Limiter / Compressor to go with VT

explodingPSYCH · #1 03-07-2011, 11:57 AM

I'm looking to something as a peak limiter to go along with my VT Deluxe and Power amp set up. Before I was running the VT into a bass amp's effects return, which then had a limiter after it. Seemed to be just right, but I'd love to hear how people are using limiters with the VT.
Anybody using it before the pedal?

What pedals are you using?

I was looking at the RNC (or RNLA), so I could use it for recording in my home studio as well, but a stomp box would be fine too.

Thanks!

JimmyM · #2 03-07-2011, 12:06 PM

despite the opinions of a couple folks on here, i like the rnc quite well. used to use it, but got a little tired of compressing, so i stopped.

explodingPSYCH · #3 03-07-2011, 03:19 PM

I had a strange feeling you might respond!

Yeah, I'm not looking to compress very much, just limit peaks above regular playing level for if I dig in too hard.

audiomitch · #4 03-07-2011, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by explodingPSYCH

Yeah, I'm not looking to compress very much, just limit peaks above regular playing level for if I dig in too hard.

The BBE Opto Stomp is great for that. Seriously. Very transparent, I consider it a tool rather than an "effect".

Brian_L · #5 03-08-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiomitch

The BBE Opto Stomp is great for that. Seriously. Very transparent, I consider it a tool rather than an "effect".

I have been thinking of that one myself for the same purpose; limiting. Cheap and simple.

But the ovnilab compressor review site gives the BBE Opto poor marks for limiting.

Is this a case of "I really need to try it myself with my own gear"?

Brian

FromTheBassMent · #6 03-08-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian_L

I have been thinking of that one myself for the same purpose; limiting. Cheap and simple.

But the ovnilab compressor review site gives the BBE Opto poor marks for limiting.

Is this a case of "I really need to try it myself with my own gear"?

Brian

I guess the real question here is whether you're looking for an evening of attack/level overall or whether you really need a peak limiter that is going to impose a hard limit above which your signal will not go once it's set. If it's the latter, I have no comments cuz I've never had to do that (I don't slap/pop). But if you're just looking to smooth out your attack, the BBE will do that very well... as will a ton of other compressors (I use the EBS MultiComp).

I do know that Bongomania's review page does list some stomp box limiters that he thinks very highly of. Just can't remember which ones they are!

**DosiYanarchy** · #7 03-08-2011, 01:14 PM

http://www.ovnilab.com/index.shtml

that'll get you started - Bongomania worked really hard on this site I imagine and its a great resource

**DosiYanarchy** · #8 03-08-2011, 01:18 PM

By the way:

The BBE Optostomp is so subtle that you might not even know its on! Great pedal - im using a Mad Professor Forest Green that i've promised to sell to my guitarist for what I paid (rather than the easy profit I could make) as he needs it more than I do, I'll probably then grab a used Multidrive (its a bit more tweakable and smaller than the Optostomp, not knocking the Opto though as I had one for ages).

I actually found that my OLC Flipster bass OD actually compressed my tone quite nicely along with the overdrive.

svtb15 · #9 03-08-2011, 01:21 PM

What i noticed when recording with the VT bass.. It will do compression on its own to some degree...not a pumping type but it does seem to level the signal somewhat.

**DosiYanarchy** · #10 03-08-2011, 01:29 PM

+1 it does compress a little all on its own.

explodingPSYCH · #11 03-08-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

What i noticed when recording with the VT bass.. It will do compression on its own to some degree...not a pumping type but it does seem to level the signal somewhat.

I noticed that too, that's kind of why I'm asking. I want to be able to limit my peaks without changing the VT's sound too much. Not sure if it should be done before or after and with which pedal.

Thanks!

madmatt · #12 03-08-2011, 03:21 PM

Next question: Before or after the VT?
I have a Boss LMB-3 and used it before-the-VT. It seemed to work pretty well. It brought out some character that I did not hear before I used it.

JimmyM · #13 03-09-2011, 09:59 PM

i always would compress first thing when i was doing it. some like their pedals to do their thing before they compress, but i always liked it to compress first. try it both ways and decide for yourself.

Chrisk-K · #14 03-09-2011, 10:16 PM

I have a BBE Opto. It's not good at limiting peaks because its effect is so subtle. Among affordable pedals, I find the LMB-3 to be the best at limiting peaks. When I had a VT Bass, I used the LMB-3 in front of it and it worked beautifully. Now I use the LMB-3 in front of a Source Audio BEF.

Fran Diaz · #15 03-10-2011, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by explodingPSYCH

I noticed that too, that's kind of why I'm asking. I want to be able to limit my peaks without changing the VT's sound too much. Not sure if it should be done before or after and with which pedal.

Thanks!

I'm using an Aguilar TLC. It goes before the VT because I like to have a 'regulated' or 'controled' (for lack of better words) tone out of the VT; I mean, if I set it for a very slight overdrive I don't want to hear anymore overdrive if I go a little loose with my right hand attack during the gig. This way, the TLC tames the peaks that might hit the VT harder.

Jasisco · #16 03-10-2011, 01:46 AM

I use the Markbass compressore a fair bit with the VT.. It can do some serious limiting.. I originally had the compression first but then tried after which i liked better.. I wasn't touching the VT once it was on so if you do a lot of tweaking during your performance you may benefit from having the compressor first.. Just recorded on an album using just the compressore into a DI and I was extremely satisfied with the results.

Kenner · #17 03-12-2011, 12:34 PM

I put my MB Compressore before my VT Deluxe as well....for me, it really "harnesses" the tone...for lack of better description...

gillento · #18 03-12-2011, 02:15 PM

I use my Maxon CP9Pro+ after my VT pedal.
Then it goes to an external DI.

This allows me to control the slight drive of the VT with my attack.

anonymous122511 · #19 03-12-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

despite the opinions of a couple folks on here, i like the rnc quite well. used to use it, but got a little tired of compressing, so i stopped.

The new ARC from FMR Audio (makers of the RNC) is a fairly transparent stompbox compressor. So far I'm impressed by how musical it sounds through its whole range even used as an ultra-squashing effect.

Floyd Eye · #20 03-12-2011, 07:40 PM

TLC. After the dirt. Nice.