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What to look for when buying a compressor?

K

Korus Bows

Oct 26, 2009
29
0
Topeka, Kansas
www.korusbows.com
Disclosures
Korus Bows
#1
Hi all,

I am looking at getting a compressor for my rig but not sure what the best kind would be for my set up.

I have an Ampeg SVT 3Pro going through an Ampeg HLF 4x10 cabinet. I am also using a 482i Sonic Maximizer. My bass is an Ernie Ball Stingray Classic 4 String. So, my setup is fairly decent, but the sound I have been getting isn't. All the equipment is in great shape and the head has all new tubes. I'm thinking that maybe a compressor is what I need to help with my tone.

Here are my questions:

If I use this maximizer, do I need a compressor?
Can I use a compressor and maximizer together?
Any advantages over a rack mounted vs foot pedal?
What would be the best compressor for my ampeg/stingray setup?


Anything will help,
 
#4
Isn't a Sonic Maximizer essentially a compressor?

Korus Bows said:
If I use this maximizer, do I need a compressor?
Click to expand...

If the answer is "yes" to my question, then no. You may want a different comp though. They are not created equal

Can I use a compressor and maximizer together?
Click to expand...

You can, but it may be redundant.

Any advantages over a rack mounted vs foot pedal?
Click to expand...

Whatever is easier for you, or has the features/sound you want.

what would be the best compressor for my ampeg/stingray setup?
Click to expand...

That is a very personal choice. What are you looking to gain from adding one to your rig?

Honestly, I'd try removing the BBE first and see what you can dial in with nothing else but the amp/cab/bass. I've never heard much good stuff about them, but it seems like everybody has one.
 
#5
A sonic maximizer is not a compressor.

Check out Bongomainia's site and then as yourself a few questions:

1. Do you like having lot's of knobs and total control, or would you prefer something simpler that takes away a lot of the guesswork.
2. Do you want something to color your sound, limit peaks, or be completely transparent and even out dynamics. All compressors have different strengths and weaknesses.
3. What do you want to spend.

Answer these questions and reference Bongo's site and you will likely find something that works for you. I used to use a sonic max, but decided after a time that I didn't like how it affected my mids so I sold it.
 
#7
From what I've heard/read/experienced it is basically an eq with a mid scoop effect. BBE claims it aligns high and low frequencies so that they hit the speaker at the same time and eliminates phase cancellation, but there is no way to tell if that is actually happening. I could get the same results by making a frowny face on my graphic eq pedal.

A compressor controls volume and dynamics, not frequencies.
 
#8
M Sterling said:
From what I've heard/read/experienced it is basically an eq with a mid scoop effect. BBE claims it aligns high and low frequencies so that they hit the speaker at the same time and eliminates phase cancellation, but there is no way to tell if that is actually happening. I could get the same results by making a frowny face on my graphic eq pedal.
Click to expand...

Sounds hokey to me.

A compressor controls volume and dynamics, not frequencies.
Click to expand...

I know
 
#12
Regarding the Maximizer, at least one of the designs out there (I forget which one) includes some compression of the lows. So IF you have that type of maximizer, and IF all you needed compressed was the lows, and IF you only wanted a low ratio and no controls over the envelope, then you might not need/want a compressor on top.

That said, I think the maximizers are mostly a waste of space.
 
#14
M Sterling said:
A sonic maximizer is not a compressor.

Check out Bongomainia's site and then as yourself a few questions:

1. Do you like having lot's of knobs and total control, or would you prefer something simpler that takes away a lot of the guesswork.
2. Do you want something to color your sound, limit peaks, or be completely transparent and even out dynamics. All compressors have different strengths and weaknesses.
3. What do you want to spend.

Answer these questions and reference Bongo's site and you will likely find something that works for you. I used to use a sonic max, but decided after a time that I didn't like how it affected my mids so I sold it.
Click to expand...


Great advice! Those are essentially the steps I took before I bought a Demeter Compulator for my pedal board.

When I upgraded my PA, I read several "sound" books, and took a few community college classes on sound reinforcement [inexpensive. But, you've gotta make sure the instructor's qualified - too many know sound, but lack effective communication and teaching skills].

One of my favorite pro-sound books is:
"Sound FX - unlocking the creative potential of recording studio effects." by Alexander U. Case (focal press).

Despite the limitations implied by the title, the author presents concepts essential to the understanding of sound in a way that I find very clear and digestible; the author's approach was more effective, for me, than Yamaha's "Sound Reinforcement Handbook," which is also very good, but is written a style I'd describe as "technical writing committee," if you get my drift. Prosoundweb.com is also invaluable.

I strongly recommend Case's book to any bassist or PA operator who wants a deeper understanding of pro-sound concepts, applications, and techniques.
 
#15
Can I ask the OP what he thinks is actually wrong with the sounds he's getting. It may be that a compressor isn't even necessary. A lot of people buy one thinking it's going to magically fix their sounds as 'that's what the pros use', but if they don't understand how it works, it often makes their sound worse.

Not a dig at anyone in particular, just a generalisation.
 
#16
The BBE Sonic maximizer DOES re-order the frequency timing. Whether it works properly depends upon how perfectly the BBE algorithm combats frequency competition through your particular amp & cabinet. and what sort of screwed phase signal you are sending to your amp. The expected results are a clearing up of muddiness, and increased presence.

It CAN have a similar effect to e.q. in that: e.q. can also help the cabinet to produce more 'revealed' frequency presence. depending upon the freq response you're going for e.q. sometimes works against your clarity. The BBE low and high controls are designed to help you to match its effects to your amp/cab - where does it sound muddy, and to what extent..

It works for me because I have allot of ancient tone-sucking pedals that muck with my frequency timing BBE fixes that.. EQ can't.

But for a clean tone, from a Jag to a great amp you really shouldn't need the maximizer unless you have an amp that just gives you mud no matter what you send it. then it may be worth a try (but better to get a good clear amp).
 
#18
Korus Bows said:
I'm thinking that maybe a compressor is what I need to help with my tone.

Here are my questions:

If I use this maximizer, do I need a compressor?
Can I use a compressor and maximizer together?
Any advantages over a rack mounted vs foot pedal?
What would be the best compressor for my ampeg/stingray setup?


Anything will help,
Click to expand...

A compressor shouldn't really alter your tone, it's job is to even out your dynamics so your volume isn't dancing around too much.

I have zero experience with Maximizers, I had a plug-in once that someone said was great but I never actually tried it. Probably should one day!

A DBX rack-mount compressor is going to be better suited to me than a Behringer pedal one, but there is no one brand that is 'best.' I use a BBE Opto Stomp and I like it for what I use it for.

If it's boomy low-end you're tying to get rid of I'm afraid it is most probably your cab.
 
#20
What to look for when buying a compressor?

The box should read "compressor" on the outside label. Other than that, it can be a real crapshoot unless you take at look at bongo's compressor reviews.

Ask yourself one question: "Am I an obsessive knob tweaker?" If yes, you may want to consider one of the better 2-3 knob jobbys available...the Diamond and BBE OptsoStomp are two with which I've had experience.

Riis
 

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