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Kick Drum like effect?

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Nick Gann, Jul 30, 2003.

  1. Jul 30, 2003 #1
    Nick Gann

    Nick Gann Talkbass' Tubist in Residence

    Mar 24, 2002
    Silver Spring, MD
    In the thread "Do you compress", people mentioned that you can get a sound like a kick drum is hitting on every note with the bass by using a compressor. How does the compressor do that?
     
  2. Jul 30, 2003 #2
    20db pad

    20db pad

    Feb 11, 2003
    I been everywhere, man...
    None. At all.
    That's a function of the compressor activating itself very quickly and noticably to reduce the attack and volume of the note being played. Each note played has a percussive 'thump'. It's usually the by-product of too much compression.

    I've heard this particular compression effect purposely used on record in a artistically pleasant way - examples escape me, it might have been Tony Levin.
     
  3. Jul 30, 2003 #3
    Nick Gann

    Nick Gann Talkbass' Tubist in Residence

    Mar 24, 2002
    Silver Spring, MD
    Ah, ok. Thanks for the explanation.

    I've never used a compressor. I don't really have a problem with dynamics, so if I got one of would be specifically for sounds like this. I wonder if it's worth it...? Thoughts? Are there any other ways to get a similar sound?
     
  4. Jul 30, 2003 #4
    20db pad

    20db pad

    Feb 11, 2003
    I been everywhere, man...
    None. At all.
    I think stomp-box pedals do this effect best. I use a Boss or an old Trace-Elliot if we cover "Steam" or "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel. Those tunes really don't have the thump you're asking about. I think they call for some heavy compression though, especially if you use Funk Fingers on "Steam".

    Most of the high-end studio compressor/limiters are meant for broadcast use as well, so they're designed to eliminate the pumping and breathing that lesser units are guilty of.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2003 #5
    CS Bass

    CS Bass

    Feb 18, 2003
    1. Mute the B string with your right palm.
    2. Mute the B string with your left fingers.
    3. Pluck the string downward with your right thumb.
     
  6. Jul 31, 2003 #6
    ga_edwards

    ga_edwards

    Sep 8, 2000
    UK, Essex
    GT6B 'in a club' patch. sound just like you're...err...in a club.

    Just costs darn sight more than a half decent compressor