It also helps to know that the ratio knob only goes down to 4:1 at its lowest setting, which is a popular ratio for bass. It doesn’t go down to 1:1 like some other comps do.
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Interesting that some of your examples have a slow attack and fast release. One intention on using a compressor is to try to remove the clack I get from when I’m digging in and the string is striking the frets hard. I’m mostly a finger player and I can come down pretty hard when I’m into it. Seems like a fast attack is what would be what’s called for in that example. The other reason I have thought of for using a compressor on bass might be to get a little more volume out of the thinner strings, but I’m not sure if that’s actually possible or if a compressor is the right application for that?
Yes, I probably am not an expert on using a compressor, that why I asked here. I thought that’s what these forums were for…
I do like a lot more squish but it's good to see others because I just don't play one way, I vary my styles and technique. Plus I run my compressors (yes multiple boards) with the compressor last. So yes I know how to use compressors, I also know I'm not the end all be all of how everyone uses or should use compressors...Absolutely. You have to understand what threshold, attack and release are, then set it up according to your playing style. You can't just copy someone's settings.
Based on your reply (You're setting your compression high, because you see other users settings.) you clearly don't understand the compressor.
It also helps to know that the ratio knob only goes down to 4:1 at its lowest setting, which is a popular ratio for bass. It doesn’t go down to 1:1 like some other comps do.
View attachment 5126935
I do like a lot more squish but it's good to see others because I just don't play one way, I vary my styles and technique. Plus I run my compressors (yes multiple boards) with the compressor last. So yes I know how to use compressors, I also know I'm not the end all be all of how everyone uses or should use compressors...
This is a very useful piece of information.
Another thing I can’t find in the manual is what the current draw of this pedal is. It says 9-18v, but noting about draw. I hope 100mA is sufficient.
Last? Hmm, I always thought it should be first, that way and effects afterwards are dealing with an ideal signal.
The manual says (minimum 100mA).
Yeah I sometimes use it as an effect but mostly last, for utilizing the full dynamic range of the pedals before it and the glue everything together. Very light ratio although I admit to using a much higher ratio than I previously thought I did.Last? Hmm, I always thought it should be first, that way and effects afterwards are dealing with an ideal signal.
Wow I didn't know this. This solves the noise issue I was having. My ratio was around 2p! Brought the ratio down to 4:1 like the compressor so much better now.It also helps to know that the ratio knob only goes down to 4:1 at its lowest setting, which is a popular ratio for bass. It doesn’t go down to 1:1 like some other comps do.
View attachment 5126935
my understanding is that it’s not so much more volume on the thinner as the ability to raise the overall level since the fatter strings tend to get squashed a bit more. Levels are equalized across things so you’re not dropping bombs on the fat strings. The levels across strings are equalized.
it’s called make up gain I think.
I like getting some more volume from the thin strings so I do roll the HPF back a bit…it makes the fatter strings a bit quieter but then I do roll the overall output up a bit to make up for that.
Of course you can do this with your fingers too but the compressor seems to accomplish this in a more precise and predictable way than my current abilities allow.
Here's the settings I currently use, hope it helps. It is good to see what other people have their Cali76 set to. Many of them are very similar.
View attachment 5133009
I did use @IvanBassist's YouTube Video to help me out: