DBX 166XL compressor newbie

[GraffixNyc]

I know nothing when it comes to compressors. I got one because my bandmates said it's good to have. I read the manual and their suggested settings. If any of you have the 166XL what are your settings? for both the compressor and the expandetr/gate

What I'm looking for out of the compressor is just an even tone and have everything be level. like softer notes coming through just as much as harder played notes. Just curious to get some ideas on what settings bassists use for this unit and how their settings effect the tone. I use the compressor with an ampeg SVT pro3 head and a svt 8x10 cab if that matters and all of my basses are active. I play all spectors one has a preamp that's a little hotter then my other basses and get's annoying when dealing with the volume differences when on stage and switching basses. when I switch basses to the one that's hotter I always have to play with the volume a bit to get my level right. would using a compressor help with this as well?
Thanks
Patrick

 

[343 Salty Beans]

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That's a compressor how-to, etc.

 

[Andy V.]

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That's a compressor how-to, etc.

+1

Bongomania to the rescue!

 

[OrangeSun]

yes, the compressor will be able to help with keeping the different basses at the same level...basically you need to set the threshold to right above the loudest you ever want it to be, and then if the signal is louder than that, the compressor will kick in and lower the volume. From there, the ratio will determine how much it lowers the signal. If the one bass is just a bit hotter, then a ratio of 2:1 or 4:1 should do the trick. Experiment and find the sweet spot!