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Mesa Subway D-350!

#1,301
My point of view is slightly different as a compressor is a critical part of my sound. I use it as a shaping device to slot the bass in the mix the way I want. Most of my gigs(on electric not upright) are on large stages playing pop/country/rock. A compressor set correctly allows my sound to be more controlled and fit in the mix better. The comp I use(Origin Cali76-CB), also adds color to my tone that lets the bass cut a little better and be heard clearly. I don't use a compressor as a crutch, but more as a tone shaper. Do you need one? Its completely dependent on the player, and their tonal goals. You may not need one, but you may also find it an indispensable tool. The best way to find out is to try one for yourself!
 
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#1,302
AMJBASS said:
My point of view is slightly different as a compressor is a critical part of my sound. I use it as a shaping device to slot the bass in the mix the way I want. Most of my gigs(on electric not upright) are on large stages playing pop/country/rock. A compressor set correctly allows my sound to be more controlled and fit in the mix better. The comp I use(Origin Cali76-CB), also adds color to my tone that lets the bass cut a little better and be heard clearly. I don't use a compressor as a crutch, but more as a tone shaper. Do you need one? Its completely dependent on the player, and their tonal goals. You may not need one, but you may also find it an indispensable tool. The best way to find out is to try one for yourself!
Click to expand...
Exactly why the "do I need a compressor and which one" question has many correct answers that often don't look anything alike, but sometimes do. A compressor, which one, and how it's set are just a small sample of the variables in getting to a tone goal that works in a particular setting.

I have also been in band situations where a compressor was an invaluable tool to better slot into the mix. In fact a few years back a sound tech asked me if I had a compressor with me and if I wouldn't mind using it to help him get my bass sitting a little better in the mix than he could using the mixing desk resources alone. I'm not sure what it helped him with, but house sound was his part of the job and he thought it was useful in optimizing that.
 
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#1,303
AMJBASS said:
My point of view is slightly different as a compressor is a critical part of my sound. I use it as a shaping device to slot the bass in the mix the way I want. Most of my gigs(on electric not upright) are on large stages playing pop/country/rock. A compressor set correctly allows my sound to be more controlled and fit in the mix better. The comp I use(Origin Cali76-CB), also adds color to my tone that lets the bass cut a little better and be heard clearly. I don't use a compressor as a crutch, but more as a tone shaper. Do you need one? Its completely dependent on the player, and their tonal goals. You may not need one, but you may also find it an indispensable tool. The best way to find out is to try one for yourself!
Click to expand...
As a shaping device, I agree. As @alkraft pointed out, his Diamond is used for fattening his tone so as a device used to chase your sound it's a worthy tool.
 
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#1,304
Sean Pat said:
Hoping someone can help me with question regarding my D350 and compression. As stated in the manual, the D350 has a fixed HPF for subsonic frequencies etc. I would very much like to know more about the dynamics of HPFs and compression pedals.

I have been playing for a little over a year. Initially learning on some inexpensive gear. My playing and ear improved enough to justify getting my D350 and a SW115. Great decision on every level. But, we all know that.

So, my question is, will a compression pedal have a significant impact on my simple rig? I don’t own any pedals. Play motown/blues/classic rock. I LOVE the sounds I get now with just the amp and cab. Am I just gassing? This is my first post. Sorry if this issue has been covered.
Click to expand...
Welcome. Compression is probably one of the most rich and confusing topics here on TB and in general. As a beginner you have an excellent rig. Get to know it as it is. You’ll figure out what you need when you need it. Talkbass will give you GAS faster than a bean burrito from Taco Bell. You should be able to play with that rig, in most any situation, for years, without needing anything else.
 
