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

#81
When I started playing bass again I didn't buy a comp first (or second or third) because they aren't sexy and I didn't really understand their use on bass. I have performed more as a horn player and I generally had little control of my sound once it went into the mic. I eventually learned what the comp did and learned how to ask for it to be set to hear the sound I wanted. But I was clueless on bass. Someone here said once back many threads ago they'd rather give up their G string than their comp. So I started researching and wouldn't go back to not having the option of one. You can always adjust the attack or threshold or just turn it off, but I would feel naked without having one at all if it needed to be turned on.

I have an SVT3 that has an Alesis 3632 comp in the fx loop, and I have a Carvin BX250 that has a built in comp that stays off, and has a Compressore at the beginning of the signal chain.

Both comps are set up different ways to get the sound I want out of each amp. The Compressore is set to give kind of a bwaaaaaaow crescend/drop off dynamic. I adjust it a little here and there but generally the sustain without transients sounds pretty great for longer notes. Love the way it sounds with dirt between it and the amp. I turn it off for pick playing most of the time.

The Alesis is much more of a light smoothing on top of everything. The SVT is set to break up when I play harder, I wanted the comp to happen after that breakup so they didn't cancel each other out. Because I run the Carvin clean and relatively flat, any dirt goes between the comp and amp. I tried it as the last effect before the amp, but I like it better first. The Alesis is the last thing before the power amp.

Very different sounds but I like what I get out of each. And I miss each when they're gone.
 
#83
gain set to max and volume to the room, then backing off the gain till i get as much breakup as I want. Took 3 tries to get it just right, and rarely moves now. I more or less set the comp to 12:00 and then just messed around with it till it sounded good. Tons of knobs on that thing and I really don't fully understand it but I do like it.

Best thing I can say is reading ovnilab will tell you if you want or need one and which to get.
 
#91
Had one for a while, nice little compressor...but I forgot to turn it on one night, then I turned it on in the middle of the set, played one song and turned it right off, never to reappear. Turns out I don't really like it.
 
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#92
I have a couple compressors but I don't use them unless it's a corporate gig. I like being able to accent my playing with volume dips and spikes that add to the song. Plus I also enjoy the challenge of keeping all my fingers at the same volume when I play. Compressors are great but I get lazy when using it.
 
#93
I'm posting this because you asked - no, I don't. Don't use anything between the amp and the bass but a cable. Why?
1) The guy I bought my first bass from didn't use anything, either; I liked his sound; and since I bought the same rig he used on stage...
2) In the decades since, I've just never felt the need - given the kind of things I like to play.
But, this is just me; and I don't think for a minute that everyone else should get rid of their pedals - whatever kind they are. I have some friends who keep bugging me to get a chorus pedal; maybe for a Birthday present...?:rolleyes:
 
#94
I use a Carl Martin compressor/limiter, and set it for only a light amount of compression, giving fat and consistent tone, peak reduction, and sustain. It is not set to be sensitive to tapping, I still have to work for that. The affect is subtle but worthwhile when you're cranking 700 watts on stage. I don't bother on my small practice amp. I also still use it when I use an overdrive because it gives me final control over the signal, performing a limiting function that cannot be achieved with only an overdrive.
 
#95
I do agree with the sentiment that LESS is BETTER. I got my compressor because I had done everything I could to get a certain sound with what I had and this was the next step. Don't buy a bunch of pedals just to have them. When I play a show I often see other bassists with all these pedals and rack effects, and half the time they're not even using them, or not using them right, making them look dumb to those in the know.
 
#98
I don't. For one thing, I'll be honest, I get it, but I don't. So that could have something to do with it. I've never really heard my sound, or rather I should say, I'm nowhere near close to being used to it, compressed. Yes, on recording and such. But I'm a live bassists 99.9% of the time.

Plus, I too use some kind of dirt around 85 to 90% of the time. It works for the band I'm in. Plus I use a lot of tone shaping. So I'm already compressing the signal quite a bit.

It's the one of a few areas in the effects realm I still haven't delved into and learned a lot about. Like I said, I get the main basis of compression, but I have no experience whatsoever. And I'm happy with my tone. Still though, compression still intrigues the hell out of me. Hopefully one day I'll be able to learn it well.
 
#99
I've always hated compression . It robs all the nuance and dynamics out of what you are playing. People claim it smooths everything out-so what- that is why you practice,to get an even attack. It is an attempt or shortcut to sounding good but all it does is give a blah,uniform sound.
 

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