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

#121
I really don't understand all the compressor hate. To me, it's obligatory. I guess it depends a lot on playing style. I use anything from a light finger touch to picking up my bass by the b string and dropping it during a song. Having light compression kick in for peak spikes gives better levels at the preamp. My dynamics are improved with a compressor because it allows a wider range of technique to he used at useful volume.
 
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#124
I'm a compressor noob, and any time I've ever tried to use the effect there has been that overdrivey kind of coloring.

What compresors compress without coloring the tone like that? I really would only want to use one to even out the peaks and valleys without coloration?
 
#127
Cowboy in Latvia said:
On-board compressor in my Carvin Bx250-limits way too early and colors the sound too much. Set on 2 it squashes virtually all dynamic variation.
Click to expand...
This is why the MB Compressore is a perfect match. The amp is what 'flat' should sound like when set flat. The Compressore gives it some tubey goodness and has more than one knob so you don't have to deal with what Carvin thinks the comp should sound like. I had the same reaction as you when I first got mine. I would not have kept it if not for the comp and the B7K. It is a fine amp, and especially when I thought transparent was what I wanted, but I found it needed some love on the input side.

Kahrmine said:
I'm a compressor noob, and any time I've ever tried to use the effect there has been that overdrivey kind of coloring.

What compresors compress without coloring the tone like that? I really would only want to use one to even out the peaks and valleys without coloration?
Click to expand...
Compressor Reviews
 
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#131
I used to own a Rane DC24 and that thing was great for getting a even tone over the whole fingerboard.
I've since moved away from using a rack so I sold the Rane and replaced it with a Diamond Bass Compressor stomp box. I like the tone of the Diamond solo, but within the band context, I feel like I'm fighting it all the time. I never felt that way with the Rane. I think it's just the nature of a single band comp...
 
#133
Kahrmine said:
I'm a compressor noob, and any time I've ever tried to use the effect there has been that overdrivey kind of coloring.

What compresors compress without coloring the tone like that? I really would only want to use one to even out the peaks and valleys without coloration?
Click to expand...
Try the Xotic SP compressor. I am very pleased with the job it does while leaving my rig and I sounding like ourselves.
 
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#135
I use some compression from the built-in compressor on my Ampeg svt-6. I started using it when I noticed that I can get more volume out of my stage rig with it. I switch between fingerstyle and slap throughout a gig and play the low B string a lot, so it helps even-out the sound. Some of the slap stuff I play is very aggressive, so I'm really pounding the bass. Sometimes I'm digging-in on the fingerstyle playing and the compressor lets me get the "bark" but maintain an even volume. I just set the dial at about 11 o'clock and leave it.
 
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#136
Compressor vs. no compressor isn't an "either/or" proposition between using one and squashing your dynamics into a boring flatline, or opting out and producing painful peaks and non-audible subtleties that distract from the song. Like any effect, there is a bit of art to it and a learning curve.

If your compressor is removing dynamics that you want, adjust it. Spend some time with it. Cuddle up on the couch for an evening of Netflix and chill. If you wake up in the morning and you're happy to see it, you may be a compressor guy. If you feel like chewing your arm off to get away without disturbing it, you may not. And both are okay. Just give compression a fair shot and try more than one.
 
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#137
Im trying to decide between an old hartke transient attack 3500 head made in korea with a hartke 4x10 cab not sure where the cab is made bit probably korea. Or a peavey tnt 115 combo amp with 150 rms. I want to ise it to play small clubs mostly reggae music. Im not very experieced with gear any info would be great thanks.
 
#138
Sgt. Rock said:
Compressor vs. no compressor isn't an "either/or" proposition between using one and squashing your dynamics into a boring flatline, or opting out and producing painful peaks and non-audible subtleties that distract from the song. Like any effect, there is a bit of art to it and a learning curve.

If your compressor is removing dynamics that you want, adjust it. Spend some time with it. Cuddle up on the couch for an evening of Netflix and chill. If you wake up in the morning and you're happy to see it, you may be a compressor guy. If you feel like chewing your arm off to get away without disturbing it, you may not. And both are okay. Just give compression a fair shot and try more than one.
Click to expand...

SGT Rock wins.
 
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#140
I never used to use it as I never liked the ones that I had tried.
Then I got a Diamond bass comp. That I like as a sometimes on through a solid state amp as a thickener/boost effect. Dont use it if I have my VT BassDi on. I'm a 1/3 split between one or the other or nothing. Never through a tube amp.
It's simple and sounds good but I don't use it to squeeze my dynamics. It's set conservatively.
 
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