Compressor; pedal vs. Rack mount

Check the FAQ linked in my sig to learn about both the compressor question and the preamp question, as well as the term "DI".

Also if you haven't found preamps for under $2000 then where have you been looking??? Most rack preamps cost less than $1000, and there are lots of good ones for under 500. (USD)

 

I read many reviews from bongo on compressor's...took his findings and bought a Markbass Compressore pedal and haven't looked back...it's badass (for me)

 

The point I'd like to make though is that choosing rack vs pedal must first be based on how you plan to connect and use the device, and with what other gear; and only AFTER that, based on personal preferences. For example if someone posts enthusiastically about a rack preamp that only has a -10 dBu unbalanced output, and you happen to have a power amp with balanced inputs and 1.4v sensitivity, then that preference-based recommendation is literally worthless to you. Same goes for compressors, which very often can only work well in one particular type of connectivity (line level vs instrument level, balanced/unbalanced).

Sansamp versus REDDI is a classic example of this. Yes they are both meant to emulate Ampeggish tube-amp-type tones, but the only connectivity mode they share is running direct from an instrument to a mixing desk. Trying to use the REDDI to drive a power amp, or as an effect in line with another amp, will fail. So if you wanted to do one of those two things, all the glowing reviews of the REDDI mean nothing.

BTW I love the REDDI, I'm not dissing it--just using it as an example.

 

To drive a PA-style power amp, the REDDI doesn't have enough gain. It has 15 or 16 dB max, and a power amp typically needs at least 24 dB, and often much more than that. As an "effect" in front of a regular amp, it only has a balanced XLR output, while the bass amp only has an unbalanced 1/4" input. You can use a cable with XLR on one end and TS on the other, but then you'd need a second DI box for running signal to the PA. (The 1/4" thru jack on the REDDI is just a Y off the input, not an output from its tube tone stage.)

So by adding a second preamp, or a special cable and a second DI box, you can make it work; but you reach a point of diminished returns.

 

Look at the ART TPS II. It's a 1U tube pre with 2 channels, and a switch to select different voicings for the tube circuit, including one intended for bass. It's around $300. They also have some non-rack-mount versions of this tube pre, some for under $50, all of which have enough gain to drive a PA amp directly, or you can DI into the board with it.

ART Pro Audio

 

Yes. Caveat: the REDDI's subtle tone qualities will be altered by the subsequent preamp and DI or cab/mic stages, possibly even eliminating whatever tone benefit the REDDI gave altogether, by the time it gets through to the PA.

 

Why not use the compressor and preamp on your SVT-4?

 

...and the basic SVT-4 sound is already pretty compressed...

 

Back from the dead.

I'm at the point where I need a compressor. I'm running a GK 1001rb with 8x10 mesa cab, chorus, big muff pi deluxe, and a Korg pitchblack advance - no board, all on the floor. I might add a delay at some point in the near future.

My first dilemma is do I get a compressor pedal (played with the fender the bends yesterday and it was absolutely fantastic) and get an actual pedal board (which I probably will anyway) or do i get a rack mount since it will always be on and I do need to get a road case for my head anyway.

My next dilemma is...which compressor, whether it's rack mount or pedal. Like I said, I did really like the bends. It was super transparent and did what was asked of it.

I'd like to keep it under $200 regardless.

I know that's a lot of questions, but just looking for some advice and anecdotes.