Too Compress or Not To Compress

[jschwalls]

Here is the story... I have been playing and gigging for a long time now, and have always used big loud amps and multiple cabs.. and All I have ever used was my Basses and whatever loud a$$ rig I was using at the time. In the 90's it was SWR and from 2000 until now.. MESA..

Well, recently I had to sell all my stuff and go to much lighter amps and basses.. So I ended up getting MarkBass gear, which I love, and a Spector Euro 4LX & an old Hohner B2 ( hot-rodded )... ANYWAY..

I have never used compression before, I never really needed it. Well, I was thinking about buying a NICE pedal compressor, for 2 reasons, I don't have the control over my hands I once did ( muscle and nerve damage ) and I have noticed that the 15" speakers in my MarkBass gear move ALOT more than any of the speakers in my previous set-ups...
Is this much movement normal/acceptable for MarkBass ?

I am back and forth between the Compulator and Multi-Comp..

I have a good knowledge of compression from all my days in the studio and I use compression in the PA for various reasons, I own alot of rack compresssors, but, i am not always able to have a 12 space rack with me, LOL

I typically do not like what most compressors have done to my "live" dynamics. I am just looking to protect my new gear and maybe tighten things up a bit.

Any info/suggestions will be great ,
Thanks
JON

[JimmyM]

Markbass drivers are designed with an excursion that looks like it's going to bust through the grill, but it's perfectly normal as long as you don't try to abuse the power handling rating. Therefore, a compressor is only necessary if you like what it does to the tone. I use one (FMR RNC), but I'd use it whether I use Markbass or Ampeg. I just use it to tame the extremes, but if you like the extremes, I wouldn't bother.

[jschwalls]

I have noticed that MarkBass seems to allow the extremes to come through which is what is strange to me... all my old gear seemed to cut-off the really low notes and the really high notes as well.. I am thinking the other gear just had poor cab designs or something...
man, I am really loving the MarkBass gear I have. I was just thinking that I could tame the extremes a bit with a nice compressor..

[JimmyM]

bongomania is the compressor guy on here, in that case. He has a sticky about it in the effects forum. Me, I'd say stay away from your average pedal compressors unless you just want to squash your tone as an effect. An exception is the $180 FMR Really Nice Compressor, but bongo said he had issues with it, so you might want to see what he says about them.

[jschwalls]

yeah, i am sending him a PM right now... I juist read all his pedal reviews, sems like he will have the answer i am looking for.
thanks JON

[bongomania]

Here I am. I think the Demeter might be the one for you. It does a good job of limiting peaks, and has a very natural sound. The EBS is great for general smoothing and warmth, but not for peak limiting. I also like the versatility and cleanliness of the Maxon CP9Pro+, and it does a good job of limiting. Between the Demeter and the Maxon, the Maxon allows a sharper attack sound if you want, while the Demeter adds a little more thickness to the overall tone if you want that.

[jschwalls]

yummy.. thanks man... I was leaning towrd the Compulator.. thanks for the push !

JON

[wazzel]

I run a compressor all the time, but set for light compression just for peak grabbing. Currently I run the Carl Martin compressor. It does a great job for what I am looking for. Some claim it gives a little bit of a dark overtone, but I did not notice it.