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Should i be interested in a compressor pedal?

#21
I use a comp (FEA!) at the very front of my chain for string to string volume consistency, and for the overall "feel" of more presence and compactness.
I also use a limiter at the end of the chain to cleanly clip all those excessive peaks when slapping.
I find that a well set compressors actually improves my dynamics by "zooming in" on the parts of the sound that matter the most.
 
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#22
brotondo said:
I too, fell for the compressor hype. When the dust settled, it was just another gimmick trying to suck the heart and soul out of my playing. I don't miss it, even for slap.
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I'm on the fence. My old amp had one, and I just kind of set the old knob to noon, though I do t know that it ever actually tripped. I've had a couple for guitar, and now a bass
Specific one, and I'm not sure. The diamond kind if fattens up the sound, but it doesn't compress much, so essentially it is just an eq that is always on. It may end up being like delays where it just isn't my thing.
 
#23
brotondo said:
I too, fell for the compressor hype. When the dust settled, it was just another gimmick trying to suck the heart and soul out of my playing. I don't miss it, even for slap.
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Though compression isn't for everyone, no its not even necessary to own one, but I disagree that its some "gimmick" or trend as its everywhere, live, studio, and has been for a long time!! If you run through a PA at a club there is a very high chance the soundman put some squash on your signal no matter how great of a player you are...

As far as using pedal compression, I would explore other effects *before* getting into compression, like overdrive which already compresses your sound and other fun sounds(chorus maybe??)...tube amps can provide some natural compression too!!

That being said, I love my Empress compressor, it makes playing and hearing myself much easier and if I didn't have that the symmetry would be at the top of my radar as Darkglass is awesome, made by a bassist for bassists..

IME, I found "you get what you pay for" very true with comps, though there are exceptions and Bongomania's site is a great resource , plus he too makes "the smoothie" which I've heard nothing but praise
 
#24
Perhaps gimmick is too harsh. It is an extremely powerful tool, with a time and place to use it. Mainly in the studio perhaps?
But I feel if someone truly needed one, the would know.
Otherwise, I think you are searching for something, you think a compressor might scratch that itch. All you can do is try it.
 
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#25
brotondo said:
Perhaps gimmick is too harsh. It is an extremely powerful tool, with a time and place to use it. Mainly in the studio perhaps?
But I feel if someone truly needed one, the would know.
Otherwise, I think you are searching for something, you think a compressor might scratch that itch. All you can do is try it.
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But to add to what your saying, I know guys that wont bother with anything less than high end studio rack mount comps for recording, who were playing long before I was born so there is something to be said for that as well...
 
#26
nshuman said:
We are going to have to totally disagree on it not being an effect. It can be a tool or an effect quite easily.

But, yes, you will need to learn how to use it.
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I was more agreeing with your post and commenting to the OP but realized after posting it may not have come off that way.

Indeed it can be an effect and guitar players probably use it mainly as an effect. Bass players (I think) mostly use it as a tool like an engineer would but probably a lot of players do both.
 
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#28
Yorin said:
Dear talkbass,

I was randomly looking for stuff in a musicstore testing pedals and it got me thinking. Should i get a compressor pedal or not? Why should i be interested in one anyways? In a way it boosts your signal giving it a fuller tone and it makes most of your notes more even volume-wise. But considering i only play finger style, will it benefit me? I thought compressors were mostly a thing for slap players... The new Darkglass Supersymmetry got me thinking though ^^. Maybe it's just "try it out and if you like it, buy it" kinda thing? Or is it a bit more necesary than i think it is?
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I use a Danelectro hash browns guitar pedal through my bass setup and it really adds a significant boost.

You can buy one for under $20.
 
#30
I have a Markbass Compressore that is always on except when I do restaurant gigs where the volume and dynamics are low enough that compression is not going to make a difference. But for stage gigs and rehearsals it's always on. I like that it improves string to string balance and let's me play high up on the E string without overloading my signal (I use flats and they get very bassy up there). Also, the gain knob and tube adds a nice overdrive and squashed quality. But it is subtle and will not magically make your instrument sound better. It makes your playing sound better. Play with one for a while, then take it away and you feel like you left the house with no pants on.
 
#31
i think it's a good tool to have on hand ... especially when you get it dialed in and set for You .. !
i have one in my chain ...

currently a Seymour Duncan Studio Bass .... which so far has been very good ...

i prefer a blend knob ... for me , that makes a comp pedal more useful and more natural sounding ... either taking off the slightest edge and/or adding more sustain ... and it has a filter for the original signal that's blended back in ... and it also works nicely on guitar ... nice clean boost / more sustain for leads ... and tightens up rhythm ...

works well for the price ..
 
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#32
I have used compressors for years, and I play almost exclusively fingerstyle, and at times, somewhat aggressively. It is the only "effect" I use. Helps tame those hard hits that come up, which is what I use it for, especially helpful when running direct into the PA with no amp. Keeps me from clipping the input on the mixer.
 
#33
Alexis Duntov said:
I have a Markbass Compressore that is always on except when I do restaurant gigs where the volume and dynamics are low enough that compression is not going to make a difference. But for stage gigs and rehearsals it's always on. I like that it improves string to string balance and let's me play high up on the E string without overloading my signal (I use flats and they get very bassy up there). Also, the gain knob and tube adds a nice overdrive and squashed quality. But it is subtle and will not magically make your instrument sound better. It makes your playing sound better. Play with one for a while, then take it away and you feel like you left the house with no pants on.
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Plus +1 on the Mark Bass Compressore
 
#35
I have a choice of comps at my disposal (aphex, mxr, dbx, joe meek, behringer, UA) but i only ever use them for bass on FOH or in mixes. I have a Punch Factory that lives on my pedal board, but only to get my tone back after it's been thru 8 pedals. Several of my amps have had compressors but i never switch it on. Tried it, but hated it everytime.
 
#36
I've got an on-again/off-again relationship with compressors -- right now Mr. Squishy and I are off again. I don't know what it is, it's as if one day months into it being in my signal chain (my one-pedal chain), I'll just decide it's totally unnecessary and pull it out and say to myself "what was I thinking? I don't need that". Then months later, I'll go and dig it out of storage and it's back to always-on. I've been at it for years now.
My advice: if you're happy with your tone, leave it. It ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
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#37
My preference is for a compressor with a blend. I currently use an Xotic SP comp, set on high compression (roughly 12:1) but blended in 25%. I notice the benefits of bringing out the quiet notes and longer sustain, but without my bass sounding like its breathing loudly or unable to control the volume of it's voice.
 
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#40
wmhill said:
if you have to ask, I bet you're fine without it.
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This... I learned from doing the opposite way too many times... It's very easy to rationalize needing something, but unless it comes from an actual/observed need, a solution will tend to not work or be less than satisfying...

then again, if you buy used and only go for good deals, you might have some fun and not loose much money in the process :D
 
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