Double Bass line 6 tonecore constrictor? compression in general?

[Slim_McLean]

I had a question about compression in general. i'm getting used to the huge amount of volume/dynamics difference from my old rig (k&K rab, gk backline 600, backline 410) and my new rig (D-TAR Solstice, gk1001rb-II, GK Neo 410) and i am still trying to dial out how boomy my open E sounds, and how punchy open g sounds when i twang it a little too hard. i understand that the best compressor is consistent playing, but it'll take some time. with that old rig i could pop the g as hard as possible and not get anywhere NEAR the same annoying, jarring sound that i get with this new rig. i've been meaning to try out compression anyways since many bass players SWEAR by it. half of me wants to spring for the $200 markbass tube compressor pedal, because i love buying ****. BUT. i've also heard a lot of people say they think compression kind of kills their tone, and they end up just removing their new compressor from their signal. at any rate. local craigslist Line 6 Tonecore Constrictor, for $30. is this worth the money to experiment with compression and see if i really want/need it before dropping another $200? as a side note, the only thing missing from the solstice (other than a great bass eq, but i've heard a lot of good things about the semi-parametric onboard 1001rb-ii eq) (also,i havent played a gig with all this new gear, so that's why i don't have it dialed in and locked down yet.) is an HPF. i only understand the basic premise of how these work. necessary? i play almost all slap, but not at super loud volumes. and if i understand correctly, the 1001rb-II HAS something SIMILAR to an hpf when using the biamp system. (a high cut switch for both the tweeter and woofer volume knobs.) thoughts?

 

[GrowlerBox]

Howdy, Slim. Some love compression, some hate it. I feel that it can be a very useful tool, but not all tools are equal. That Line 6 compressor is not a particularly good one, in my view (it is very noisy, for example), and if you were to judge the effect of compressors in general on the basis of your experience with that one, then you will remain essentially uninformed.

Look here for everything you ever wanted to know about compressors, both in general, and for useful reviews of specific units. It's written by TBer Bongomania, who is something of a guru on this topic.

I use a Seymour Duncan pedal compressor (much more for BG/EUB than DB, however), which is a good one for the money. Bongo regards the Markbass highly, but they are pricey.