Over The Top For Live Rig??

Nicka · #1 01-25-2009, 12:17 AM

Hey all, I have been doing bass tracking over the past couple of months and as usual with studio time comes time to experiment with different gear combinations. The engineer I've been working with had a Empirical Labs Distressor EL8XM compressor and I absolutely fell in love with this piece of gear like crazy. It is to the point that I go track for 4 hours, pack up my rig, go to rehearsal and I miss it so much in my sound. I am tracking with 99% of my rack, minus the BBE that I use as a 'buffer' for shoddy FOH guys turning my bass into a ukulele, so in my live rig I'm just getting that sound without the Distressor. But would it be too far over the top to be running a 1500 dollar compressor in my live rig to achieve my bass nirvana??

Dave Muscato · #2 01-25-2009, 12:22 AM

If you can afford it, and you want it, go for it.

Most of us have a hard enough time just knowing what we want in the first place. If you've come that far, you're ahead of the game. I say knock yourself out. There's nothing quite like loving your tone. It makes you play better and makes your whole group sound better, and helps the audience engage better, too.

P.S. When I was playing bigger shows, I used to have a $1500 wireless in my rack... it just depends on what does it for ya. I like moving around when I play; I tend not to use compressors unless the room has terrible acoustics. To each his own. If you love this compressor, get it, use it, and enjoy it!

JimmyM · #3 01-25-2009, 02:20 AM

The only problem I can see using a Distressor or other high end compressor is the FOH smushing up your sound with something way inferior. If you buy it, you need to tell the soundman in no uncertain terms, "Hey, I have a $1500 compressor here so please don't compress me out there with your 20 year old Alesis 3630."

Personally I think it's overkill but so is carrying anything but a DI so have at it

RickenBoogie · #4 01-25-2009, 11:31 AM

Overkill is a harsh term. I think most of us on these forums are guilty of some sort of "over doing it" gear wise, or we wouldn't be here talking about it. I chased my tone for years, sparing no expense along the way, only to end up using less than what I started with. You should do what makes you happiest.

afroman · #5 01-25-2009, 11:37 AM

I think everyone here is right on the dime.
If you found something you love and you can afford for it to take road punishment, then do it.

I see nothing wrong with having a 1k+ compressor in your rack.
It's like people who gig with a 5k bass.

Like JimmyM said, let the FOH guy know, so he doesn't crap out your sound.

D.A.R.K. · #6 01-25-2009, 11:46 AM

i've been touring internationally for years with el8's, they are hardy as hell and take the road no problem.
internal power switch for european power, too.
the new el9 (pre/comp) promises to be a total monster.
http://www.wavedistribution.com/deal...20brochure.pdf

Nicka · #7 01-25-2009, 01:12 PM

Thanks guys I appreciate the opinions. The FOH problem that Jimmy brought up is also another reason deters me from building in my opinion this amazing studio sound to bring to the live setting. I'm more just pondering that to a certain point the gear doesn't really matter because the FOH is still going to manipulate the sound anyways.

D.A.R.K. that el9 sounds butter!! If the rest of you guys get a chance to hook into a Distressor I highly suggest you take the opportunity especially in a recording atmosphere!

D.A.R.K. · #8 01-25-2009, 01:20 PM

for some reason, people promote distrust in engineers a bit too much imo. yeah, there are hack engineers, but just as many hack players. the better the sound you provide, the less the engineer has to do to make it sound good/ fit in the mix. either way, a douche will mess it up, a quality engineer will love it.... so you might as well get the best you can going into the system.

Nicka · #9 01-25-2009, 01:42 PM

True to a point, D.A.R.K. though my distrust for FOH engineers is well warranted for instance after opening for Lamb of God last year and being told after our set that my fader was sitting at -40db on the FOH board the entire time.

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this compressor, roll into the next gig, put my in ears in, and fall into a trance despite what the FOH may be doing with my sound.

Broadbent · #10 01-25-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicka

Thanks guys I appreciate the opinions. The FOH problem that Jimmy brought up is also another reason deters me from building in my opinion this amazing studio sound to bring to the live setting. I'm more just pondering that to a certain point the gear doesn't really matter because the FOH is still going to manipulate the sound anyways.

D.A.R.K. that el9 sounds butter!! If the rest of you guys get a chance to hook into a Distressor I highly suggest you take the opportunity especially in a recording atmosphere!

You should get a couple loud heads and cabs to go along with your compressor and bypass the soundman altogether....... Just a thought hehe.

D.A.R.K. · #11 01-25-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicka

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this compressor, roll into the next gig, put my in ears in, and fall into a trance despite what the FOH may be doing with my sound.

that is probably the best thing you can do.
and when playing in bigger situations, hire a sound engineer you can trust.