compressor clips?

A compressor, in simplest terms, just boosts the volume of the quieter notes you play(playing softly) , and cuts the volume of the louder notes you play(when playing very forcefully) to create a more even overall volume, based on how much compression you use. most avoid using it with finger playing, and choose to use it with slap since there's so much dynamic variance that could result in an otherwise unpleasant volume fluctuation. using a compressor would just even out all the highs and lows to bring it closer to the same range, of volume that is. some don't like using compression because it takes away your dynamics if you purposly try to play at very different volumes and energy levels at different times (when needed). there's tons of threads about it. search around a bit and you should find something.

 

Well having clip is pretty useless, a good compressor is not supposed to change the sound of your bass. A compressor is not an effect you add to your sound, it is really just a device used to even out the volume of your playing.

 

I use a dbx 166XL, and I personally love it. It replaced an Alesis 3630, and IMO it buries the Alesis.

 

Check out the links in Bongomania's signature. He has reviewed most of the more common compressors and explains how they work and why.
Compression is used as an effect as well as for dynamic control. For instance, Tony Levin often uses compression as an audible effect. It makes for a tight punchy sound, like a really loud note inside a quieter note if that makes any sense. Like the gum that goes squirt. The clean lead guitar sound that is quite prevalent in country music employs heavy compression.

 

Yeah, check the reviews AND the FAQ in my sig. There's another reason why clips would be useless: converting audio into MP3, WMA, or any other easy-to-download format removes so much audio data (through a different sort of compression) that any subtle differences in gain or tone would be obliterated. As stated, though, most compressors are designed to NOT change your sound at all, but rather adjust the peaks of your volume.

 

On a side note, I was wondering if anyone had some clips of true bypass. Or maybe a buffered bypass? Maybe some clips A/Bing Monster cables with a trashy cable. MONSTER RULES!