How do you set the compressor patch in your Zoom B2 for a decent slap sound?

phxlbrmpf · #1 10-06-2007, 11:58 AM

In my prog rock band I got the opportunity to slap a bit in a song to make it sound a bit more interesting for the first time in ages so I decided to make a "slap patch" with a whole lot of compression so the slapped and popped notes sound more even and the slapped notes don't "disappear" in the mix.

Unfortunately, I never really managed to find out how to work the B2's compressor and I'm not sure which knobs to boost and to cut so I'll get what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any advice as to how to configure this thing? Thanks a lot in advance.

Puru · #2 10-06-2007, 12:06 PM

I wish I could help you. I gave up on trying to find good compressor settings on the B2. I use a separate compressor now.

bongomania · #3 10-06-2007, 02:19 PM

I don't have knowledge of the B2, but if you post the available parameters and increments, I can try to suggest settings.

the_fonz · #4 10-06-2007, 03:24 PM

i spend nearly 4 hours a day messing around with B2 patches, and i still can't find good compressor settings on it.
looks like you're screwed

Swift713 · #5 10-06-2007, 03:36 PM

IMO the B2's compressor is pretty limited. I really only use one setting and I think it's pretty squishy: comp 1, attack 1, level 66. If I set the level much higher there is more pumping or breathing. If I set the attack on 3 it's more transparent but I like the squish with it on 1. I don't know if "comp" is ratio or what but anything above 1 seems ridiculous to me. I think this thing is really aggressive but I'm actually pretty happy with this setting these days. I use this with the "tube pre", gain on 24, blend on 50, no speaker sim, as my main "modern" sound. I know there are much better compressors out there but there are much worse too and this one's paid for.

PilbaraBass · #6 10-06-2007, 11:22 PM

the only downfall, IMO, of an otherwise-very-good multi-effects unit, is the compressor on the B2...
I tend to only use the LM (limiter function), and even then, I feel that my inexpensive Behringer BLE-100 does a better job...so for me, it's the BLE-100 into the B2.1U...

phxlbrmpf · #7 10-07-2007, 03:11 AM

Thanks for the advice, guys, I do have an EBS MultiComp which I put in front of the B2 but I thought it would be cool if I could create a B2 patch for extreme compression instead of having to fiddle around with MultiComp's knobs. Anyways, I'm going to try the settings you recommended, Swift713.

PilbaraBass · #8 10-07-2007, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxlbrmpf

Thanks for the advice, guys, I do have an EBS MultiComp which I put in front of the B2 but I thought it would be cool if I could create a B2 patch for extreme compression instead of having to fiddle around with MultiComp's knobs. Anyways, I'm going to try the settings you recommended, Swift713.

oh if you want extreme compression...the B2 can certainly do that...the problem with the B2 is it doesn't really offer a more subtle compression (you know the 2:1 - 5:1 range that's so nice for "everyday" use),

Puru · #9 10-07-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

the only downfall, IMO, of an otherwise-very-good multi-effects unit, is the compressor on the B2...
I tend to only use the LM (limiter function), and even then, I feel that my inexpensive Behringer BLE-100 does a better job...so for me, it's the BLE-100 into the B2.1U...

I Completely agree. Funny, I'm doing the same with BLE-100.

PilbaraBass · #10 10-08-2007, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puru

I Completely agree. Funny, I'm doing the same with BLE-100.

you wouldn't be playing a Yamaha RBX170 into a Laney HC60 would you?

I am (actually the amp is for fallback purposes, only)