DBX compressor as a preamp

[panazza]

is it possible to use a DBX compressor (such as a 266xl or a 166a) as a preamp? going like this:

bass----compressor----power amp.

?

 

[MODNY]

well

i would imagine this would werk if u have a onboard pre-amp on the bass itself

if not

then i wont have very much control i would imagine

i could be wrong though

 

[Mo'Phat]

Yeah...well, maybe...probably not...no.

A compressor is all about controlling gain, not volume. There's input gain which is the signal coming from your bass and the input gain of the compressor...then the compressor does its compressing thang, effectively cutting the volume peaks (making you quieter)...then there's makeup gain, which is intended to make the volume coming out the same as the overall volume coming in...except your peaks are chopped so you sound louder and fuller.

Some comps have a significant makeup gain, but it is not a volume control. Can it be used as such? Probably, but as MODNY said, you won't have the control you're used to.

 

[Finger Blister]

is it possible to use a DBX compressor (such as a 266xl or a 166a) as a preamp? going like this:

bass----compressor----power amp.

?

NO.

Examples may vary, but hold true.

Instrument input is about -20 db.
Compared to the -10/+4 db Line Level I/O's found on your compressor.

Besides the Impedance would attentuate your signal.
Line Level Impedances of: 40k Balanced/Unbalanced
and /or Balanced > 50 kOhm, unbalanced > 25 kOhm

Typical Bass Preamp Passive Input: 1 Meg Ohms

Typical Active Input: 47K Ohms (attentuation of about -8 db)