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To compress, or not to compress, that is the question

theholeinthings

theholeinthings

Dec 1, 2012
69
11
Carbondale, Illinois
#1
Lately I've been wondering if I need a compressor because I've noticed that my E and A strings are quite a bit louder than the my D and G strings. From what I understand about compressors, it would help even out my string volume, but I have some concerns about using one. Mostly I play bass distorted with various fuzz pedals that are set to be very loud (ie not unity gain). My band also has clean parts but these parts are much quieter, so what I'm wondering is: Would a compressor be able to even out my string volume and still allow me to have my quiet/loud dynamics between my distorted and clean tones? My other main concern about compressors is being able to dial them in correctly since I've never used one. Seems like it could be tricky, but I figure having one with a lot of parameters like the MXR M87 would be nice. Thanks in advance.
 
#2
theholeinthings said:
Lately I've been wondering if I need a compressor because I've noticed that my E and A strings are quite a bit louder than the my D and G strings. From what I understand about compressors, it would help even out my string volume, but I have some concerns about using one. Mostly I play bass distorted with various fuzz pedals that are set to be very loud (ie not unity gain). My band also has clean parts but these parts are much quieter, so what I'm wondering is: Would a compressor be able to even out my string volume and still allow me to have my quiet/loud dynamics between my distorted and clean tones? My other main concern about compressors is being able to dial them in correctly since I've never used one. Seems like it could be tricky, but I figure having one with a lot of parameters like the MXR M87 would be nice. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
lower the pick ups abit bud
 
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#3
Adjusting pickup height might help?

If you run the compressor first/early in the chain, it will even out volume BEFORE it hits your dirt, so kicking on dirt later in the chain will still raise the volume. If the compressor is last, it will even out the clean/dirt difference that you're looking for.
 
#5
Thanks for all the suggestion! So I'll want to have the compressor early in the chain for my needs, right? String adjustment might help but I don't really have this problem when playing thru my GK800rb, just with my Mesa M6 (I guess because it is so much more boomier than the 800rb). How does compression react to chords? Does it sound good?
 
#7
If you use a small amount of compression and a decent compressor you should be happy. There are a LOT of crappy compressor pedals on the market.

There are many compressors that have been designed with only two or three knobs to adjust so you don't have to be an expert on compression. Actually setting a full fledged compressor with access to all of the parameters takes a bit of practice and experience.

Your best bet is to check out a TB'ers site about compression - http://www.ovnilab.com

Check out the FAQ, the Top Picks and the reviews. Its THE BEST source of information.
 
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#8
Thanks for the review website @ddnidd1 ! Seems really useful. The two compressors I'm currently looking at are the MXR M87 and the Xotic SP. The M87 seems appealing because I've had good experiences with other MXR pedals, but seems like it could be a little difficult to dial in due to it's versatility. I like the idea of having the SP because it is simple and small, but it prolly doesn't sound as good as the M87. Which one of these compressors do you guys think would be a better for a compressor noob?
 
#11
theholeinthings said:
The M87 seems appealing because I've had good experiences with other MXR pedals, but seems like it could be a little difficult to dial in due to it's versatility.
Click to expand...

Not so. Put the attack and the release at noon, put the ratio at 8:1, adjust the input so that the boomy notes are lighting up the LEDs into the yellow, adjust the output for unity plus a smidge more and you're done.
 
#12
scottfeldstein said:
Not so. Put the attack and the release at noon, put the ratio at 8:1, adjust the input so that the boomy notes are lighting up the LEDs into the yellow, adjust the output for unity plus a smidge more and you're done.
Click to expand...
... and herein lies the beauty of the forums... but I'd have to disagree with these recommendations for live playing. 8:1 is a good recording ratio.

With the M87 the attack knob has a tiny tiny tiny range. The difference between all the way counter-clockwise and all the way clockwise is literally very very small. It has a super fast attack no matter what. Keep in mind this is made to the same (or very very similar) specs as the UREII 1176. The range of the attack and release are the same as that unit, which is NOT specific for bass.

You'll want to try the attack all the way counter-clockwise to try to allow a touch of your transient attack to come through (for punch). Even at that speed, none of your transient will come through before the comp grabs onto the note. You'll also want to be weary of putting the release too long if you want punchy fingerstyle notes. If you're looking for chords to ring out and sustain, then you'll want the release at around noon. Much longer than that stops being particularly musical for bass (IMO, of course... but this is also based off of some research).

I would recommend doing 4:1 ratio for live situations.

I had an M87, got rid of it, and am now wanting to get it again. It's a solid comp. I just wish the attack could be a bit slower.
 
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#15
theholeinthings said:
Lately I've been wondering if I need a compressor because I've noticed that my E and A strings are quite a bit louder than the my D and G strings. From what I understand about compressors, it would help even out my string volume...
Click to expand...

First things first. Do a little detective work and address the cause of the string-to-string volume imbalance. Could be the pickup height(s) need adjustment....or re-think your EQ as this can suck the living soul out of the D & G strings. Once you've identified and addressed the culprit, then throw a compressor on board to ice the cupcake. Compressors are great processing tools but not necessarily miracle workers.

Riis
 
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#16
I own the MXR 87 and it's an easy compressor to use. I have my settings around the same as GroovinOnFunk. I use a Malekko Diabolik fuzz and a SansAmp tech 21 bass driver for overdrive after it and when I dig in hard; especially with the Diabolik; it really comes out. The LED peak meter at the top is handy dandy!
 
#17
Zooberwerx said:
First things first. Do a little detective work and address the cause of the string-to-string volume imbalance. Could be the pickup height(s) need adjustment....or re-think your EQ as this can suck the living soul out of the D & G strings.
Click to expand...

This. Fix it at the source. Technique and setup can address most of what you desire and those are free or at least cheap to try. Try plugging directly into your amp and see if it really is a bass problem or if it's the way you're running stuff between the bass and the amp.
 
#19
Somebody posted this in a related thread.
 

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  • MXR m87 settings by bassist.jpg
    MXR m87 settings by bassist.jpg
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#20
clockwise on the release is fast, so that pic is pretty in line with what I was describing. That's actually pretty much what mine looked like, come to think of it. Might have the release a hair faster. But if you're doing sustained chords, totally start by copying that photo that MattStonewall posted.
 

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