To compress or not to compress?

[engedi1]

I get you here. The Diamond is a pretty mellow compessor with its 3:1 fixed ratio. But the eq on it is so good that I would use this pedal just for that and the clean boost even if it didn't have compression lol.

I’m about to try it again with a diamond comp clone. I used to have an EBS that I loved but I’m wondering if some of that love was just for the boost that it provided.

 

[BlacksHole]

I have a few Bach pieces that I like to play at home, and there is no way I want compression when playing classical pieces. I think it helps more on slap styles and for passages where dead hits are essential.

 

[deepestend]

Just played practice with an old Madbean Afterlife comp (basically a John Hollis flatline) and it was great. The combo of boost and comp really sweetened my tone and made it more present.

 

[vivaknoxvegas]

If I was only playing live and recording in a studio where the engineer has great compressors available, I wouldn't see the need for a pedal compressor. I just don't think it makes a yuge difference live. But, since I mostly do old man music with friends where I record at home on my own, I see/hear the benefit.

 

[IngloriousOz]

I'd posted the Pedals and Effects interview with Robert Keeley talking about compression primarily with guitarist Nick Reinhardt - they just posted the bass version with Juan Alderete (who originally got me into compression). Very helpful and informative:



I had the pleasure of spending some time at Juan's studio a bit ago and we spent a couple hours chaining compressors and testing them - I left convinced of their value for sure!

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Anyone do a comparison of the Keeley Pro versus the Mark-Bass Compressore?????? I would love to see the comparison. Currently I've been using the Mark-Bass for a few years, and it is a fine Tube Compressor. Just would like to see the differences in a video test.

 

[FunkyPaul]

@Eddie LeBlanc : The Markbass is probably one of the quietest comps out there. Even the Keeley can't compare in that regard. Other than that, the 2 are very different beasts. The MB is a tube comp and the Keeley is a VCA comp. If you are liking the sound of the MB, you may not like the Keeley. Tube compression has a characteristic 'softer' and 'colored' tone that is added to the signal, while many VCA comps (certainly the Keeley) are rather transparent and possibly a bit faster reacting without having to over-compensate on the compression ratio. I prefer the dbx compression sound, and the Keeleys give me that in a pedal. What I didn't like about the MB was the high-current 12v power it needs. Besides that, the MB is most likely just about as good as you can get with a tube compressor, rack or pedal, bar none! Well played!

If you are looking to get into a VCA compressor, the Keeley Bassist sounds as good as the Pro, but without the separate Attack and Release or the 7 led meter, and is about $100 USD less! It has an led that lights when the signal is past threshold which is, really, all the information I need to set it properly. I also find the Bassist attack and release is always just the way I would set them if I were using a rack or digital mixer comp. Keeley says "Attack and Release times vary on program content". What I don't want is to be chasing settings during a show, so this works for me. Best of luck!

 

[JimmyM]

Well since this thread started, I ended up getting a little $20 Kokko compressor that's based off the Boss CS-2 to use as an effect, and in a strange twist that I wasn't expecting, I'm kind of digging it as an always-on thing.

EDIT: Tonight's gig changed my mind. I'm digging it on occasion, but not as an always on thing.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

@Eddie LeBlanc : The Markbass is probably one of the quietest comps out there. Even the Keeley can't compare in that regard. Other than that, the 2 are very different beasts. The MB is a tube comp and the Keeley is a VCA comp. If you are liking the sound of the MB, you may not like the Keeley. Tube compression has a characteristic 'softer' and 'colored' tone that is added to the signal, while many VCA comps (certainly the Keeley) are rather transparent and possibly a bit faster reacting without having to over-compensate on the compression ratio. I prefer the dbx compression sound, and the Keeleys give me that in a pedal. What I didn't like about the MB was the high-current 12v power it needs. Besides that, the MB is most likely just about as good as you can get with a tube compressor, rack or pedal, bar none! Well played!

If you are looking to get into a VCA compressor, the Keeley Bassist sounds as good as the Pro, but without the separate Attack and Release or the 7 led meter, and is about $100 USD less! It has an led that lights when the signal is past threshold which is, really, all the information I need to set it properly. I also find the Bassist attack and release is always just the way I would set them if I were using a rack or digital mixer comp. Keeley says "Attack and Release times vary on program content". What I don't want is to be chasing settings during a show, so this works for me. Best of luck!

Thanks for the info. I do like a Tube Compressor, especially for my style of bass playing. Only have it set as a Limiter not an Expander. Used to use a Demeter HBP1 preamp with a Crown XLS1500 amp, but now doing just a Genzler MG800 head. But I've always been a fan of a good tube in a Preamp. So maybe the MarkBass Compressore is doing the trick now.