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

[Spectrum]

Don't think anyone in these parts would disagree with the statement that the PF compressor is best avoided.

Actually, back when I was shopping for an amp somebody on TB said it was a good 1-knob compressor. Maybe they were smoking crack, I don't know.

 

[kat888]

Maybe it's just me then. Anyway I've run OD only, PF comp only and both together (scientific and all that). The OD compression sounds (to me) better than the PF compression, and both together just sounds flat and lifeless. I *was* going to go for a Keeley Bassist fwiw.

 

[AlienLanes]

I don't use any OD/Distortion pedals and use the gain on my SVT (which is turned up to about 2-3 o clock) for a grindy P bass sound. My Diamond Bass Comp definitely adds some clarity to the madness. I keep tone at noon, volume at about 2 o clock, and keep the level of compression down low enough to make a slight noticeable difference. I prefer to leave it always on.

 

[jerry]

I don't use one.

 

[wish i was]

I don't for two reasons:

1) I'm cheap
2) I don't really know what they do.

 

[R Baer]

At my gig last night I added an Xotic SP compressor between my passive P bass and Markbass amp and got the best sound I ever recall getting. The compressor evened out my volume and added a clean "grind" to my sound. Just loved it! Has anyone who's tried using a compressor chosen not to make it an essential part of their signal chain? And if so, why not?

Can't say I've ever used a compressor live. Between my fingers and setting the front end gain, I've never seen the need and always feel is compromises my dynamics. I'll always use a little in the studio, but always with the threshold set pretty high, just to catch the hard peaks, and with no more than a 3:1 ratio.

 

[hintz]

For my pop/variety group, no compression, the same goes with big band, jazz combo, and most styles! For my metal group I use my Empress and Darkglass VMTD ,both always on as it helps me sit in the mix *so* much better with twin guitars!!

All that said, I don't buy the whole idea that people who use compression "hide" behind them as a crutch for poor technique which is similarly used as an reason *not* to use overdrive!! I'd argue that either *can* actually bring technique problems to the surface.

I've gone back and forth on this and found I'm completely fine *without* in any scenario, ive also owned my share of bad-terrible comps...So is compression necessary for live use?? No, FOH will almost certainly compress you, but it sure makes a difference once you find a good one, for me the Empress is just perfect!

 

[john_g]

Ive tried several compressor pedals, nothing too high end for my live rig, but just didnt like the results. I have worked really hard to get my technique pretty even and clean so it didnt really help too much. However, if I was slapping or tapping alot more, then I would probably have one for sure.

 

[4stringmachinepete]

I've used them a few times but I don't own one, i'm pretty happy with the sound that comes out of the amp. I really liked using them in combo with certain effect pedals it really seems to drive them and add another layer of sound.

 

[Fingerpickingood]

My amp has comp and limiter built in, but my OD pedal renders them pointless.

 

[Nev375]

For how I would use them (barely at all) it's just not worth the added circuitry in my signal.
I don't need one that bad with how I play these days.

 

[The Regulator]

Don't need it for the type of music I play.

 

[Sgt. Rock]

Didn't use one for decades, instead relying on technique to control dynamics. Once I really tried a good one for the first time, I had an "ah-ha!" moment. A compressor is *not* a substitute for proper technique. It is an adjunct TO proper technique. I don't believe it is possible to replicate the kind of dynamic limiting (with technique alone) that a good compressor offers.

Now, I run an MXR M87 on each channel of my rig, and they are "always on" effects. I love what they do for my tone and sound.

It's easy to overdo compression and end up with a dynamically tepid sound. This is not the fault of the unit. Used correctly, even heavy compression need not be excessive, and should *enhance* dynamic response.

 

[Rayjay]

I got the XP too. My favorite setting is high compression with about 25% wet/75% dry blend. The blend feature is great because I don't like to hear compression but I want to hear the benefits.

Before this pedal I hated compression - I think it's a combo of me now learning how to use it effectively and being about to blend dry signal in with the XP.

 

[pacojas]

i love what the Smoothie does for the Octabass!!! drool
"creamy-quashed-octave-down" is just wonderful & marvelous.

 

[bdplaid]

I don't. I've tried almost every one on the market under $200 and the only one I came close to liking was (lump in throat) the $25 Behringer, which is a Boss knock-off. But I dislike using any pedals, I like a clean signal chain.
I'm a very dynamic player and they limit what i can do too much. However, I usually like what compressors do for the tone.
Another thing - if I use a passive bass, that extra 20 feet of cable usually sucks out a bunch of detail in the tone - not just the high end, but makes it muddy. Not supposed to with good pedals, but usually does.

 

[Fuzzbass]

It's wrong to think that compression is only there to fix poor technique. There are many uses. Some like it as an effect, or to emulate tube saturation. Some use it for tone coloration.

Others use it live for the same reason it's used in the studio: evenness in the mix. There are pro players who have pro technique who do exactly this.

 

[Marko 1]

I have one built into my head, and I like how it evens out my sound.

I suppose it falls into the “crutch” category for me. .

 

[avvie]

Same here, man. Same here.

Joyo Dynamic Comps are only $35. They can work as a limiter or as a sustaining grinder that ties notes together.

 

[xelaalex]

I don't use one. I don't use one because im yet to find one that fits with what i aim for in 'my sound ' i like my dynamics and seem to get the control need for consistency from my vol onboard the bass and my attack thru fingers or pick where needed.i do use a g&l l2500 so sustain isn't an issue .... being smug .......my amp has a valve pre(fusion 550) and i imagine it gives me some tube squish ....weather it does or not .....anyhoo .no no compressor in my rigg .