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Is a bass compressor really necessary?
- Thread starter Mattbass97
- Start date
Like electracoyote said,
I am currently "in" a compressor phase, and I certainly make no claim to be an expert on the topic, but I do know that I use the BYOC OptiComp that I built quite a lot lately. It adds a certain fatness, but when kept at low compression it still allows dynamic playing.
I am currently "in" a compressor phase, and I certainly make no claim to be an expert on the topic, but I do know that I use the BYOC OptiComp that I built quite a lot lately. It adds a certain fatness, but when kept at low compression it still allows dynamic playing.
Compressors always been a mistery to me.
I used to play on a korean made Ibanez Soundgear SR500 and I found out by chance that using a Boss Compressor (CS-3) with it made me sound really cool, I never switched it off.
I even got compliments on my tone from one of the most annoying guitarists in this town.
But I'm sure it was a lucky combination with those old Seymour Duncan pick ups the SR500 had, 'cos since then I never managed to use compression on any other bass, it makes everything sound like crap...
I used to play on a korean made Ibanez Soundgear SR500 and I found out by chance that using a Boss Compressor (CS-3) with it made me sound really cool, I never switched it off.
I even got compliments on my tone from one of the most annoying guitarists in this town.
But I'm sure it was a lucky combination with those old Seymour Duncan pick ups the SR500 had, 'cos since then I never managed to use compression on any other bass, it makes everything sound like crap...
Ive def been through compressor phasses but that was a result of the sound i need for the band i was playing with at the time. For over 2 years now ive been using the Aguilar TLC comp and its fantastic, especially when playing on the heavier side of the spectrum.
Compression can be a mystery and it takes years to learn how to hear it and use it effectively. Used sparingly and properly it helps you get a thicker, fatter and smoother tone, gives you a healthier signal and more head room. Most ppl do NOT hear compression or know how to use it, they often squash the signal so much that they loose all dynamics. The best way to learn too use a comp is to starting mix music, you can read up on the mechanics of it but hearing it work is how to learn it, its a very subtle effect and its all about nuances.
Comp will tame the your sound waves crests and troughs by pushing the signal down when you hit a specified threshold, until you hit that point your tone is not effected, when set properly it will make your tone big and full, when those compressed notes lock up with a kick drum, magic happens. Using a comp live will help bring your tone closer to that "Studio" sound, chances are the FOH guy is compressing your signal but you want to give them the best source signal possible to work with, the less they have to do the closer you will sound to youreslf.
Saying its cheating is kinda BS, perhaps it will help some if your dynamic control is not so great but it wont make your crappy playing or tone good. Comp is a widely used tool for every instrument (esp in the studio) and is often the secret to the sounds we all know and love.
Compression can be a mystery and it takes years to learn how to hear it and use it effectively. Used sparingly and properly it helps you get a thicker, fatter and smoother tone, gives you a healthier signal and more head room. Most ppl do NOT hear compression or know how to use it, they often squash the signal so much that they loose all dynamics. The best way to learn too use a comp is to starting mix music, you can read up on the mechanics of it but hearing it work is how to learn it, its a very subtle effect and its all about nuances.
Comp will tame the your sound waves crests and troughs by pushing the signal down when you hit a specified threshold, until you hit that point your tone is not effected, when set properly it will make your tone big and full, when those compressed notes lock up with a kick drum, magic happens. Using a comp live will help bring your tone closer to that "Studio" sound, chances are the FOH guy is compressing your signal but you want to give them the best source signal possible to work with, the less they have to do the closer you will sound to youreslf.
Saying its cheating is kinda BS, perhaps it will help some if your dynamic control is not so great but it wont make your crappy playing or tone good. Comp is a widely used tool for every instrument (esp in the studio) and is often the secret to the sounds we all know and love.
Every single studio / poducer uses compression on bass. Any records you like, where you think the bass tone is just killer? Yup, its compressed 
You can get closer to studio sound out of your live rig using compression. I use mild compression just to keep all the strings even.
You can get closer to studio sound out of your live rig using compression. I use mild compression just to keep all the strings even.
This isn't really anything that hasn't already been said, but ...
It's not necessary in a live setting but it can be a nice tool to have. I just got a PF-500 amp and the compression works well to even out the volume. I think most people will tell you that compression on the bass is very useful, perhaps even essential, in the studio.
It's not necessary in a live setting but it can be a nice tool to have. I just got a PF-500 amp and the compression works well to even out the volume. I think most people will tell you that compression on the bass is very useful, perhaps even essential, in the studio.
I would think of a compressor (in a live situation) as a surge protector. In recording, they're used for a similar application, but a few subtle differences to consider. The short of that story would be, to still get a loud and dynamic sound, without overdriving the inputs on on the equipment.
I myself live will generally not use one, but I play in mostly 3-4piece bands, so I'm not fighting for mix room or volume. If I were in a bigger band and needed to fit into a mix at a certain range, I could see where a compressor would be needed to keep the mix clean and to be able to generate the volume to be heard.
