How do you usually set attack and release times on your compressor when manual controls are available?

[pbass2]

I used to never use a comp pedal, always leaving it to FOH, but have been digging using one lately, and the FOH folks seem happy with what I'm sending them. Plus on those little gigs where my rig is carrying the room it's pretty useful to slick things up a bit
I use an MXR M87 as the last thing in my chain before my DI going to FOH. I go for a similar approach to when I'm tracking bass in the studio - I just want a little touch of comp for that "thing" it does. Plus it helps with the five string to reign in some of those big low notes. Slow-ish attack, fast-ish release, low ratio (4:1 on the MXR is the lowest it goes, but I go lower like 2:1 often in the studio). I have it just barely grabbing my notes when played "normally", not digging in hard with fingers and pick (I rarely slap).
I agree in lieu of manual attack/release a wet/dry mix would be pretty important.

 

[MatBassMelb]

I use the following settings:

• Ratio: 4:1
• Attack: 10–20 ms
• Release: 200–300 ms
• Output: Unity or +2 dB boost
• Mix (Blend): 50%
• Sidechain HPF: ~80 Hz

These were dialed for tight, punchy finger-style finger funk while keeping lows from over-triggering the compressor.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

From the point of view of a FOH person - if you're going to be doing gigs on a regular basis where the sound in the audience is through a PA, a FOH person would MUCH prefer you NOT compress your signal before sending it to FOH. If what you have done compression wise doesn't work, it's very hard (OK, essentially impossible) to undo compression that is already applied to a signal.

FOH has a better chance of making you and your band sound good if you don't compress first. I know that may be an un-popular view around here, but if you want your band to sound good, it's best to work with the FOH person.

Those situations are why the bypass switch is there.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Most of TalkBass and TheGearPage are cover band and church players. They don't know much about tiny clubs where everything but the vocals are hot off the stage (if there is a stage), and there are no monitors.

I know a broader mix than you, apparently, because in my experience we have plenty of both.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Thanks to everyone for willing to share your opinions and setup details. This really helps in understanding preferences, related playing styles, and intended outcomes when it comes to compression, especially timing settings. We’re mainly curious about timing in numbers (even estimated) because we want to see if there’s a typical range bassists tend to use. I guess there’s no wrong answer or one single ‘right’ answer that fits all. The more data, the better. What works, works, whether it’s one compressor or another.

I get that, but it’s difficult when pedal mfrs don’t put numbers on the pedal.

 

[Bob_Ross]

I use the following settings:

• Ratio: 4:1
• Attack: 10–20 ms
• Release: 200–300 ms
• Output: Unity or +2 dB boost
• Mix (Blend): 50%
• Sidechain HPF: ~80 Hz

These were dialed for tight, punchy finger-style finger funk while keeping lows from over-triggering the compressor.

Apologies if you already mentioned this earlier in the thread:

What compressor are you using ?

 

[Chris Chong]

I get that, but it’s difficult when pedal mfrs don’t put numbers on the pedal.

View attachment 7321962

The attack release for this supposed to follow a 1176, which I typically use it at attack 10 o’clock (540micro-S) and release max (50milli-S) for 1176 style pedal and plugin.

On a recent acquired becos mini pro, I like the fast setting with 7mS attack and 70mS release.

 

[wolffire99]

From the point of view of a FOH person - if you're going to be doing gigs on a regular basis where the sound in the audience is through a PA, a FOH person would MUCH prefer you NOT compress your signal before sending it to FOH. If what you have done compression wise doesn't work, it's very hard (OK, essentially impossible) to undo compression that is already applied to a signal.

FOH has a better chance of making you and your band sound good if you don't compress first. I know that may be an un-popular view around here, but if you want your band to sound good, it's best to work with the FOH person.

For limiting compression yes, better done at FoH to match the whole group and room. But I don’t know many venues other than the high end situations where they will set up parallel compression for you. That’s better done on the pedal board. IMO.

 

[MatBassMelb]

Apologies if you already mentioned this earlier in the thread:

What compressor are you using ?

I use the Empress Bass Compressor. It's first in my signal chain and always on.

 

[micguy]

For limiting compression yes, better done at FoH to match the whole group and room. But I don’t know many venues other than the high end situations where they will set up parallel compression for you. That’s better done on the pedal board. IMO.

Some pedal board compressors now include parallel compression, but pro audio compressors have had that capability for s long time. Even if they don’t have a comoressor with a dry path, they can easily do it with a second channel.FOH is a better place to do this kind of stuff - you can’t hear if what tou are doing works well in the mix - FOH can, and probably has better gear to do it with.

 

[fokof]

Thresold : depends on the input gain
Ratio : Depends on the input gain and the intention
Attack : Depends on the instrument , the intention and the style of music
Release : Depends on the Attack and the instrument
Side chain : Depends on the instrument and the style
Over easy ( If you have a DBX ) : Depends on the Depends

Hope that helps clarifying