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compression?
- Thread starter pecBass
- Start date
For this purpose you could go budget. The idea is that the octave pedal will perform better if it gets a compressed signal. Any decent compressor can perform that task.
as always, it depends on your goals. The common advice about putting compression before an octave pedal is to make sure there is consistent signal hitting the OC-5. This should keep the octaver from glitching from signal spikes and also improves tracking.
probably don't need anything fancy as far as compressors go, as long as it does the basic compression job. Now that being said, there are arguments about how much control a compressor offers vs the simplicity of the classic "one-knob" compressor. Also, some compressors add something to the sound and that may be desirable for you. Only you can say if that's true.
Simple compressors examples would be BBE OptoStomp, TC SpectraComp, MXR M87 or M282, Joyo Scylla. There are plenty of others too.
good luck
probably don't need anything fancy as far as compressors go, as long as it does the basic compression job. Now that being said, there are arguments about how much control a compressor offers vs the simplicity of the classic "one-knob" compressor. Also, some compressors add something to the sound and that may be desirable for you. Only you can say if that's true.
Simple compressors examples would be BBE OptoStomp, TC SpectraComp, MXR M87 or M282, Joyo Scylla. There are plenty of others too.
good luck
Off the top of my head, no. I’d have to dig out my pedal board because I honestly don’t remember which compressor I’ve got feeding my old OC-2. It’s probably a mid-priced MXR or Boss unit, though.
Maybe try using the OC-5 without a compression pedal first? In my experience, while a compressor is nice to have, it's definitely not required to get a great octaver experience.
The top thread in this forum is 11k+ posts. Testing all different compressors and discussions.
owning a compressor or three isn't a bad idea, but its not necessary to push an octaver. seems like the higher noise floor actually messes with it as much as helps it. doesn't hurt to try though. i'd probably put it after if anything.
IMO, having compressor in front of octaver is more important for analog octavers. For digital octavers, like OC5, it might not make a significant difference...
I use an OC5 sometimes, as (usually) first pedal in the chain, before dirt or modulation.
One of my basses seemed to lack a little sustain, so I did put a Boss LMB3 before it, set to a subtle sustain, not a blowout limiter, which it can be as well.
Does the trick fine, sustain wise.
But, to answer your question, no, a compressor isn't necessary, but just an option.
One of my basses seemed to lack a little sustain, so I did put a Boss LMB3 before it, set to a subtle sustain, not a blowout limiter, which it can be as well.
Does the trick fine, sustain wise.
But, to answer your question, no, a compressor isn't necessary, but just an option.
OTOH, it's possible that a compressor can make an octaver track worse. Compressor make loud bits quieter and quiet bits louder. Pitch effects tend to track better with a purer signal feeding them. As such, compressors might boost harmonic content to the point that it confuses the tracking algorithms and introduce artefacts.
Best thing IMO is feed pitch effects a strong signal, favour the neck pickup (if you have more than one) and roll of the tone control if it's not tracking well.
Best thing IMO is feed pitch effects a strong signal, favour the neck pickup (if you have more than one) and roll of the tone control if it's not tracking well.
I can tell you this, I wouldn't be seen out in public without my compression pedal.
The greatest advantage to using a compressor is that it takes much less effort to play your instrument.
Without it, you are literally fighting with your bass trying to control how you express yourself on it.
I've always said 'You are playing the bass, don't let it play you'
The greatest advantage to using a compressor is that it takes much less effort to play your instrument.
Without it, you are literally fighting with your bass trying to control how you express yourself on it.
I've always said 'You are playing the bass, don't let it play you'
Depends entirely on the comp and how you set it.
The way I run my Cali 76CB I had to put my analog octavers before it, and my envelope filters after it, to get everything sounding good, completely against conventional wisdom here.
A comp before an octaver is not in any way “needed”. Just practice playing cleanly and it will track.
The way I run my Cali 76CB I had to put my analog octavers before it, and my envelope filters after it, to get everything sounding good, completely against conventional wisdom here.
A comp before an octaver is not in any way “needed”. Just practice playing cleanly and it will track.
Personally
Agree. I seriously doubt you would notice any significant difference, or any at all with a compressor in front of the OC-5. Personally I don't use compression at all in a live situation, but occasionally for recording to fix problems.
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Compression at the end of the chain and here’s why.
Most effects pedals are affected by signal strength., especially pedals like Envelope Filters and Synth pedals. Placing the compressor first reduces parts of the signal to where the pedals have difficulty tracking and it also affects your playing expression going to the pedals.
Placing it at the end of the chain simply helps remove some spikes and smoothes the signal before it goes to the amp.
Secondly, think about this. There are quite a few amps who have adjustable compressors built in. That compressor is at the end of the chain. If that’s the incorrect location then I doubt amp manufacturers would continue to offer them in their amps.
Most effects pedals are affected by signal strength., especially pedals like Envelope Filters and Synth pedals. Placing the compressor first reduces parts of the signal to where the pedals have difficulty tracking and it also affects your playing expression going to the pedals.
Placing it at the end of the chain simply helps remove some spikes and smoothes the signal before it goes to the amp.
Secondly, think about this. There are quite a few amps who have adjustable compressors built in. That compressor is at the end of the chain. If that’s the incorrect location then I doubt amp manufacturers would continue to offer them in their amps.
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