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Does a Compressor Remove Your Dynamics?
- Thread starter Smallmouth_Bass
- Start date
I do.
I have not found a compressor that does rob some of your dynamics. I have considered trying a limiter to help even the volume between different effect combos. In theory this would allow me to control my dynamics and the limiter would just take care of the volume spikes.
I have not found a compressor that does rob some of your dynamics. I have considered trying a limiter to help even the volume between different effect combos. In theory this would allow me to control my dynamics and the limiter would just take care of the volume spikes.
I do.
I have not found a compressor that does rob some of your dynamics. I have considered trying a limiter to help even the volume between different effect combos. In theory this would allow me to control my dynamics and the limiter would just take care of the volume spikes.
I have not found a compressor that does rob some of your dynamics. I have considered trying a limiter to help even the volume between different effect combos. In theory this would allow me to control my dynamics and the limiter would just take care of the volume spikes.
If by 'dynamics' you mean variations in volume across all strings, then yes, that's what a compressor does, compress the loudest signals then evenly raise the volume of all signals. As far as my very limited knowledge on this subject goes.
Adamixoye
A PT Pro is cool for worship, right?
- Apr 9, 2012
- 18,158
- 69,338
- Disclosures
- Occasional Beta Tester for Confusion Studios, Singular Sound, and Source Audio
If it didn't remove some dynamic range it wouldn't be compressing. Having said that, in my Trace amp dual range compressor the low end lives half on and I don't lack for dynamics.
Adamixoye
A PT Pro is cool for worship, right?
- Apr 9, 2012
- 18,158
- 69,338
- Disclosures
- Occasional Beta Tester for Confusion Studios, Singular Sound, and Source Audio
TL;DR like Downunderwonder said, by their very nature, yes, they remove some dynamic range, but dynamics are actually slightly subjective and if properly applied compression can improve dynamics.
Absolutely, that is why I have refused to use them. I also make a big issue of limiting the amount of compression used on my tracks when recording. There is more than enough compression used in modern recording sessions as it is, I don't want my individual tracks loaded with it too.
Yes, a compressor looses dynamics. But, for bass players, the key musical value of a compressor is how it reshapes dynamics. It can be used to make the attack of the note more pronounced. Or it could be used to create more sustain. A small amount of compression can thicken the tone with little noticeable change in dynamics, sort of like what a tube amp will do when driven to near break-up.
Compressors "change" dynamics. Sometimes is good, sometimes not, a correct compressors use is not easy.
I far prefer my dynamics with my compressor than I ever did without it.
Yep, that the compressors 'thang' (read; job). I don't like to use them much, I've spend a ton of time working on gaining better control of my dynamics (a continual process) but I will use one if I want that typical compressor sound, solid attack with a smooth rounder tone. I use a quite old compressor (Peavey CSR-2) but the sonuus voluum has me wondering whether I should consider integrating it (compression) into my setup more.
That's why I love my MXR M87. Its LED indicators show how much reduction it's doing and you can compensate for that. I've gotten a lot more even in my attack since using it, and am able to compress less and less as I get better. It's still fantastic for evening out the differences between strings but it's not hampering my bite
That would depend on how you set the compressor; crank it fully and yes, maybe there is no life left in the sound, but use it with care and taste and your dynamics will be controlled or managed in a way you like. As several have said, the purpose of using a compressor is to change the dynamics in some way though.
There are bass sounds that are typically compressed, but I don't agree that there is a typical compressed bass sound.
Compressors alter dynamics and can e.g. increase/decrease the attack or sustain of notes. But they can also affect the tone, making your bass sound thicker/fuller. I.e. they don't only even out volume over time, but also volume over frequencies.
Compressors alter dynamics and can e.g. increase/decrease the attack or sustain of notes. But they can also affect the tone, making your bass sound thicker/fuller. I.e. they don't only even out volume over time, but also volume over frequencies.
THIS.
The whole point of a Compressor is to limit volume differences, or in another word - "dynamics" if you find you are compressing enough to effect that, than you are probably compressing too much, lighten up on you comp settings. I chose my compressor (BBE Opto Stomp - now called Optor Comp) for that very reason, it does its job but very subtly - it just makes the most quiet a little louder and the most loud a little quieter without affecting deliberate changes (in the middle somewhere) - but any comp can be set to a more sublte setting. A lot of people turn it to 12 and go because it gives a nice "push" to the sound (essentially added gain into the amp - but also everying is equally loud so you end up effectively louder because there are no quiet bits) but this will definitely limit dynamics considerably.
yes when you use compression the more compression you use the less dynamics you have.
Lately I've found i prefer using a limiter instead of a compressor. A limiter gives me what i like about compression without what i hate about compression.
The only time i use compression these days is for slapping and tapping
Lately I've found i prefer using a limiter instead of a compressor. A limiter gives me what i like about compression without what i hate about compression.
The only time i use compression these days is for slapping and tapping
that's exactly what they are supposed to do ... squish things that are a bit to loud ,... and the volume can be set to raise things that are to quite ... and a compressor can be used for certain effects when it's set to extremes ... ! I have several comps ... single , dual . quad band ... but as with most things , I prefer stuff that has a Blend knob ... !!! I have a newer Wampler Ego comp that has a blend knob ,... which gives me a lot of control over just how and how much I wanna squish things ... just a little bit and it still sounds natural , ... keeping your dynamics and tone intact ... YMMV
When you say dynamics, are we talking about volume levels in different parts of a song?
Because if you are using the compressor to get an even attack and clear sound with a very light touch, or slap or tap, and you expect to push up the volume by just digging in harder, it's not going to work.
The band will get loud, you'll be digging like crazy, and the compressor is lit up like a Christmas tree, trying to do what you set it up to do. Frustrating, but not the compressor's fault. More like user error or inexperience.
Compression is tricky. You can set it up for a fast attack and slow release and get tons of sustain, and boost your volume at the same time with the comps level, but your range of dynamic expression via your touch is going to be limited.
Compression can tighten up your attack and help get the details focused. Your overall level can be controlled in other ways. it's a two edge sword.
I've been through a number of comps, and I'm really happy with the Smoothie from Ovnilab.
Because if you are using the compressor to get an even attack and clear sound with a very light touch, or slap or tap, and you expect to push up the volume by just digging in harder, it's not going to work.
The band will get loud, you'll be digging like crazy, and the compressor is lit up like a Christmas tree, trying to do what you set it up to do. Frustrating, but not the compressor's fault. More like user error or inexperience.
Compression is tricky. You can set it up for a fast attack and slow release and get tons of sustain, and boost your volume at the same time with the comps level, but your range of dynamic expression via your touch is going to be limited.
Compression can tighten up your attack and help get the details focused. Your overall level can be controlled in other ways. it's a two edge sword.
I've been through a number of comps, and I'm really happy with the Smoothie from Ovnilab.
THIS. A compressor can do so many things other than just "squashing" dynamics. People who don't know how to use compressors properly are the people who complain about what they do to dynamics. Compressors are hard to use properly, but they can be incredibly useful - to add punch, to avoid clipping, to increase the dynamics of the note attack, increase (or reduce) sustain, to make a funky pumping sound, etc.
Do you find using a delay pedal makes your bass sound like there is an echo in the room?
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