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Just bought a compressor, need help setting up

generation zero

generation zero

Jul 24, 2012
114
11
#1
Hi everyone!

I'm kinda new to playing bass, I've been a guitarist for probably 15 years now and I just got an opportunity to join a great rock band on bass, so I took the spot.

Quick gear list, I'm playing Fender Jass Basses ('05 Japanese Geddy Lee, and '12 Mexican FSR Antigua Burst Jazz with USA Fender Vintage Jazz pickups) through an SWR 350x head and a pair of Hartke Transporter cabs, a 1x15 and a 4x12.

I play predominantly fingerstyle, since when I use a pick I tend to play more like a guitarist, LOL... With my fingers, I think more like a bassist. :) I tend to get a fair amount of "clicking" though, probably due to poor technique... I have a habit of holding my fingers more parallel to the body instead of perpendicular, striking the strings in such a manner that they vibrate more up and down as opposed to side to side. I'm working on correcting that.

Anyway, I just got a great deal on a Behringer compressor:

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http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/behrmdx1600.shtml

I was hoping some of you might have some suggestions on how to hook it up, and where to start with the control settings. I've never really messed with compressors, so I'm pretty green to thier functions, altyhough I understand the principle behind thier use.

My initial thoughts, since it is a true split stereo compressor, was to hook it up with one side acting as a compressor in front of the amp, and the other side acting as a noise gate in the effects loop of the amp. Is this a good idea, or do I want the compressor after the preamp? And where should I set it to start out from? I'm after a punchy, modern sound, but still with plenty warmth and low end.

I'd appreciate any input... Thanks everyone!

- Jason
 
#2
One of these units keeps my drum set in check at church., though I'm not sure of the wiring that the sound board engineer has used. It works great to keep my set from innundating the house.
 
#3
The Behringer compressor is modelled after the BOSS LMB-3 which I own. I haven't tried sending it through my effect loop as I believe it will compress after the pre-amp which may not send a compressed signal to an external source (FOH).
It is the my last effect before going into the amp. If you read through Bongo's how to use a compressor you can drop about the last half as your unit won't have the hard and soft knee compressions part.
I don't use the enhance but use the rate or ratio and threshold. I believe I have them at 12:00 and 9:00. Then I turn the compressor on and off trying to figure out what volume matches if you have the compressor turned off.
BTW, you can always read the BOSS LMB-3 manual for more instructions on your unit as I found the Behringer instructions somewhat lacking.
Good luck!
 
#7
crguti said:
Why did you buy a compressor in the first place?
Click to expand...

To be honest, because I got a sweet deal on an almost brand new one, and I know bass players use compressors in thier racks quite often. I have space in my rack case, so I figured I'd pick it up and try it out... if I like what it does for my tone, I'll keep it. If not, I can turn it for a profit. Win/win, LOL!

I just figured I'd ask here as to how to set it up first, rather than decide I hate it before I even get it where it should be set. I've toyed with compressors in Sonar when recording, but I generally just stick with the presets, since I don't know what I'm doing. This doesn't have those presets though, so I'm clueless. :confused::help:
 

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