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Only one effect pedal for metal music

#81
bongomania said:
It might be worth your time to read through the compressor FAQ linked in my sig. Compressors are the #1 most-returned item at any music store's accessories counter, because almost nobody knows what they are really supposed to do, or how to use them properly, or what to expect from one compressor versus another. The result is that people buy them, get lousy-sounding results, and then take them back and announce on a web forum that compression suxx. ;)

It's a tricky balancing act first understanding compression, then understanding what to expect from a specific compressor, then making it fit into your rig with the right signal levels and placement in the signal chain. It's very easy to make a compressor sound bad. :D But a user who has taken the time and effort to educate themselves to a professional level, or who perhaps just hires a pro sound engineer, can get excellent results that would certainly benefit a metal mix.

And in fact even if a bassist doesn't use a compressor in their onstage rig, odds are they are being run through a compressor at the FOH mixer, whether they know it or not, or like it or not. So IMO the best thing is to either get technically familiar with compression, get the right comp for your needs, and then tell the soundman you've got it covered in your rig; or to forget it and leave it to them entirely.
Click to expand...

So basicly, a compressor is not te be used as an effect.
But one of the tools in the arsenal of a sound engineer.

Right ?

I'm gonna read thos FAQs bongomania.
I might have a question or two for you about compressors. But it's not for metal so I'll pehaps PM you about it.

Thanks for the great explanation so far.
 
#82
Well, since you're going to read the FAQ anyway, I won't get too detailed in my response, but... a compressor CAN be used as an effect - but in most cases, it serves a different purpose.

Do a search using the word "squish", and you'll be overwhelmed by threads from people who love having the sound of very heavy compression at their disposal. ;)
 
#84
MysticBoo said:
Well, since you're going to read the FAQ anyway, I won't get too detailed in my response, but... a compressor CAN be used as an effect - but in most cases, it serves a different purpose.

Do a search using the word "squish", and you'll be overwhelmed by threads from people who love having the sound of very heavy compression at their disposal. ;)
Click to expand...

Yippy, MysticBoo put another Boo in his avatar.:hyper:

Don't get me wrong, you are a handsome guy.:hmm::rolleyes:


Those FAQ from bongomania are very useful. Thanks bongo. *thumbs up*

Effect or not. I'm guessing as effect it will not be my cup of tea.
If I ever get famous, I'll let my sound engineer handle these "dull" issues. :hiding:

;) okay, replace dull with important.
 
#85
dream_bass said:
I think in studio work u cant "forget" about compresion...its absolutelly necesary...but is it the same when u play live ?
its makin ur bass line more linear and equal or its just cutting ur punch and balls ?
Click to expand...
Compressors are generally used to make your tone MORE punchy. It also allows you to be louder in the mix overall, because the soundguy doesn't have to worry so much about you slamming your bass and blowing up his subs.
 
#86
bassman1185 said:
Compressors are generally used to make your tone MORE punchy. It also allows you to be louder in the mix overall, because the soundguy doesn't have to worry so much about you slamming your bass and blowing up his subs.
Click to expand...

So, in a live situation: is it mostly used between a direct out toward the PA. Without having a compressor between your bass and you (own) amplifier?

^^ Is that a common situation I described?
 
#87
C'thulhu said:
So, in a live situation: is it mostly used between a direct out toward the PA. Without having a compressor between your bass and you (own) amplifier?

^^ Is that a common situation I described?
Click to expand...
Potentially. I let the soundman know that I'm using a compressor (And I do use the "Squish" method of compressing), and let him take it from there. Pretty much every gig-worthy sound system will have compressors in the insert loops for most, if not all, of the channels on the board. If you don't have your own compressor, then the soundman WILL use compression. Bass is a dangerous instrument to amplify at high levels. It can destroy speakers and subs with ease if the soundman doesn't know what he's doing.

Like I said, I use my own compressor for my amp, and let the soundman take it from there. I have decent relationships with a few of the soundmen that I deal with on a regular basis, and I'd like to think that they believe that I know what I'm talking about.
 
#88
bassman1185 said:
Potentially. I let the soundman know that I'm using a compressor (And I do use the "Squish" method of compressing), and let him take it from there. Pretty much every gig-worthy sound system will have compressors in the insert loops for most, if not all, of the channels on the board. If you don't have your own compressor, then the soundman WILL use compression. Bass is a dangerous instrument to amplify at high levels. It can destroy speakers and subs with ease if the soundman doesn't know what he's doing.

Like I said, I use my own compressor for my amp, and let the soundman take it from there. I have decent relationships with a few of the soundmen that I deal with on a regular basis, and I'd like to think that they believe that I know what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to sound engineering at gigs or studio work.

When I used to gig I just plugged in the XLR cable from the PA into my amp, and let the sound guys handle it from there.
I off course never knew how my bass sounded to the PA because I was standing in front of a big rig with a sound I dial in myself.

I can assume the equiment of a PA has compressors and such.


I understand it know a bit more, about compression.

How you can also use it as an effect for a heavy squished sound. But that is not for me.
 
#89
dream_bass said:
I think in studio work u cant "forget" about compresion...its absolutelly necesary...but is it the same when u play live ?
its makin ur bass line more linear and equal or its just cutting ur punch and balls ?
Click to expand...
If you know how to use it properly, it will increase your punch and give you bigger balls. If you don't know how to use it properly, it will castrate you. :)
 
#92
bongomania said:
Pardon, but is English your native language? I mean no offense if it isn't.

Either way, I have just now written a new section in my FAQ about multi-band compression:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Hope that helps. :)
Click to expand...

cheers m8 and thanx for help
anyway I thought u-re a clever guy :) ofc english is far to be my native language,sry cause I punished ur ears :D
 
#93
I play in a metal band (albeit power), and i only use my marshall guv'nor. And thats only one song during the harmonized (sp?) guitar solos.

But i use the amp to get the sound to cut through (fairly clean) and thats with an Ampeg SVT 4 into a 6x10.
And thats with guitar solos every second :P
 
#94
I am another guy guilty of using a Boss Metal Zone pedal with my bass. I still have it- although I loaned it to my neighbors kid. To be honest I will probably never see it again.

I bought that pedal used in 1989 (I think). It was great for playing punk/metal stuff I was into then. Sounded awesome with my Hondo PBass and flatwounds. I sort of miss that Hondo now....
 
#95
GreggBummer said:
I am another guy guilty of using a Boss Metal Zone pedal with my bass. I still have it- although I loaned it to my neighbors kid. To be honest I will probably never see it again.

I bought that pedal used in 1989 (I think). It was great for playing punk/metal stuff I was into then. Sounded awesome with my Hondo PBass and flatwounds. I sort of miss that Hondo now....
Click to expand...

The Metal Zone was the first pedal I bought. And for longtime it was my only pedal, untill I replaced it with the Phat Hed.
(Now I'm an overdrive man.)

I still have the MT-2.

It works well on bass, especially if you're a Cliff Burton Wannabee. ;)
 

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