I myself live will generally not use one, but I play in mostly 3-4piece bands, so I'm not fighting for mix room or volume. If I were in a bigger band and needed to fit into a mix at a certain range, I could see where a compressor would be needed to keep the mix clean and to be able to generate the volume to be heard.
love it when people refuse to use compression, playing through an amp with always-on limiter 
yes! this thing´s awesome!
ratio around 3:1, threshold set to just the range I´m normally playing in, and I´m happy
I put the EQ first -> tube comp -> preamp
the tube compressor´s pretty fast (~0.5ms), good for controlling peaks .. the optical one might miss some
I´d even say everyone profits from a compressor working like that
yes! this thing´s awesome!
ratio around 3:1, threshold set to just the range I´m normally playing in, and I´m happy
I put the EQ first -> tube comp -> preamp
the tube compressor´s pretty fast (~0.5ms), good for controlling peaks .. the optical one might miss some
I´d even say everyone profits from a compressor working like that
i've always considered using a compressor but have never bit the bullet...i love my tone and have no problem cutting through the mix, but have always considered it as people say it can help not blow out speakers...ive never blown one out but sounds like a good fail safe...
my current set up is:
fender 410 neo > fender bassman 100T (modern channel with gain and mix at 5) > Modulus (active basses)
polytune > pog (on at all times) > tech 21 bass chorus > tech 21 delay > holy grail nano > holy stain > ehx superego > ehx steel leather (on at all times) > volume pedal
would a compressor really help anything with my setup?
my current set up is:
fender 410 neo > fender bassman 100T (modern channel with gain and mix at 5) > Modulus (active basses)
polytune > pog (on at all times) > tech 21 bass chorus > tech 21 delay > holy grail nano > holy stain > ehx superego > ehx steel leather (on at all times) > volume pedal
would a compressor really help anything with my setup?
a tiny bit of compression can really bring some life into the notes you play. as mentioned above though, a lot of people don't know how to use them properly.
Like was said - it can be used subtle to even out string to string volume, or you can use it more as an effect to fatten and punch up your sound.
If that is "help" or not, is up to you.
Every single studio / poducer uses compression on bass. Any records you like, where you think the bass tone is just killer? Yup, its compressed
You can get closer to studio sound out of your live rig using compression. I use mild compression just to keep all the strings even.
+1
You may not use a compressor in your personal setup... but in the studio or live (PA) your signal will most likely get compressed.
If you like your stage rig or your practice amp un-compressed that's fine.
I personally don't play without compression. I feel I benefit from learning and experiencing what signal processing is doing to the end result. For me using a compressor is just one more thing of being in control of your tone.
Honestly, anyone who says that using a compressor is "cheating" instantly has their opinion dismissed like the boneheads who think you can't play bass with a pick.
Every single studio / poducer uses compression on bass. Any records you like, where you think the bass tone is just killer? Yup, its compressed
You can get closer to studio sound out of your live rig using compression. I use mild compression just to keep all the strings even.
+1... is used to even out volume, but also used in 100+ different ways... including to increase sustain (release), fit certain conflicting instruments together better (or the same instrument in an overdub), add artificial 'push' and 'pull' to a track as well as near infinite options along with other effects / techniques.
Very flexible and useful. AFAIK the basic effects are EQ (including shelving etc.), Compression and Delay/Reverb.... maybe chorus... I wouldn't know
No need for the sass brother. I read the thread, but was curious on thoughts if that would "help" protect my speakers.
The wisdom of Patches O'Houlihan...
"Necessary? Is it necessary that I drink my own urine? No. But it's sterile, and I like the taste."
If you like the taste, go for it. Sure as hell not necessary though! My PWNZOR is everything and more I want in a compressor. Got it as a whim through a trade and thought "What the hell! I'll see what this compression's all about."
It's on 95% of the time, and it makes the sound in my head come out of my cabs. Love it.
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"Necessary? Is it necessary that I drink my own urine? No. But it's sterile, and I like the taste."
If you like the taste, go for it. Sure as hell not necessary though! My PWNZOR is everything and more I want in a compressor. Got it as a whim through a trade and thought "What the hell! I'll see what this compression's all about."
It's on 95% of the time, and it makes the sound in my head come out of my cabs. Love it.
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i have yet to use one i like on bass.
i tend to use compression while mixing or tweaking sounds, not on an instrument live.
but as someone earlier mentioned, that may all change tomorrow.
i tend to use compression while mixing or tweaking sounds, not on an instrument live.
but as someone earlier mentioned, that may all change tomorrow.
For 25+ years, I have never used a compressor. I have one on my Bassman and on my BassPOD XT Pro. My dad does a/v production and has a studio in his house. I've even used his $3000 compressor. I think it was a Tube Tech. I hit my strings very consistently and feel compression has more of a negative impact on my tonal dynamics than a positive. My dad agrees. It strips me of my boominess unless it's barely on, in which case why should I even use it?
It seems that many people who use compression assume that if you don't like it, you don't know how to use it. That may be the case from time to time. But generally speaking, it's an incorrect assumption and a cop out.
I've got it! Compression is like a particular cologne. You either like it, or you don't. But you don't know until you try it.
It seems that many people who use compression assume that if you don't like it, you don't know how to use it. That may be the case from time to time. But generally speaking, it's an incorrect assumption and a cop out.
I've got it! Compression is like a particular cologne. You either like it, or you don't. But you don't know until you try it.
