. As far as budget is concerned around $300 is probably tops. I would rather compress and get things right on stage to suit my ears then mike the cab. Its more for me than it is the sound guy.

lowfreq33 · #6 02-19-2010, 01:59 PM

The ART is way more than you need. It's two channels, you probably only need one. It's too big. And unless you really know you're way around a compressor you'll probably struggle to get good sounds out of it. It's designed for pro audio, so it's very tweakable, and probably too much so for a bassist. There are so many great compressors out there in pedal form that you really don't need to drag those two rackspaces around with you.

Some good ones (general opinion, not just mine) to check out:
Keeley 2 or 4 knob
EBS Multicomp
MXR Super Comp
Demeter Opto Compulator
Electro Harmonix Black Finger (this one's tube)
T-Rex Bass Compressor (this one's tube)
Markbass Compressore (this one's tube)

lowfreq33 · #7 02-19-2010, 02:11 PM

But, if you really want something in a rack, the ART is probably the cheapest thing you'll be happy with if you're buying new. A DBX 160 would be good too, and it's a single rackspace 1 channel unit.

SteveC · #8 02-19-2010, 02:50 PM

If you really want a rack unit, how about a Rane DC24?

bongomania · #9 02-19-2010, 03:03 PM

In my "top picks" page, linked at the top of my reviews, is a list of great rackmount comps. All are 1RU, and I have seen each and every one of the ones in that list for as low as $100 used on Ebay, and they are not rare or hard to find. More typical used prices may be closer to $170-$200, but even so that's well below the amount mentioned.

scotch · #10 02-19-2010, 03:08 PM

Sounds like before investing in a compressor, it's time to invest in a "sound guy" that knows what he's talking about!

"Really? I need a 2-space rack comp for you to do your job? Ummm...."

lowfreq33 · #11 02-20-2010, 03:35 AM

I think he's saying that he wants a comp, and his soundguy suggested the ART.

woodsideh · #12 02-20-2010, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

I think he's saying that he wants a comp, and his soundguy suggested the ART.

Exactly.

Emibass · #13 02-20-2010, 07:31 AM

I´d like to chime in and complete some of the above answers. Apart of the budget, it´s really important what kind of compressor is. I´m not refering strictly ss and tube as I think a ss comp can sound warm and fat and a tube comp may sound super clean. I think you have to look at what kind of comp is in terms if how the compression is done: VCA, Vari-Mu, Optical for give an example. The sound is more influenced by this factors IMHO.

For bass I really like a VCA type of sound, and I really want to try a distressor but I haven´t got the chance yet.

scotch · #14 02-20-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodsideh

Exactly.

I see.... my bad!