Is a compressor a valuable pedal for a bassist?

azrael · #1 08-11-2008, 07:01 PM

I'm trying to think about what pedals would be good for my bassist...
He's got a tuner, which is essential for anybody in a band...
And I'm building him a Late 70's style Big Muff Pi with a clean blend.

So! Is a compressor a useful pedal for the rock bassist?

I noticed a lot of threads about compressors, including that incredibly useful Compressor review thread. I may end up building my own, though. So I'm leaning towards yes...But I'm not quite sure. Is it common for people who use slap and pop techniques to use one?

irvinz · #2 08-11-2008, 07:16 PM

Jared Lash · #3 08-11-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael

Is it common for people who use slap and pop techniques to use one?

Yes. This is one of the most obvious applications of a compressor on bass. Ask a drummer who has to sit by a loud bass rig how much he appreciates judicious use of compression.

That's far from the only application though. People use compression on bass to fatten up their sound, give the bass at bit more "punch", even out dynamics a bit or to limit volume spikes from pedals like envelope filters.

It's a safe bet that at least 90% of songs you've heard on the radio had compression applied to the bass at one stage or another.

I don't claim to be a compressor expert by any means but hopefully that helps.

irvinz · #4 08-11-2008, 07:28 PM

how on earth do drummers know about compression? =p

azrael · #5 08-11-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irvinz

how on earth do drummers know about compression? =p

Hahaha. Good question..

Here's another Q for you d00ds...
Do you guys know if if has to be a bass compressor?

I appreciate the help, guys. I'm a guitarist, so I'm not that knowledgable about the whole deal.

nad · #6 08-11-2008, 07:35 PM

I'm not a fan of it on bass, but I'm in the minority. I prefer sloppy dynamics, gives the bass character. Think Coroner and old Slayer basslines. thumpathumpathumbaBURPthumpathumpaBONKthumpa

Thunderthumbs73 · #7 08-11-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael

I'm trying to think about what pedals would be good for my bassist...
He's got a tuner, which is essential for anybody in a band...
And I'm building him a Late 70's style Big Muff Pi with a clean blend.

So! Is a compressor a useful pedal for the rock bassist?

I noticed a lot of threads about compressors, including that incredibly useful Compressor review thread. I may end up building my own, though. So I'm leaning towards yes...But I'm not quite sure. Is it common for people who use slap and pop techniques to use one?

Never used one. I use fingerstyle, slap/pop, tapping, pickstyle. I think it is better to have good, even technique and to not feel like it's a pedal that you think you need. There really should not be an appreciable, night and day difference in volume for these techniques, only that they should have different tones/timbres. This is just my opinion. Of course for accents, with any of the techniques, you should be able to add emphasis here and there, but one technique should not automatically be so much louder than another that would require compression/compression pedal.

Best to you.

azrael · #8 08-11-2008, 07:50 PM

^Hm, okay, cool. Very good to hear you opinion from your and the guy above you. Always good to hear people on the other side of the fence.

Also, do you guys think it's still a valuable pedal if you don't use slap/pop techniques?

Ampeg SVT · #9 08-11-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael

Hahaha. Good question..

Here's another Q for you d00ds...
Do you guys know if if has to be a bass compressor?

I appreciate the help, guys. I'm a guitarist, so I'm not that knowledgable about the whole deal.

No actually the only bass compressor pedal i have ever tried was terrible for bass (the digitech one)

I have tried a Aphex Punch Factory, a MXR Dyna Comp, and a MXR SuperComp. They all worked well.

bongomania · #10 08-11-2008, 08:01 PM

Azreal, since you saw the comp review thread you must have noticed that nearly none of the ones commented on were labeled as "bass compressors". Really a good comp for bass is full-range, not limited to control or emphasis of the lows.

skiscem · #11 08-11-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nad

I'm not a fan of it on bass, but I'm in the minority. I prefer sloppy dynamics, gives the bass character. Think Coroner and old Slayer basslines. thumpathumpathumbaBURPthumpathumpaBONKthumpa

This made me laugh... (cuz it sounds like me)

I think is necessary (at least for rock/heavy pickers) i have been trying some but i cant find one transparent enough for me

and check bongomania's reviews and explanation of what a compressor is, the best guide to compressors (focused on bass) on the web

azrael · #12 08-11-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Azreal, since you saw the comp review thread you must have noticed that nearly none of the ones commented on were labeled as "bass compressors". Really a good comp for bass is full-range, not limited to control or emphasis of the lows.

