How important is compression in your signal chain?

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm curious where everyone's at on their compression journey. Do you use it at all? Is it always on? Where does it sit in your signal chain? And so on.

I haven't really used many standalone compressors, and I've always found them a bit intimidating to dial in properly. There was a time (probably close to 20 years ago) when I loved the Boss LMB-3, but after testing it again, I don't love it as much; I think it was mostly just useful to even out my uneven playing when I was getting started.

At this point, I'm interested in trying out some new stuff, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for, and I also don't want to place more importance on a compressor than it really deserves.

It's not really important. Giving yourself more volume at the climax is dynamic. Playing quietly, is supposed to be quiet.

I like my compression barely noticeable.

 

[ezra1]

I put my compressors direct after my tuner and before any overdrive. I have 2 on my board. A One Control Pale Blue Compressor and a DarkGlass Super Symmetry.

 

[Thumpin6string]

A Markbass Compressore is the only pedal I have, and it is always on.

 

[5StringBlues]

nada

 

[Thegreatzambini]

It's a discussion forum, not an encyclopedia.

Good one

 

[2112]

First utility after the tuner for me. Important to help fence in my signal before it hits any DSP effects. This helps avoid tracking issues.

 

[r_bnks]

Never used a compressor. Only during mixing or in the channel atrio.

 

[RobD_BritBass]

Lusithand Alma always on. First in chain for my bass.

I got a MK2 Alma at the start of the year and I've been loving what it does to the sound. I don't even have it compressing very much, I usually like what the right compressor does to the tone of the bass, I find it helps accentuate harmonics and bring out some of the more subtle qualities, which the Alma does brilliantly.
I swap through a few, the Markbass Compressore is another favourite, I just wish it was a smaller form factor, And the wampler ego is on my mini grab and go board.

 

[crguti]

I always use compression, even when I am not playing. I go to sleep with the compression on.

 

[Baker69]

+1 on the Boss BC-1X compressor. Mine is on all of the time and the first link in the chain on my pedalboard.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Always on and second-in-line behind a HPF. Then again, some folks are getting fantastic results with end-of-chain placement or with rackmount components wedged in the amp's FX loop. There's also something to be said for the resident single knobby-jobbies (peripherals, pedals, amps) just for the sake of convenience.

Riis

 

[Tommy Sparks]

None. Tried a few and found that it is not for me. Sill may try some more….. why not?
Probably with the same results.

 

[coryr1000]

Never cared to use it even when I owned one. The bass amp in the studio we rehearse has one built in and I always turn it off.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Currently I don’t use it. I used to have an SVT 7 and used the built in compressor. Now I play an SVT AV and don’t feel like I need it.

 

[dave64o]

I have a Becos CompIQ Mini on my pedal board and it's at the end of my signal chain and always on. I don't use many "effects", just three different ODs for three different tones, and the compressor is set to subtly level my output as I turn them on and off. So I'm using it just to help keep my volume level somewhat consistent rather than for some specific "effect".

That being said, I don't use the pedal board all the time, such as when we'll be in a pretty tight space or I'm just feeling lazy on a given night and don't feel like setting up an extra piece of equipment. Those nights when I skip the board and go straight into the amp I am not using a compressor.

 

[Lo-E]

Recording: Very.
Live: Not at all - I leave that up to the FOH engineer.

 

[KenSmithFan]

No offence, but why are the same questions being asked over and over here , it’s insanity

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Not every has two seconds in their busy day to use the search feature. So much easier to have information spoon fed.

there’s nothing wrong with asking questions, but do a little due diligence first. That might lead to a question that hasn’t been asked 100 times before.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I'm curious where everyone's at on their compression journey. Do you use it at all? Is it always on? Where does it sit in your signal chain? And so on.

I haven't really used many standalone compressors, and I've always found them a bit intimidating to dial in properly. There was a time (probably close to 20 years ago) when I loved the Boss LMB-3, but after testing it again, I don't love it as much; I think it was mostly just useful to even out my uneven playing when I was getting started.

At this point, I'm interested in trying out some new stuff, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for, and I also don't want to place more importance on a compressor than it really deserves.

Compression is an important part of the whole band sound, from my perspective. I'm the person who usually is band sound engineer, by default, and what I find is that compression used judiciously on all instruments and vocals is the key to getting a mix to sound cohesive and punchy, where every instrument is audible. Compression can be abused very easily, but IMO a couple of layers of carefully dialed-in compression makes everything sound nice. So, for example, a little comp on the instrument before it hits the preamp, a little comp on that instrument's channel on the board, and a little comp on the whole mix. Overdoing it can sound terrible. But just the right amount at each stage is very nice. At least for the music styles I play.

 

[HeavyJazz]

In my world, compression is an extension of the instrument. My Sadowskys and Fodera shine through Effectrodes, while the EUB and Olinto really come alive through a Retrospec.

 

[JRA]

Do you use it at all?

i do, but my gigs aren't as varied (type) these days, so i don't always use one "religiously" like i used to do.

Is it always on?

yup, when i use it, it's always on. sometimes i don't need the compression so much, however, so it's just another gain stage.

Where does it sit in your signal chain?

it has mostly been first: bass to comp to other.

if i used a pedalboard consistently i might consider a compressor pedal as 'always there, always on'. instead, i've always used pro audio compressors, and i don't take my rack to most gigs.