I don't understand compressors

[boomertech]

One of the best responses I have seen for the “compression is a crutch” or “just work on your technique” statements was simply a reply question of “then why do all of your basses have frets?” If you have pitch perfect neck technique, then you shouldn’t need all of those frets.

I started using a compressor after destroying many speakers in my rig. After a couple hour gig my ears became fatigued by drums and loud guitar amps, so I would play harder or turn up to hear myself. The band I started with was just a party band and we usually didn’t have a soundman to keep us under control.

Using a compressor also gave me sustain so I could hold the long low frequency drone notes on Bon Jovi’s Dead or Alive intro. I also had to play Korn’s Freak on a Leash where I spanked the hell out of the strings at the neck and without a compressor I am sure that I would have taken out more speakers.

So I used a comp mostly for punch and added sustain and for rig protection even when we had the benefit of a soundman.

-Frank

 

[orange joe]

I am relatively new to the squishy world of compression and I have found ovnilabs to be a most useful site.So a big thank you to Bongo.It helped me understand how to use and set up compressors and saved me a butt load of money time and effort trying them out myself.I should say narrowed down my selection of what to try though I now have serious gas for a Ovni Smoothie.It sounds like your comprehension of compression is a bit off.1st of all technique can only control so much volume especially depending on which technique.Sure easing up on your technique can help wrangle in peaking but what about bringing up nuances from lighter picking, harmonics,or double thump?Some sounds simply are not as audible as others and there is nothing hitting the string harder or softer can do about that.Second,sure if you make mistakes frequently enough for that to be your issue with compression then thats when you should improve your technique.Finally altering note volume manually isn't as important as you make it seem to be especially since there are so many other factors that make up your playing style.Get over to ovnilabs and educate yourself a bit.Get a milkbox and if after all that you still don't like them then comps are simply not for you.Personally I feel that every bassist should have some sort of compressor .no matter if its for fattening up tone,adding punch or peak limiting I feel that everyone can benefit from a comp in some way and some just don't know it yet.

 

[Quilbert]

For recording I thinki ta essential. At gigs, I've tried them out but I never liked the sound of them, they seem to sanitize the bass in some way. You feel you can't do the things you normally do to get the volume you want while playing. I.e 'digging in' or playing light.

 

[ebozzz]

I could attempt to answer but frankly it's getting tiresome to respond to this viewpoint again and again. How many "I hate compressors" threads does TB need really?

Suffice to say, compression is not about giving up dynamics or a crutch for poor technique - I suggest you go read the FAQ section of ovnilab.com, maybe that can give you a more nuanced understanding.

Thanks for this post. I recently acquired two amps that have compressors built in and I am also starting a pedal board with a compressor being targeted for it. It's going to be helpful for me as i really know very little about HOW to use compression.

 

[devnulljp]

 

[snake23]

For the OP.This a useless discussion. If it works for you than use if not then don't. Why do you care if anyone else uses or doesn't use a compressor?

 

[birminghambass]

On one of my gigs I'm pretty active on stage. Light compression helps to keep things in check and makes my notes more consistent. Playing in church is different, standing still allows me to focus more on my technique. I wouldn't say it's essential but I also wouldn't call it a crutch. Just another tool of the trade, you don't like them just don't use them. Or call them lame, whatever floats your boat.

 

[grygrx]

For the OP.This a useless discussion. If it works for you than use if not then don't. Why do you care if anyone else uses or doesn't use a compressor?

Honestly, this correct. The question was asked, people start to flare. This horse done been beat, if you need any more if this topic I suggest exploring the search feature.