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#1,306
BlueTalon said:
My D-350 sits atop a PJB C8. I have yet to encounter anything that combination can't do.
Click to expand...
OK, it's fess-up time. I recently completed a thoroughly miserable "tour" around Yuma. The misery had nothing to do with Yuma itself, it was the circumstances (in particular, the truck I had to ride in) surrounding it. We did a weekend gig at The Desert Bar, a place that involves about 20-30 minutes of driving on a path through the desert that consisted of rocks and dust. We played on a stage that had a hill behind us and buildings to either side, but was largely open. I did not have PA support.

Normally when I play, I have a tone that I like. Or a range of tones, I suppose. As long as it sounds good, I'm happy. This time, not so much. I got sufficient volume, but my rig sounded like it was almost screaming in pain. I set my HPF a little higher than normal to protect the speakers and settled for a more midrangy nasal sound. I figured that as long as there was a bass guitar playing the notes that were supposed to be played, nobody there was going to care if it didn't sound like I wanted it to sound. And since I didn't have any spare amps or cabs with me, I didn't want to risk anything. It's the one time that I wish I'd brought my D-800 instead (and a second cab -- but I don't have a second PJB C8 cab).

But hat's off to the D-350. It struggled, but it did the job. And at the end, it still wasn't hot. It never ceases to amaze me how hot the thing doesn't get with no cooling fan in it.
 
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#1,308
agedhorse said:
Had the cabinet been a little higher efficiency with a little more extended low end, you might have been fine.
Click to expand...
You're right about that. In most other circumstances, that 8x5" cab has done magnificently. But it has limits, and I reached them.
 
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#1,309
BlueTalon said:
You're right about that. In most other circumstances, that 8x5" cab has done magnificently. But it has limits, and I reached them.
Click to expand...
This is one reason why I have avoided the lower efficiency cabinets, our old Shuttle 8T cabinet was in a similar position and while it was great for what it was, there were things (like this) it wasn't going to work well also.
 
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#1,311
AMJBASS said:
My point of view is slightly different as a compressor is a critical part of my sound. I use it as a shaping device to slot the bass in the mix the way I want. Most of my gigs(on electric not upright) are on large stages playing pop/country/rock. A compressor set correctly allows my sound to be more controlled and fit in the mix better. The comp I use(Origin Cali76-CB), also adds color to my tone that lets the bass cut a little better and be heard clearly. I don't use a compressor as a crutch, but more as a tone shaper. Do you need one? Its completely dependent on the player, and their tonal goals. You may not need one, but you may also find it an indispensable tool. The best way to find out is to try one for yourself!
Click to expand...

Al Kraft said:
Exactly why the "do I need a compressor and which one" question has many correct answers that often don't look anything alike, but sometimes do. A compressor, which one, and how it's set are just a small sample of the variables in getting to a tone goal that works in a particular setting.

I have also been in band situations where a compressor was an invaluable tool to better slot into the mix. In fact a few years back a sound tech asked me if I had a compressor with me and if I wouldn't mind using it to help him get my bass sitting a little better in the mix than he could using the mixing desk resources alone. I'm not sure what it helped him with, but house sound was his part of the job and he thought it was useful in optimizing that.
Click to expand...

SJan3 said:
As a shaping device, I agree. As @alkraft pointed out, his Diamond is used for fattening his tone so as a device used to chase your sound it's a worthy tool.
Click to expand...

#Me too…
 
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#1,315
BlueTalon said:
You're right about that. In most other circumstances, that 8x5" cab has done magnificently. But it has limits, and I reached them.
Click to expand...
You ran out of cab. Those little cabs are heroic when indoors, but asking them to move air outside and unsupported? The limits come quickly.
When we do our own outside shows (no sound guy), I'll crank my 3 12s. But we still add my bass through our 15" powered mains. Still not ideal without subs.
 
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#1,319
I've had one of these for a few years, no complaints.
USB DC 5V to DC 9 Volt USB Power Supply Cable, Max Current 800mAh, Tip Negative Connector, Compatible for Guitar Effects Pedals Power Supply Adapter https://a.co/d/8FSE6bM
 
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