Blending in compression

[KwanzaaLizard]

I have an old Boss CS-2 that I'd like to work into my chain in some way. Ever since Juan Alderete gave a brief overview of it, I've had a hard time ignoring it. I'm attempting to blend it in which is sounding okay, but I haven't used it in a mix with a band. If anyone has experience with this I would appreciate a little light on the subject.

This is the video I'm referring to. I am mostly interested in using the CS-2 to integrate harmonics into my playing. I play in a funk group at the moment, and for reference here's the layout of my pedalboard:


Basically, I've got all my effects blending with the dry signal via the LS-2. The CS-2 is at the head of the effects in order to trigger the Synth Wah more accurately. The MXR M87 is set up more as a limiter than anything else, since I get strange peaks from the envelope filter settings.

TL;DR is it stupid to try to blend in a compressor set for "squishiness" and to enhance harmonics, yet maintain the low end of the bypass signal? The CS-2 sadly robs my signal of it's booty.

 

[eeyorebass]

Blending compression is done all the time, it's called parallel compression.

Inevitable link to Bongo's FAQ: http://www.ovnilab.com/articles/parallel.shtml

 

[KwanzaaLizard]

Thanks for the immediate response! I have been devouring the ovnilabs pages lately! My issue is that the CS-2 is a really finicky pedal, adds a little grit to the signal.

If anyone has experience doing parallel compression with a CS-2, especially in live settings (I know... this may be a long shot), I would love some pointers. My goals are to cut through better in faster fingerstyle sections of songs and to enhance harmonics. Thanks again, eeyorebass!

 

[lemongrenades]

I love my CS-2 and also use an x-blender. What I would recommend is that you put the cs-2 before the loop. Tuner>CS-2>Looper. It really works great this way. That pedal has a really special top end. If you want to use it for harmonics it'll sound best with the sustain knob past noon. I like 2 oclock.
If the drop in low end is why you are blending, I find that a slight bass boost on my amp gets me right were I started before the comp was on. Its not much of a low end cut at all.
You could also come off the attack a bit. I too like it pinned, but you will get more of the note through if you pull it back a bit

 

[KwanzaaLizard]

Excellent advice! I'll try putting it out of the loop for a bit. I only had the attack maxed out because that's how Mr. Alderete had it in the video, but I know he's got two on his board and perhaps he just wanted to showcase the capabilities for the video.

Do you tend to leave your CS-2 on all of the time or do you turn it on as sort of an effect?

 

[lemongrenades]

All the time. It makes my whole chain sound better. Everything else changes. The cs2 is the one thats always there always on

 

[Diaz]

Here's a short clip of parallel compression using the CS-2 and Boss's LS-2 as suggested in another thread a few days ago.
Settings on the CS-2 are at fastest attack possible (full counter-clock wise), about 2pm on sustain and about 1/3 max volume of my Fender fretless MIM J-Bass bridge pickup
https://soundcloud.com/amecameca/sets/fun

And here's how the soundwaves looked:

http://i.imgur.com/xdxcMfa.png

Hope it helps even though it's kinda crappy!


Btw OP, i went for it for the same reason as you! Tone sounds more full, without reducing my dynamic range too much.

 

[KwanzaaLizard]

franksg, where do you recommend setting the attack? I did find that Sustain around 2 'o clock was where I had a noticeable difference, thanks for that tip!

I played in a medium club last night without a thorough sound check so I couldn't hear things too well but the parallel CS-2 seemed to add some punch and definition to my tone that wasn't quite there otherwise.

Here's a short clip of parallel compression using the CS-2 and Boss's LS-2 as suggested in another thread a few days ago.
Settings on the CS-2 are at fastest attack possible (full counter-clock wise)
...

I had just a few questions. When you said full counter-clockwise do you mean set to look like 8 o clock or 5 o clock, since I thought turning the attack knob counter-clockwise would slow down the attack.

Also, you mentioned having your volume set to 1/3. Is that to play differently with the compressor or do you normally do that? Just wondering since I keep my bridge volume full-on unless I switch to soloing the neck pup.