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using a built in limiter

A

axeinurface

Guest
Apr 3, 2011
30
1
NorCal
#1
OK..so I haven't been playing bass for very long (i've been playing guitar for quite some time), I was wondering if anyone has some advice on how to set a limiter for bass? I know it is there to protect your speakers. I haven't been able to get a decent sound with it (I have just been turning it off). so, I was wondering how SHOULD it be set? should the light (which shows it is limiting) be on all the time or just sometimes? or is it not supposed to come on at all while you are using it, and its just to protect from sudden jumps in the loudness? any advice would be appreciated (and please don't just post what a limiter's function is...I know that already). thanks!!
 
#2
The problem is that not all limiters are designed the same. For example built-in limiter may be designed to stop clipping in the preamp, or in the power section. The light may indicate when clipping is occurring, or it may indicate when clipping is imminent.

What specific amp are you using?
 
#3
i'd skip it, as it just kills the dynamics and power of the bass rig.

if you did use it, set it so it only just kicks in when you hit really hard.
 
#4
now a compressor can be cool, as it lets you relax or dig in, with both creating a more even, sustainy tone; a limiter as such just chokes off anything louder than its threshold.
 
#7
my amp is a crappy ass crate b-150 head. its my first bass amp though and it was only 40 bucks haha. and actually @ walter..that is pretty much what i have been doing. i have been setting it so the light comes on only when i play really hard (or not at all). the limiter just seems to suck the power out of the amp as well as the dynamics. i am def planning on investing in a better head when i start playing in a band again though.
 

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