That is true. Just wanted to make sure.

You started the thread, right? Thanks for the great resource! The only DIY compressors though, are ones bassed off the Orange Squeeze and the Ross Compressor, I think, unfortunately..

mrkreuzschlitz · #13 08-11-2008, 09:13 PM

I play with a pick and all, and I don't always use my compressor. When I do, its for "solo" parts, ex: tapping in an intro, parts with just bass and no other instruments. I use just a little compression too, not even "12 o'clock." I do, however, get feedback. I don't use it all the time. I use a DOD FX80, and I like it enough when I use it, but it elevates your noise floor, which sometimes adds noise. If you get a little humming or whatever without a compressor, expect to hear more.

Overall, I LOVE my compressor.

fireincairo · #14 08-11-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nad

I'm not a fan of it on bass, but I'm in the minority. I prefer sloppy dynamics, gives the bass character. Think Coroner and old Slayer basslines. thumpathumpathumbaBURPthumpathumpaBONKthumpa

Hah, Coroner. That brings back memories. The bonk and burp tones, too. They were great.

bongomania · #15 08-11-2008, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael

Thanks for the great resource!

You're welcome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by azrael

The only DIY compressors though, are ones bassed off the Orange Squeeze and the Ross Compressor, I think, unfortunately..

Actually there are DIY schematics out there for optical (Demeter style) and VCA (dbx style), as well as some tube designs if you want to go nuts.

Check diystompboxes, also Google "THAT VCA" ("THAT" is a model of VCA chip that is popular for compressors). But the OS and Ross are most common and easy.

totalimmortal08 · #16 08-11-2008, 10:27 PM

i regret not using one for my band's demo. so yes, it is useful. the DHA bass compressor is starting to give me an itch....

downneck · #17 08-11-2008, 10:38 PM

the only two words you need to know are:
demeter compulator

azrael · #18 08-12-2008, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

You're welcome!

Actually there are DIY schematics out there for optical (Demeter style) and VCA (dbx style), as well as some tube designs if you want to go nuts.

Check diystompboxes, also Google "THAT VCA" ("THAT" is a model of VCA chip that is popular for compressors). But the OS and Ross are most common and easy.

Cool! I'll be looking out for those, then!

I'm thinking about this one:
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/main.p...AYOUT.png.html
or this one:
http://aronnelson.com/gallery/main.p...AYOUT.png.html
Not using that VCA IC you mentioned, but both are optical compressors, like the Demeter.

idoru · #19 08-12-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

You're welcome!

Actually there are DIY schematics out there for optical (Demeter style) and VCA (dbx style), as well as some tube designs if you want to go nuts.

Check diystompboxes, also Google "THAT VCA" ("THAT" is a model of VCA chip that is popular for compressors). But the OS and Ross are most common and easy.

I got myself a BYOC Armstrong Twin, plus some switches & components to make it (optionally) more bass friendly. Details & review to follow once I've had a chance to pick up a soldering iron again

c-

Geddyfleaharris · #20 08-12-2008, 08:28 AM

I am assuming you are talking about on stage sound/rig compression. Most full PA systems would have their own compressors and most recording situations would have a compressor whether it is a plug in or a real one.

So to the on stage/rig. I use a rack mounted dbx 1066. After this past weekend I would not go without one again. For a couple of reasons I ended up not going through my compressor on a gig this past Friday and the difference was astounding. Since I added the compressor I have been trying to prove to myself that it made a difference to my sound. Not tonally but just the overall presence. Proof has now been supplied. Without the compressor my sound seemed to drop out at various points, was very uneven on the stage, did not cut through like I am used to and my Ric E-string which is tuned to a D was muddier than usual. I know some of this could have been cured with some tweaking but the point being the room was one that we have played in a past and the difference on stage was striking.

For me having a compressor is now a way of life.