How to Control Noisy Compressor (I HATE NOISE!)

Epac · #1 01-06-2010, 08:17 PM

Hey Bass Brothers,

I got into bass compression about two years ago, bought a compressor that I thought was the most quality one for the money, and now I've found it very difficult to record with because of all its NOISE!!! Its got the really hot, static-y sound, so obnoxious. Its fine live, though....

It's a Keeley Compressor. Here's a link to its page on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Keeley-Electro.../dp/B001ENIQIU

I haven't figured out how to use a compressor yet, so I'm hoping it has to do with how I got the nobs set up. It was on Ebay but I still put down some serious money for it. Would anybody of yall recommend getting a noise suppressor or something along those lines? Or should I just sell it and get something quieter?

A guitar friend of mine has a Boss compressor that's also noisy as f, so I'm assuming there's got to be a way of dealing with all this noise!!!!

stoolpigeon · #2 01-06-2010, 08:20 PM

how are you using it....in line between your amp and your rig...or bass--->comp--->DI? If it is dialind in correctly, there really should be no noise.

sonic assassin · #3 01-06-2010, 08:27 PM

if there is noise in your signal, a compressor will make it more apparent.

the loud thing get quieter, the quiet things get louder.

find the noise that is being compressed and kill it.

bongomania · #4 01-06-2010, 11:26 PM

Yep, hunt down the noise source and try to eliminate any noise going into the compressor. That said, the Keeley is a bit noisy on its own. If you hate noise, try the Diamond BCP-1 or the Rothwell Love Squeeze.

Check out the FAQ linked in my sig to learn all about setting up a compressor, and dealing with noise.

Epac · #5 01-07-2010, 01:32 AM

Thanks alot guys for the tips.

I'm going direct with the bass into the Keeley into D.I. I've been thinking about getting the electronics on my bass tweaked. I'm going to mess around with my bass and see what I can do.

I know there's probably an indepth thread somewhere on this forum about using compression, i'm going to look for it and get on top of this compression thing.

Thanks again bass brothers,

E