Do I still need a compressor/ limiter?

[bass_snake]

Howdy y'all!

I've been thinking of getting a compressor/ limiter but my amp has already a built-in limiter. My amp is a Genz Benz GBE 600.

Do I still need a compressor then?

thanks,

Richie

[bongomania]

Different comps and limiters are designed to act differently and perform different specific functions. A limiter built into an amp may be anything from a heavy squashing compressor at the input stage, to a nearly-transparent peak-stopper at the output stage; and it may sound good, bad, or indifferent, partly depending on personal tastes, and depending on how loud you play, through what cabs.

You might want to find threads specifically about the GBE 600 to see other owners' opinions about the limiter. It helps if they mention the types of gigs they're playing, and the types of cabs they're using.

Genz is also really good about answering questions from customers, so you might want to PM agedhorse or hasbeen (Genz guys here) for an explanation of what the GBE 600's limiter was designed to do. Then compare that against what you were wanting a compressor to do for you.

[depalm]

IMO in general, built-in dynamic-devices sounds bad.
Never played with BGE 600.

[agedhorse]

Simple question, wish all were like this.

The limiter on the GBE series emulates the way a tube output stage overdrives, and operates only when you push the amp hard (like a tube amp pushed hard). It's a fairly sophisticated way to limit, but more musical and retains the way the dynamics interact with playing feel.

[lowfreq33]

In other words, a dedicated compressor will give you a different effect than the one on your amp, which you may or may not need depending on what you're looking to accomplish.

[bass_snake]

Thanks guys! I'm Genz Benz guy.

I like playing fingerstyle and slap & pop together. That's why I think I need a compressor. I just want the volume to be close.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by bass_snake

I like playing fingerstyle and slap & pop together. That's why I think I need a compressor. I just want the volume to be close.

Well, that's one case where dialing in your playing technique really can be a better answer than using a compressor. A really skilled slapper can make that transition without getting louder/quieter between them.

That said, since agedhorse says that specific limiter only engages when you push (drive) the amp hard, it wouldn't be suited to normalizing your levels between slap and finger. So you would need an external comp/limiter, if you wanted to go that route.

[bass_snake]

Thanks Bongomania. I love your compressor reviews by the way. Really helpful! I'm thinking about the Lime Aid in the classifieds right now..