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Help a compression newbie!

Funkee1

Funkee1

Jul 19, 2002
730
2,807
63
Texas
www.funkee1productions.com
#1
Guys, I recently acquired a Boss CE-2 compressor/ Sustainer. I've been playing for 34 years, and have only used a compressor,and only when it was operated by an engineer!

So far, when I use it, it just seems to decrease my volume.

Where should it go in my signal chain?

For the record, I use an active Spector, A Behringer Ultrabass head (For now.... I have a Markbass LMII in repair), a Bass Chorus, and Octave pedal, and a SansAmp Bass driver DI!

I like the effect of the compression, but not as much as the tone without it!

Please advise! Thanks!
 
#2
It should go first in the chain generally, and you increase your output volume on the pedal to make up for the volume drop, generally. You may want to dry leaving the attack control below noon, and play with the sustain control, then increase the level control till you are back at unity gain.

Option 2 is to save some for a better, more bass centric compressor like a Demeter or the MXR M87.
 
#3
seescottrock said:
It should go first in the chain generally, and you increase your output volume on the pedal to make up for the volume drop, generally. You may want to dry leaving the attack control below noon, and play with the sustain control, then increase the level control till you are back at unity gain.

Option 2 is to save some for a better, more bass centric compressor like a Demeter or the MXR M87.
Click to expand...
Well this one was free!
 
#5
seescottrock said:
It should go first in the chain generally, and you increase your output volume on the pedal to make up for the volume drop, generally. You may want to dry leaving the attack control below noon, and play with the sustain control, then increase the level control till you are back at unity gain.
Click to expand...

I disagree with the idea that a compressor goes anywhere "generally." Tons of variables determine the placement of your compressor. For example, I never want my compressor before my envelope filter or my octaver or sometimes my overdrive, depending on the overdrive. There are times I place it at the very end to help recoup signal loss through the entire chain.

In other words, I move my compressor around depending on what I'm trying to achieve soniclly.

OP, try your compressor in a few different places. Try it after your octaver, before your BDDI. Try it last, try it first. Its been a long time since I used a Boss compressor (I remember not liking it very much) and I assume you mean a CS-2 not a CE-2...but adjust your level higher and see what happens. Although I remember there being a fair amount of hiss with the CS-2 I used.

Good luck (and think about some better compressors if you're convinced you need one in your chain).
 

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