Do you practice with compression?

Damani311 · #1 08-26-2009, 01:13 PM

Probably a dumb question, just curious.

totallybacan · #2 08-26-2009, 01:18 PM

I actually do, only because "i practice how i perform." I'm not going to practice with any different setting than i normally when on stage. Also, everything is racked so i'd hate to have to unplug things and move stuff around.

However, when doing a full band practice, where I keep my backup rig, i only have a tuner and amp, nothing else, so no. This helps since i can still work on my consistency there.

megadan · #3 08-26-2009, 01:22 PM

Like rehearsal practice, or alone practice?

Since I bought my comp it's always on, so if I'm practicing with my pedal board, then yes.

Gearhead17 · #4 08-26-2009, 01:23 PM

I think it is beneficial to practice without compression - you need to know how hard you are hitting the strings. Hitting the strings more consistently will make you a much better player and will help a lot with hand/wrist fatigue throughout shows. I noticed I was digging in too much at shows and my hands were sore and quite tired after the 1st set. It's hard to restrain yourself, but I worked on it and my hands last 4 hours without much issue.

**grygrx** · #5 08-26-2009, 01:33 PM

Band Practice = Yes
Home noodling = No

groooooove · #6 08-26-2009, 01:42 PM

i dont own a compressor..so no.

but if i did, i'd prob use it when home noodling as well as with the band. for limiting envelope filter spikes, at the least.

fullrangebass · #7 08-26-2009, 01:47 PM

No compression at any time. Not even in the studio

groooooove · #8 08-26-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

No compression at any time. Not even in the studio

you are a brave, rebellious man.

**rhino333** · #9 08-28-2009, 12:27 PM

I only use compression in the studio....sometimes. Noisgate??? that's another story.

**rhino333** · #10 08-28-2009, 12:28 PM

I only use compression in the studio....sometimes. Noisegate??? that's another story.

All_¥our_Bass · #11 08-31-2009, 03:35 PM

I do. I'm pretty even in volume when I want to be, but do mess with dynamics when I need to. I usually set it to something pretty mild and transparent. Also, it makes my distorted sounds a lot better in terms of fullness and sustain-I put it BEFORE the distortion though.

rpsands · #12 08-31-2009, 05:17 PM

Solo practice no, group practice yes.

(b)Assman · #13 08-31-2009, 05:39 PM

Yup, I always like my bass sounding tasty, plus I tend to play quite hard and get into it.

FreaqyFrequency · #14 08-31-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by (b)Assman

Yup, I always like my bass sounding tasty, plus I tend to play quite hard and get into it.

+1. I always play with more intensity and more feel when I kick on the Compulator as a response to the sound I'm getting.

JustDavid · #15 08-31-2009, 06:05 PM

I'd think it depends WHAT you are practicing.

If you are practicing the whole package, either with or without the band, it's part of the package.

If you are practicing towards evening out your technique, bypass it.

shinobi · #16 09-05-2009, 11:15 PM

my compressor is a the end of my fx chain, not at the front of my chain. it's meant to tame my effects, not my playing style.

for some effects, like phasers, flangers, filters or delays (especially if they oscillate), compression is essential.

shineofleo · #17 09-05-2009, 11:53 PM

Yes I do. I just prefer the sound.

Unrepresented · #18 09-06-2009, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shinobi

my compressor is a the end of my fx chain, not at the front of my chain. it's meant to tame my effects, not my playing style.

for some effects, like phasers, flangers, filters or delays (especially if they oscillate), compression is essential.

+1. Compressor's in my rack after all effects as a way of controlling spikes.

ICUPatNIGHT · #19 09-06-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shineofleo

Yes I do. I just prefer the sound.

Interesting theory. A compressor keeps from clipping the audio equipment. It isn't always nice and from an audience POV can "feel" weird. I have gone to school for live sound and interned at miller pro audio for a bit and found that compressors are neccessary for those that cannot control their dynamics. If I use a compressor, it is set really "high" so that the only thing really it can catch is the "pop" of my cable pulling out or going in. Practicing without, as someone said earlier, will have a tendancy to make you a better player because you get the raw sound from your bass. It allows you to know what it feels and sounds like to hit the strings to hard. Just my .02$

JimmyM · #20 09-06-2009, 12:22 AM

Unless you want technique problems down the road, don't practice with the compressor.