Do most bassists use a compressor/limiter?

[6ULDV8]

Relax. I read all the threads. I just want some input because I saw a youtube of a really awesome sounding bass player and in the comments everyone was saying "he must be using a lot of compressor or a noise gate"

whats up with that?

how does a noise gate help my bass sound?

 

[scotch]

Relax. I read all the threads. I just want some input because I saw a youtube of a really awesome sounding bass player and in the comments everyone was saying "he must be using a lot of compressor or a noise gate"

whats up with that?

how does a noise gate help my bass sound?

Noise gates only 'fix' problems that really shouldn't be there in the first place!



Regarding compression:

For recording, I agree that compression is pretty much a must.

For live use, I often see it being used as a 'crutch' for poor right hand technique or lack of dynamic control. There's a time & place for it, but I feel it gets over-used on stage. (At the front-of-house mixing board is another story!)

 

[Zooberwerx]

I did a poll, and all the bass players at my house use one.

Here's a good question: do compressors provide dynamic control over and above what an experienced bassist can provide with his own two hands?

Riis

 

[kesslari]

I can't speak for "most bassists".
I do not use compression when I play fingerstyle - I like exploring a wide dynamic range in my playing.
I recently started using a little compression when I play slap, and I like it in that context.

 

[etoncrow]

I use a Maxon compressor to gain more sustain from my Azola EUB...seems to work well for that application.

 

[René_Julien]

I always use compression.

For a fuller sound, I don't let it get in the way of my dynamics.

I prefer SS amps, that has something to do with it.
With a nice all-tube amp compression is less necessary (or at all)... unless you want to use it as an effect.
Or if your overall sound is pretty much overdriven with a pedal compression isn't really needed either. IMO and IME

As an effect (very squished or bowed-like attack) it's also fun.

 

[bigchiefbc]

I would say that a compressor is a very common piece of gear. I primarily use like an effect, as opposed to cleaning up my technique. I usually use it when I want really long sustain on some passages.

 

[Anonymous 98765]

The only time I've used compression is when I've recorded in the studio and it's been applied afterwards.

I don't use it live, never really felt the need for it.

I agree with whoever said that compression can sound good with slap, especially on a jazz bass (think Marcus Miller)

 

[4lPh4n0m3g4]

IME, compression does not overly limit dynamics. That happens when a signal is over compressed. ( Tubes also provide compression; yet one wouldn't say anyone who plays through a tube amp has a limited dynamic range)

Just like too much oxygen can kill a living being, so too, can too much compression choke out an audio signal. It's all dependent on the sound one is trying to achieve. There are certainly sounds that can only be achieved by using a comp and/or gate, that can't be achieved by hand technique alone.

That said, compression/gates are not a replacement for good technique; but can be very useful for situations where good technique is unable to address the problem one may be having.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I use compression to keep the low end from getting out of control, and to promote eveness across all strings. I use a low ratio (around 4:1), so dynamic impact is minimal.

 

[QuintrKD]

Isn't compression (or a very refined technique to offset the need for it) a lot more critical in playing slap bass ? I generally don't play it, but that would be the situation that I'd expect to find it indispensible.

 

[Frettage]

To me, compression is like cruise control. I don't generally need it, but it's nice to have.

 

[Robertron]

I like what my MultiComp's gain does for my tone, and it's helpful for going between fingering, tapping, and picking with a more even tone. My EBS is always on.

 

[dkelley]

I've never used a compressor as a crutch (not taking that comment personally, but there's more to compression than dynamic control for poor right hand technique).

I'm a very dynamic player intentionally and when desired. I have good control when it's appropriate, but you can't be expressive if you don't use dynamics. So a compressor isn't always a good thing since it does tend to reduce dynamics.

But if you want the tonal changes that come from changing your playing technique, playing hard, soft, with a pick, slapping, all interchanging rapidly throughout a piece of music, then a compressor is the ONLY way to maintain some sort of consistent level without running a volume pedal and being really (really!) good with it.

Also compressors/limiters can give you the best slap/pop sound possible as well as with certain other styles.

so it's not for lack of skill that many players use them, it's because it gives you more tones within a certain dynamic range, and some tones you can't get otherwise at all.

but I hate overcompression when I'm playing - I prefer to switch it on when needed. There's nothing more annoying than sitting in as a guest in a gig on someone else's bass rig and not getting any dynamic control with your right hand

 

[bongomania]

Here's a good question: do compressors provide dynamic control over and above what an experienced bassist can provide with his own two hands?

Yes! Good ones can, absolutely. Granted there are an awful lot of bad and mediocre comps out there, to the point where most players will only have personally used those not-very-good ones, either as cheap pedals or as a one-knob thing in their amp head, so a huge percentage of players have this idea that all a comp is good for is dulling their tone and losing their dynamics. So they'd understandably think people who use comps are just trying to cover up their lack of dynamic control skills.

But as well-observed above, there is so much more to what a good-quality comp can do, when well-chosen and skillfully applied. One of my favorite qualities from certain comps is how they bring "forward" the upper harmonics, giving a livelier and richer tone. Try getting that result just by plucking at a consistent strength!


Noise gates, OTOH... Don't get me started. With only a very few exceptions, I hate them. It is always better to remove noise in some other way, rather than using a gate.

 

[scotch]

I did a poll, and all the bass players at my house use one.

Here's a good question: do compressors provide dynamic control over and above what an experienced bassist can provide with his own two hands?

Riis

Absolutely! Compression can be an effect, and can definitely do things that hands simply cannot.

 

[ryansalmond]

if you want the tonal changes that come from changing your playing technique, playing hard, soft, with a pick, slapping, all interchanging rapidly throughout a piece of music, then a compressor is the ONLY way to maintain some sort of consistent level without running a volume pedal and being really (really!) good with it.
...
so it's not for lack of skill that many players use them, it's because it gives you more tones within a certain dynamic range, and some tones you can't get otherwise at all.

+1!

 

[deaf pea]

I ALWAYS have one of my Trace Elliot Dual Compressor pedals active whenever I play . . . I like that little bit extra sustain that is there . . .

but the most important thing . . FOR ME . . is the "resistance" that I feel on every note, that "compacting" of the notes . . .

it's definitely a big part of "MY sound" . . . YMMV . . . . . .

 

[Jotha]

I use a Aphex Punch Factor compressor, and it's indispensable to me!!! Not only contribuites to add punch to my signal, but makes it hotter too... I don't know how "good" it can be, but it works for me... And it doesn't add significative noise to my tone.
The Punch Factor it's an optical compressor, so it contribuites to a smoother and more musical response...

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

I use compression to keep the low end from getting out of control, and to promote eveness across all strings. I use a low ratio (around 4:1), so dynamic impact is minimal.

this.