So… who’s not using a compressor at all ?

[Khrist92]

I had a Keeley 4 knob compressor for a while and it did manage to make my rig at the time (SS head, ported 410) sound a bit better, but I found it killed the dynamics I was so used to controlling with my fingerstyle. And then it started acting funny - low volume, couldn't alter the compression level, etc. Funnily enough, my guitarist at the time had the same exact issue on the same model pedal. We both dumped ours and haven't looked back. What they do when we record is another matter, one I'm not privy too, but it the final result always sounds good.

IMHO a hpf/lpf is a much more effective live tool. It helps me tame the room and eek out more volume from smaller rigs.

^ this, but also a 10 band EQ (particularly the MXR one).

 

[ComicBass]

I tried it for a bit but didnt like it.
Got a new comp pedal to try. It's been sitting unused for months now...

 

[Runnerman]

No compressor pedal. A little on the board, set and forget. Rarely use a pick...maybe if I did.

 

[el murdoque]

It depends.
When I'm playing dub or reggae, I use compression for peak limiting. My bass is turned up VERY loud and I play with a soft touch. If I plucked hard without a limiter, ears would pop.

On my rock setup, I don't use compression - a bit compression comes naturally from setting the preamp gain just on the edge of breakup, so that I get overdrive when I play harder.

 

[mambo4]

I haven't used one for a long time. Not necessary in my book.
There is very little that "subtle tone shaper" pedals can do
that a decent amp (with a decent pre amp section) won't make obsolete.

pure effects type pedals are a different story, of course.

 

[DwaynieAD]

Had one didn't have one made no difference

 

[arbiterusa]

I don't like them live and don't use them. I like them a lot for recording.

 

[TomB]

I'm not playing through one live, haven't in years. They're definitely a production tool though.

 

[dkelley]

I often don't use one, depends on what I'm playing, for what purpose, and what compressor I have around.

I always use one when mixing bass. I rarely use one when tracking bass. I sometimes use one live, where levels play with your mind and if you have a good sound man then it's better to send him a signal after a limiter or compressor to make sure you're not making his job impossible, even if you feel it takes away your ability to express yourself live. Again though it depends on the music and ensemble, and live sound options.

 

[Zooberwerx]

IMHO a hpf/lpf is a much more effective live tool. It helps me tame the room and eek out more volume from smaller rigs.

A HPF is particularly useful is on the front of a compressor. The Empress MKII comp is a great example as it incorporates a selectable (120/240 hz) sidechain HPF...not quite the same but effective, none the less.

Riis

 

[smeet]

I usually have my Cali76CB when I play anything hard hitting like rock or funk. Not for controlling my dynamics, though. With the slowest attack possible, it emphasizes the attack of each note (since the attacks are not compressed). Recording or practicing by myself, I never use one. I want to be in complete control of my dynamics. I'm no Jaco, but I have pretty good control these days.

 

[Meaculpa]

A YES for recording
A NO for playing live rehearsing.
At least IME.

 

[revd]

So far, the thread appears to show that some folks use them and some don't. That's quite the revelation

 

[GWGuitar]

I have a vintage Tech 21 Comptortion pedal for my guitars. They sound great on a guitar because it can blend distortion and compression—and it has a noise gate. I don't use an compression on bass through my amp. When I record in my DAW, I use a couple of compression plug-ins.

 

[DTRN]

I crawled out of the pedal rabbit hole years ago. Even with the treble guitar. I find a quality instrument cable is money better spent.

 

[sears]

Compressors are like margaritas. I use them for a while and then I quit for a while.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

My live playing involves "bad" technique like windmill powerchords, slapping while jumping up and down, punching the syrings, picking up the whole instrument by the B string and dropping it and all sorts of other poor taste overplaying. I always use one. Dont get me wrong, i have the talent to stand in back and play even volume eigth notes, but a show is supposed to be a show.

lol

Thats me, but with a 4 string.

 

[seedokebass]

Poor compression use is far less of a contributor to bad live tone than overusing overdrive/distortion/effects or eq'ing too much or too little.

I didn't use compression on my board for probably 15+ years and was very happy with my sound as were the sound guys and girls. Since using one I wished I had used it sooner.

 

[IamGroot]

I don't need a compreseor as I actually know how to play the instrument. The tone and control is all in my fingers.

EDIT: I am talking live. I have no idea what happens to signal in the studio. I am just a poor caveman bassist and your effects world bewhilders me.

 

[Space Pickle]

I've never really bothered with a compressor live, but I do compulsively collect pedals.