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Help! Compressor or Limiter?

T

thebleedingtree

May 15, 2012
37
0
Kent
#1
Hey guys
Im running an older ibanez k5 with ADX5 pickups, ( and im tuned down a step and a quarter on all strings, dont worry i have a gauge that combats the tuning)
Problem is, a few tracks in my new band have bass solos, on frets 14+ on the D and G strings. When i play them, they are nearly inaudible ( in a live scenario ). Play at home i can hear them fine, but there is a definite drop in volume between my thicker strings and these two bastards.
Im looking to get a pedal to try and compensate ( dont have the money for new pickups/routing/electronics)

What would anyone suggest? I was checking out the ashdown compressor, but i thought that something like the boss limiter enhancer might help me more as a limiter squashes the sounds, not just bring down the peaks.

Im really lost with all this, anyone have a similar problem or could offer any advices? Cheers!

P.s. also notice that my B string has a drop in volume compared to the E and A strings , but wonder if that is a frequency issue.

Thanks again!
 
#2
I'm also curious about this. I've tried EQing with the pre-amp on my SR900 as well as my amp (Terror Bass 500w) but find that either the trebles and mids get a little lost or I lose resonance with bass tones. I asked a bass dude in the local music shop the number one pedal for bass and he showed me the Aguilar Tone Hammer - I was expecting a compressor or limiter. Would love some more insight on this.
 
#6
If you are concerned about keeping levels even across the frequency range, I suggest you look at a dual band compressor. The low frequencies have much more energy than high frequencies. Therefore the lows make the compressor over compress the weaker high frequencies causing them to become too attenuated.
 
#7
hey thanks a lot for the replies guys! real good to hear from you, i was looking at the boss limiter enhancer, but after reading what BFunk said, i might just be tempted by the ashdown dual band compressor, its about the same price i just hope its good!

N.b. I have tried changing pickup height but to no avail.

Anyone have any experience with the ashdown pedals? I run an ashdown head and its great but i duno if their expertise runs for pedals as well.
 
#9
Check out the reviews linked in my sig, including the Ashdown and Boss. Usually a setup (string height, pups, etc.) is the best solution, but occasionally a setup isn't enough. The next thing to work on is playing with a lighter touch on the louder/boomier low strings. Third option down the line is using a comp/limiter. I agree with the recommendation of a dual-band unit for this purpose, but a regular single-band can work too.
 
#10
thanks again guys, bongomania after reading your review on the ashdown i think i will stick with the boss, the ashdown does look cool and all but as i suspected those looks are more for show than anything, plus that would really eat space up on the old pedal board. I havent got a markbass sized budget, so i think the lbm3 is for me

Cheers again guys, take it easy!
 
#12
Dbx 166xl, compressor/limiter/gate. You can dial it in good and get even volume across the entire instrument, it is essential for this type of stuff. Adjusting the pickup higher towards that low B might give you a volume increase, but also a possibility of some clipping:/ good luck! A good compressor thats a pedal could do the job good, but you can get a compressor/limiter and have the best of both worlds
 
#13
Bongo, i've saved some cash up and i could afford the m87 or the mb compressore - but for the main purpose of giving my higher freqs a little boost, would these be worth the money or should i go for a dual band comp of similar price range? The only one i've seen thats not the digitech ( which you disliked, and after owning a digitech dm distortion id probably agree ) is the ashdown . Are there any others out there worth it?
I was drawn to the m87 because of the LED display, but the practicality of the compressore having the controls in a trough to avoid settings being changed / damaged does seem to make more sense
 
#14
IMHO for your style of playing and tuning I think the MB Compressore may be a better fit for you over the MXR. The MB has a slightly fatter natural tone to it which will really help you high strings thicken up. Also, because of the extreme lows your less likely to hear the compressors squashing artifacts while pounding the b string with the Compressore. The MB is a very smooth compression. IME.
 
#17
I do see your dilemma... I guess I'd say go with the MB. It will sound better than the Ashdown, and it's easier to dial in the right threshold in comparison to the M87.

Or, buy the Ashdown from a shop with a good returns policy, try it out, and exchange for the MB if it doesn't suit you.
 
#18
bongomania said:
I do see your dilemma... I guess I'd say go with the MB. It will sound better than the Ashdown, and it's easier to dial in the right threshold in comparison to the M87.
Click to expand...
Thanks man, thats what i wanted to hear i think ill go with the MB - i just didnt want to buy something that wont help bring out my higher frequencies. Obviously i don't want to squash the lower end down until it is level, but try and just generally compensate for my higher frequencies.
 
#19
I tell ya what guys, accident at a gig killed my PD7 ibanez distortion. They dont make em anymore, so i bought the ashdown lomenzo. I think its about 20 quid more than what the ibanez cost me, and the way it compresses the sound has left me with a more balanced bass sound! Not the same tone as the beloved PD7, but real dirty nonetheless.
I hear a lot of bad **** about ashdown pedals, but as far as this purchase goes im very happy. Cool sound and the compression the distortion produces doesn't ruin my bass' dynamics.

Of course time will tell though, only just got it today and this is running through a 8 year old marshall B25 MK2. Ill see how it goes at practice.
 

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