I think I need a compressor...or?

Jato · #1 07-07-2009, 07:36 AM

What?
I am newly playing bass in a 5 piece (guitar/bass/drum/voc/sax) ensemble doing r&b/fusion/funk.
I have a Fodera Monarch 4 string, and a Eden Metro 210 combo. I had toyed with the idea of getting a new amp rig, as I cant seem to keep up with the drummer/guitar player without farting out my rig. I pluck harder and the speakers sound like they're going to blow.
At home, playing with the stereo system (loud, btw), there is no problem with this. But in the basement with this band, I need some oomph without the fartiness.
So...in exploring my options...I came across two ideas.
One is for a compressor to help tame the signal a bit when I hit the bass harder. The other is to add another 210 cab under the Metro for a 410 rig. The price for either route is gonna be roughly the same (around $500 is what I have to spend).
Any help here on the first best move?

Thanks!
S.
j

dannybuoy · #2 07-07-2009, 07:42 AM

Definitely sort your rig out if you can't get acceptable volume without farting out. The compressor will just fight against you, reducing the volume as you dig in to try to get more volume out of your setup!

RickenBoogie · #3 07-07-2009, 08:22 AM

Sounds like you need more speakers alot more than a comp. Adding another 210, or even a 15 will get you alot farther than any device will.

bongomania · #4 07-07-2009, 09:04 AM

Agreed. Speakers first, comp second (and may not be needed after getting more speakers).

ga_edwards · #5 07-07-2009, 09:05 AM

Is that amp running at 300w? I have a LMII running at 300w into a single 1x12 and have no problems keeping up with a loud band. In fact, I often have to turn down.

It could be an eq thing rather that volume. How is your eq set? Do you cut a lot of mids, boost the treble or bass a lot? If so, try setting the eq to neutral. It may sound a bit odd on it's own, but should sit in the mix a lot better and cut through.

BigOldHarry · #6 07-07-2009, 09:11 AM

I, myself, don't like compressors. For me, they suck tone out of my playing, and I've tried several over the years (including very expensive ones). I gave them all up after reading an interview with Gary Willis on the subject... He insisted that compressors are a crutch, that a player can learn better dynamics without one.

I've not looked back.

Just my 2 cents.

bongomania · #7 07-07-2009, 09:14 AM

When a compressor sucks all the tone out of your playing, that means it was set up incorrectly. User error.

When a compressor is used as a crutch for sloppy playing, that's bad--but compressors have other uses than that.

ga_edwards · #8 07-07-2009, 09:29 AM

Agreed. You can play dynamically with compression. It's just a smaller range of dynamics. If you have no range, you've used too much. Granted, there are lots that impart a certain colour or tone, but there's also a lot of transparent ones.

There's so many (even pro) players that say they don't use compression. But I bet the studio or live engineer slaps one onto their channel in the mix.

Jato · #9 07-07-2009, 09:31 AM

Well,
Looks like I"m gonna be picking up that 210 Eden cab.
And the amp is running at 300watts btw. It will probaby up the wattage with the extra cab, yes?
I've talked with a few bassist pals, who also recommend speakers over compression.

Anyone else?

S.
j

electracoyote · #10 07-07-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Agreed. Speakers first, comp second (and may not be needed after getting more speakers).

+1

Nikoubis · #11 07-07-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

When a compressor sucks all the tone out of your playing, that means it was set up incorrectly. User error.

Maybe you should start posting pictures like this every time someone says that (no offense to BigOldHarry):

lomo · #12 07-07-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Agreed. Speakers first, comp second (and may not be needed after getting more speakers).

+10. FWIW I don't like compressors either.

billoetjen · #13 07-07-2009, 09:59 AM

More places to put that wattage makes sense, first. Speakers.
I personally don't like to put much between me and my signal, but I do use some mild compression in some circumstances. Sometimes, it's just to tame the signal at the beginning of a song so I can switch the comp out of the path later. Another tool.

Have fun with the expanded rig. Let us know how it works out.

FunkMetalBass · #14 07-07-2009, 10:30 AM

I use a compressor (mildly) when I record, but that's about it. It's just wasted space in my rack. I wouldn't mind putting it in the PA and using it for vocals though.

TS, you need another cab and some possible EQ adjustment before a compressor.

jd858us · #15 07-07-2009, 05:02 PM

The Metro has a built in compressor, but it's not that effective IMO. I loved the tonal variety, but it's really not a very powerful amp when just used with the internal speakers. I had one (a '98 model) for a couple of years and almost always had to use it on top of a Goliath III cab to get a decent volume that did not clip. Given that the amp is essentially an ingot on wheels with a pair of handles that are way too low to prevent back strain, I finally had to move on. Now I use a LMII with the Goliath and am not looking back!