Compression when recording bass?

[Shak_2112]

Hi,

I'm just wondering how you use compression in your signal chain when recording your bass via a DI to a DAW?

I'm never sure whether I should use full compression on the way in (can't undo later), use some compression for peaks only on the way in (will this affect the quality of compression applied later when mixing?) or apply no compression on way in (full control when mixing).

Any thoughts on the above would be great.

Thanks.

 

[Basslice]

Sometimes I play through an optical compressor pedal on the way in, sometimes not. I almost always compress in post mixing regardless of whether I do pre or not. I guess it depends on what style of song I am recording.

 

[scott sinner]

I don't have one set way. But some considerations:

If it is a quite song or one where the bass is exposed alone, I will record with it off especially if using any single coils because I want to do noise reduction before any compression (or other effects). I don't have a dedicated noise reduction pedal (because the rig isn't silly noisy anyway, I'm just a perfectionist sometimes).

If I'm micing the amp, because I want the full natural sound of the amp and my real speakers versus a modeller, I leave it on because that is how I am used to hearing it and it all subtly affects my performance.

 

[mongo2]

The recording engineer has always controlled it but I ask for none or light compression so my dynamics are maintained.

 

[skwee]

There are so many options in Logic or Garageband that I track with nothing at all on the signal, and then do the compression in the box.

 

[MonetBass]

There are so many options in Logic or Garageband that I track with nothing at all on the signal, and then do the compression in the box.

This is exactly what I do, if needed.

 

[seedokebass]

I do both 99% of the time. I use LMB3 after my overdrive/dirt pedals that I leave on all the time since it is part of my tone.

I don't squash it too hard in the DAW, the ratio is usually about 2 or 4 max.