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Does anyone NOT use a compressor? (... and why not?)

#282
I did for a few years, then stopped, as I didn't really feel it was needed, at least for the blues. Additionally, my last 2 bands were really into dynamics, where we were balls to the wall for a section, then would instantly drop down to very quiet for a section at times. It was like reading each others minds. I really enjoyed that. The crowd seemed to enjoy it as well. I don't see varying volume as a problem, but as another color in the pallet (if done correctly).
 
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#283
Joedog said:
Additionally, my last 2 bands were really into dynamics, where we were balls to the wall for a section, then would instantly drop down to very quiet for a section at times. It was like reading each others minds. I really enjoyed that. The crowd seemed to enjoy it as well. I don't see varying volume as a problem, but as another color in the pallet (if done correctly).
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A quality compressor used correctly doesn't interfere with those dynamics.

It's fine that you don't want to bother with compression at all -- I usually don't either. Just trying to correct some misconceptions about compression. I think a lot of people (not necessarily you) base their opinion about compression on the crappy one-knob compressors crammed into average-quality bass heads: these usually do squash dynamics. Quality compression doesn't.
 
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#284
Fuzzbass said:
I rarely use a compressor because for me it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have. And I always recommend practicing at home without compression, unless the goal is to familiarize oneself with the compressor unit, or compression in general.

With that in mind: I don't use compression to even out my playing/level. The #1 reason I like compression is that it adds an extra sumpin-sumpin that helps me sit better in the mix. I don't lose any dynamics -- in fact, it helps my dynamics stand out better. Others have said the same thing in this thread and others. It's why compression is used when recording the very best musicians, and also in live performances, even if those musicians would never use compression in their stage rigs/monitors.

It's a mistake to believe that compression mainly exists to fix problems with technique. Sure, it can possibly help with that; and can also be used as an overdrive or squish effect. But the most important use of compression is to improve the mix. To borrow from a vintage ad campaign: "compression doesn't make the music, it makes the music better". Any device (or instrument) misused can make the music worse, but I'm talking about why top-of-the-line studios and sound companies use compression.

My point isn't that everyone should use compression. Again, I usually don't. Just explaining why some pros I know who have flawless technique (IMO) like to use compression. Others don't, and that's fine too.
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I have considered it, same as a sonic maximizer maybe tighten things up? Wouldn't know where to begin with one. Maybe a dbx 160. I done want crap gear
 
#285
wolfkeller said:
I have considered it, same as a sonic maximizer maybe tighten things up? Wouldn't know where to begin with one. Maybe a dbx 160. I done want crap gear
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The Sonic Maximizer is an Eq pedal. Different animal. It can boost the bottom and top giving you a smiley face Eq. Sold mine. Don’t miss it. There’s more than enough threads on that can of worms.
 
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#286
wolfkeller said:
I have considered it, same as a sonic maximizer maybe tighten things up? Wouldn't know where to begin with one. Maybe a dbx 160. I done want crap gear
Click to expand...

I hesitated to post compression info in a thread about not using compression -- but hey, it's always good to have an informed opinion, right? The Ovnilab site might actually be too helpful, in that it reviews dozens of compressors, but it also has an excellent FAQ on what compression is and how it can be used:

Compressor Reviews



Again... not trying to talk anyone into compression.
 
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#287
Fuzzbass said:
I hesitated to post compression info in a thread about not using compression -- but hey, it's always good to have an informed opinion, right? The Ovnilab site might actually be too helpful, in that it reviews dozens of compressors, but it also has an excellent FAQ on what compression is and how it can be used:

Compressor Reviews



Again... not trying to talk anyone into compression.
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Your posts are totally relevant and informative.
 
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#289
I used a Keeley Bassist as an “always on” compressor on my board for quite some time. Now that I have a B|Amp, I only use the parallel compression on it for my slap setting in its memory bank. So I guess I now only use a compressor about 30% of the time.
 
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#291
I've had a few amps with built in compressors, ampeg and trace elliiot. I'm sure there were low quality but it was totally useless and did nothing for me so that is part of why I've never felt the need for one. I'm not against it, I really just question it's usefulness
 
#292
wolfkeller said:
I've had a few amps with built in compressors, ampeg and trace elliiot. I'm sure there were low quality but it was totally useless and did nothing for me so that is part of why I've never felt the need for one. I'm not against it, I really just question it's usefulness
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If I was designing an amp, I wouldn’t bother.
Everyone has their own personal opinion and taste on compression so why force someone to pay for a feature they may not want or use. My Eden amps all had single button on/off onboard compressors and I never used them. although i did get a lot of use out of a DiamondBCP-1 and now use my Cali76cb all the time.
 
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#293
loveandbass said:
I bought one after many years and realized that I don’t really need it. Perhaps I’m using it wrong though.

Lemme know
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I have no idea whether you were using compression wrong, but there's no shame if you were. Compression is difficult to use properly, whether you have a streamlined one with 3 or fewer knobs, or a full-featured one with 4 or more. First you have to figure out how you want to use compression (there are a number of ways), second you have to figure out how to achieve that goal with the particular compressor you own. Threshold, attack, release, ratio, etc: even if you understand all the functions, it can still be difficult to dial in what you want.

Point being, if you don't need compression, then don't worry about it. But if you're curious, check out the Ovnilab FAQ for guidance, and also reviews of various compressors.
 
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#295
joebar said:
I’ve never used one; just another thing to spend money on.
I like as straight a signal as possible
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Me too.

IMG_1595.JPG
 
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#296
Fuzzbass said:
I have no idea whether you were using compression wrong, but there's no shame if you were. Compression is difficult to use properly, whether you have a streamlined one with 3 or fewer knobs, or a full-featured one with 4 or more. First you have to figure out how you want to use compression (there are a number of ways), second you have to figure out how to achieve that goal with the particular compressor you own. Threshold, attack, release, ratio, etc: even if you understand all the functions, it can still be difficult to dial in what you want.

Point being, if you don't need compression, then don't worry about it. But if you're curious, check out the Ovnilab FAQ for guidance, and also reviews of various compressors.
Click to expand...


Thanks for this post!

On the advice of ovnilabs I picked up a Carl martin compressor limiter. I’m using it in my FX loop of my Eden head. I like the “chewy” sound it imparts but it also seems to increase string noise and stuff like that.
 
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#297
I don't NOT use compression. It's not on a small percentage of time to shape the sound going to my envelope filter so I can closer simulate envelopes that aren't normally available in the filter. It's not that it isn't good infront of octave pedals, or to enhance some dynamic content, I just don't not enjoy it for those roles.
 
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