Limiting vs Compression

[Stinsok]

My experience with compression has not been that great. Most pedals I've tried add hiss and by the time I can detect the effect it's too much.

I'm wondering if I might benefit more from limiting instead of compression. During a gig I may get wound up and play a little harder than needed (I know I can work on that.) I think I just need a ceiling that that'll reign in the peaks. What is your experience with the two?

 

[Adamixoye]

Technically limiting is just high-threshold, high-ratio (possibly infinite ratio) compression.

I tend to use light compression on guitar and slightly heavier compression on bass. Limiting certainly sounds like it could be useful in your case, though you may not have exhausted your options re: reigning in noise with compression (a better compressor, experimenting with input and output signals, etc.).

 

[Stinsok]

Technically limiting is just high-threshold, high-ratio (possibly infinite ratio) compression.

I tend to use light compression on guitar and slightly heavier compression on bass. Limiting certainly sounds like it could be useful in your case, though you may not have exhausted your options re: reigning in noise with compression (a better compressor, experimenting with input and output signals, etc.).

I purchased a Boss LMB-3. I believe this is this item I've been looking for!

 

[Killing Floor]

On my bass I use compression to manage/contain peaks and to a lesser extent level up an occasional too-soft note. I like a pop sometimes for an accent. That can be significantly louder.

On my guitar I use compression to boost sustain to make single notes and leads scream. It’s unimportant that my guitar playing still sounds like dumping a toolbox down a staircase.

Limit.
Compress.

But there’s no wrong answer if it sounds good. I’m not trying to sound like Tony Levin. But I love when he does it.

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

I’ve played around with my compressor over the years and have landed on it functioning as a limiter. Threshold is set high and ratio is fairly tame.

I like having dynamic range but like you want to manage the transients a little better, more generally to protect my equipment, but it’s also useful to manage higher gain effects (EHX Q Tron I’m looking at you).

 

[el murdoque]

IMHO a compressor is the one pedal where one should insist on a quality unit. Sub par components, workmanship, QC or design will most likely result in added noise.

On top of that, one should look for a unit with good metering to be able to see what is going on, which is a great help.

 

[Stinsok]

I've experienced no hiss with the LMB so far.

 

[Bassmike62]

I'm using the Keeley Comp Pro now, but used the LMB-3 for years. I don't remember the specific settings, but they probably noonish for all knobs except the enhance knob, which was at 9 oc or below. If I had any hiss with that pedal, that's where it came from.

 

[HueyFreeman]

So.. I find it hard to believe that the compressors, albeit multiple compressors, are adding hiss to your signal. The hiss was always there. The comps are just raising the noise floor.
That being said, from what you've described about what you want, it seems like limiting may be more your thing.

 

[Hundred proof]

I used the Boss LMB-3 for years with good results

 

[foal30]

I'm using the Keeley Comp Pro now, but used the LMB-3 for years. I don't remember the specific settings, but they probably noonish for all knobs except the enhance knob, which was at 9 oc or below. If I had any hiss with that pedal, that's where it came from.

Yep, I too used the LMB-3 for years before finding a couple of things I like better

I had the Enhance pot on 0. Wasn’t my thing at all. Overall it’s an excellent $ VCA style unit. Certainly would buy another one if required

 

[Hundred proof]

This replaced the Boss LM3 … more natural to my ear, more like tubes pushed just before breakup with roughly the setting you see. It will do distortion as most if not all of the online demos show, but pre breakup push is how I use it.