compression

[Biglb79]

so I'm just curious what others think. would it be more beneficial for my tone to use the built in compression on my Eden WT 600 amp or use the MXR bass compressor pedal? I would guess the pedal because it has more options (release, attack, output, ratio, input) as opposed to my amp head just having (amount and ratio), but then again with the more options I don't always know what I'm doing and having more may not be ideal.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Compression has a steeper learning curve than other FX, so you make a good point that the simpler comp on your amp might be better for a beginner. That said, there's also the performance aspect. The MXR is a highly rated compressor pedal. Simple onboard compressors can sometimes give too much "squish", or affect your tone negatively (kill your highs, or lows, or whatever) -- but that said, I don't know anything about the Eden compressor, it might not have any real negatives.

Bottom line: the thing to do is just try out the Eden compressor for awhile and see if you like it. If so, then you won't need to worry about a pedal.

If you decide the Eden isn't what you want: again, the MXR is highly rated, but there are also simpler alternatives if you don't want to deal with all those knobs. First thing first: try the amp comp!

 

[Mighty Thumb]

It really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. There is also nothing that says you can’t use both. I sometimes use multiple stages of compression in my live signal chain, and often do when mixing recordings. I start by establishing what my end goal is, then use the available tools to get there. The MXR is a capable tool. What are you looking to achieve with compression?

@Fuzzbass is correct, there is a learning curve to compression, and I would include developing critical listening skills in that curve.

 

[Biglb79]

It really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. There is also nothing that says you can’t use both. I sometimes use multiple stages of compression in my live signal chain, and often do when mixing recordings. I start by establishing what my end goal is, then use the available tools to get there. The MXR is a capable tool. What are you looking to achieve with compression?

@Fuzzbass is correct, there is a learning curve to compression, and I would include developing critical listening skills in that curve.

lol that's a good question. I just want to obtain the optimal tone and my dream tone is to sound like Mike Gordon, but I know that's going to difficult. I also don't want to have the volume drop a ton when I slap, but I have a booster pedal for that

 

[MCS4]

lol that's a good question. I just want to obtain the optimal tone and my dream tone is to sound like Mike Gordon, but I know that's going to difficult.

It sounds like you need to spend some more time figuring out what you want out of a compressor, if anything, before you try to decide which one is going to be best for you. For example, many compressors -- including the MXR specifically -- are not intended to have much effect on your "tone" per se, but rather are intended to handle utility tasks such as evening out the volume between notes, limiting peaks, etc. If you want a compressor that has some type of "tone magic" that will add noticeable color to your tone, you're going to want to look at completely different options.

That said, if you have the means, there is nothing wrong with picking up a stand-alone compressor such as the MXR to play around with and see how a compressor with more options might help you (or not).

 

[crguti]

Can you hear what it does the compression in your amp?

 

[Biglb79]

Can you hear what it does the compression in your amp?

not well, and it's not easy to test out in my one bedroom apartment. I need to invest in some type of headphones so I can turn it up louder and test everything better than I'm able to do right now

 

[Bassist30]

I think you would benefit from knowing first what Ratio, attack, Release and Threshold means regarding a compressor. First learn the basics Audio Compression 101: How to Use a Compressor for a Better Mix | LANDR

Next, Speak to a good engineer/Mixer. Even if he does it professionally at home. One knob compressors even though the EDEN WT 600 is a fine amp, are at a set release,attack, Threshold and ratio. Its a learning curve. But can be learned.