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Ampeg SVT7Pro "Compressor" adjustment

phatbass1

phatbass1

May 5, 2010
80
36
67
Raleigh, North Carolina
#1
Guys,
I just got my new SVT7Pro and used it for the first time gigging last night. It sounds great with my Stingray And (2) SVT410HE's. I've not had an amp with a compression adjustment before and fooled around with it last night. Not sure what I'm adjusting...I hear some minimal changes in the sound standing in front of the rig when I adjust it back and fourth but am not sure exactly what I'm doing/adjusting.
Can anyone define the term "Compressor" as it relates to a bass rig? Anyone have experience with this? Any setting recommendations?
Thanks!
 
#2
Compression helps keep the amp from spiking, at least that's how I think of it (I'm certain you'll get more
Technical/accurate answers, but that's my take on it anyway). Each time you attack the string there will
be a different amount of force used, so this helps to smooth out those inbalances. I have the SVT7 as
well and can tell you the compressor on this unit is very transparent, in other words you probably will
hear very little difference in the sound your amp is actually producing. Hope this helps til and expert
can come along with a more accurate answer!
 
#4
Compressors take your bass sound and reduce the dynamic range, making loud sounds less loud and more uniform, and quiet sounds louder and more uniform. It can range from a very subtle change to a very noticeable change. Used to use compression but I don't like anymore.
 
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#6
JimmyM said:
Compressors take your bass sound and reduce the dynamic range, making loud sounds less loud and more uniform, and quiet sounds louder and more uniform. It can range from a very subtle change to a very noticeable change. Used to use compression but I don't like anymore.
Click to expand...
JimmyM,
Excuse my ignorance but...the SVT7Pro only comes with a very basic picture of the front/back with a listing of the connections, buttons and knobs...no instruction manual or explanation of how to use the features. No manual on line either.
So, my question is:
If I'm not interested in using the "Compressor" feature, should I have it "Twelve O'clock" or turned all the way down to zero? If I back it down to zero am I reducing compression? I'm looking to side step the compressor feature...not increase or decrease it. Am I overthinking this?
 
#9
I have the 7PRO and it's clearly stated in the manual. You can get one off the internet if you don't have one.
"Fully counterclockwise is zero compression. Fully clockwise compression is 10:1"
 
#14
Cteam said:
"Fully counterclockwise is zero compression. Fully clockwise compression is 10:1"
Click to expand...
By reading between the lines I think we have to conclude that the knob controls the ratio of compression.

Ratio when talking about compressors is easy enough to understand.
At a 2:1 ratio, when your input signal goes over the threshold setting by 2db, the output will only increase by 1db.
Lower the threshold setting or increase your input gain, and for example +12db in will result in +6db out.

At a 10:1 ratio, you would have to exceed the threshold by 10db to get a minimal 1db increase in output.
Squished.
 
#16
If you are using an all tube amp and have like Jimmy, worked out how to play not only the right notes! but also uncannily at about the right volume, as you are getting >6dB of beautiful natural compression from the output tubes/transformer and cab without any noticeable distortion from an SVT 300 and an 8x10
It's only the more linear SS amp topology that might benefit from a little gain reduction on the louder notes.:)
Of course we use very high power and low speaker count to get this effect today, hard driven speakers are not bad at doing compression either.
Well if you don't mind a bit of cone breakup in the sound.:)
 

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