• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Toadworks Mr. Squishy users..or any comp users for that matter...

rayzak

rayzak

Jan 13, 2001
3,453
869
Louisville, KY
#1
I have the Mr. Squishy. I'm new to using compression so don't really know squat about it. I've heard that the squishy is very transparent, and i'd most certainly have to agree.
The thing is... no matter how I set it, it doesn't sound like it's doing anything:confused: . I mean, I can hear some difference if I crank the gain, for instance. But I don't hear much from the squish knob.

Isn't a compressor supposed to even out the "peaks and valleys"? I don't really understand what it's doing. If you use a Squishy, how do you set yours?
Confused in Indy.
 
#4
I use slapping to "test" my compressors. Also any fingerstyle notes that are noticeably louder than the others (e.g. E string 12th fret on some basses). Using headphones helps a lot. Try this: with the comp OFF, turn your preamp up up until fingerstyle playing is somewhat loud in your headphones. Now slap. Ouch! Now switch on the compressor and try again. Switch back and forth, and make adjustments on the compressor, until you get a nice clean "loud" signal with strong fingerstyle, yet slapping doesn't kill your ears.

That's not the "only" or "right" setting, but it's a good start and a good way to hear what your comp is doing.
 
#5
KarateKid25 said:
You know how when you watch TV and the commercials come on, they seem louder for some reason...Thats compression.
Click to expand...

not quite, but close. your statement would show a "lack of compression", therefore the reason that commercials are louder.

some tv's are built with "compressor like" features these days to even out your audio from program to commercial.


don't overdo the compression though, you don't want to loose your dynamics and make the song sound flat and without feeling. i've gotten some good results with Google typing "bass compression settings". have look see. :)
 
#6
lillitnn92 said:
not quite, but close. your statement would show a "lack of compression", therefore the reason that commercials are louder.
Click to expand...
Ahem. Not quite, but close. All television audio has been compressed very heavily. The commercials are broadcast at a higher volume, but essentially the same amount of compression. You can compress the whole mess AGAIN to limit the excess volume of the commercials.
 
#7
he he, this is going to be fun to say this because you didn't know, but .....

i work in a ABC affiliate TV station in Master Control. yes there is compression on our signal going out, but trust me, our commercials are not purposely sent out louder than programs. it all depends on how the "tech" ingest the spots into the system as to whether they come out right. same goes with network's spots. someone "has" to load these commercials into a video server and if he/she doesn't watch the audio while doing so, yes, it will be louder or softer. if anything, network Primetime shows programing is played at lower levels so that the commercials are louder. but at the same time, the audio for Primetime shows are of much better quality and have a very large dynamic range (soft to loud).

but lets not hijack his post to talk about TV audio. :)
 
#8
rayzak said:
The thing is... no matter how I set it, it doesn't sound like it's doing anything:confused:
Click to expand...
Good, sounds like you're using it properly. ;)

Play around with the Gain and Squish controls at the same time to hear what exactly is going on. It's pretty transparent, I just use mine for slapping.
 
#10
Funny how less is better with the Mr S. I hit a harmonic while adjusting the squish, the best setting which is usually about 1 o'clock, the input as well which should be the same I have realized...Out or right nob will determine what boost you need...Not much here.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: PeaveyRigMini.JPG Views: 1 Size: 22.5 KB ID: 102328
 
#11
lillitnn92 said:
...if he/she doesn't watch the audio while doing so, they should be sacked
Click to expand...
Fixed it for ya!

lillitnn92 said:
...your statement would show a "lack of compression", therefore the reason that commercials are louder.
Click to expand...
While I agree that might be so in some cases, it's pretty well accepted that commercials appear louder because of massive compression.

All audio is broadcast at the same nominal, average level. Even if the files on the server or tapes have different levels the headend equipment sorts it out before it's broadcast.

The difference in perception comes about because programs have a relatively wide dynamic range while commercials don't have any dynamic range - in other words they are massively compressed. They are also equalised to maximise their intelligibility.
 
#12
As for the real issue at hand...

Most people don't 'hear' compressors at first simply because they don't know what to listen for. Here's a few tips;

  • you MUST set the compressor for unity gain - ie; bypassed volume = effected volume
  • crank your amp up nice and loud, but NOT distorted or overdriven
  • alternately play heavily then lightly with the compressor on, compare with compressor off.
  • using the same playing style, switch the compressor on and off.
You should notice your amp 'cleaning up' a bit with the compressor engaged, especially when you hit a low open string or strum a power chord.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back