Who doesnt use compression?

[eupharies]

Im just curious as i currently dont but... wondered how many out there jsut rely on their amp / head for the tightness...

 

[Son of Bovril]

I think you'll find that the vast majority of players don't use or know how to use compression. many might have it built into their amp and use it, but only a small percentage of players go as far as actually using an outboard compressor.

I only use them live with very subtle ratios but in Studio they are often applied to nearly everything in the mix at quite high ratios sometimes... my bass gets much more compression in studio than live.

 

[curbowkid]

Squares

 

[jg919]

Hi!
I used to use compression ALL THE TIME. Just recently (actually, within the last 3-4 months of solid gigging) I discovered I didn't need it anymore.
I lowered my pickups from the strings quite a bit (I now use the active circutry to compensate for the slight drop-off of level caused by the pickup distance), and discovered it gives my bass a great amount of 'space' (so I don't get so much "popping" from the strings), as well as keeps the sound nice and even (as the pickups are equidistant from each string).
I love the dynamic range, but the dynamics bewteen each string aren't too great.
I generally eq my bass (on the active bass eq) flat, with a slight bass boost to get some depth (and OOMF) to start - and jiggle the settings to taste...
My bass and amp are enough as is, but I can mix in other things (effcts etc) if I want.

BTW, I use a '95 Musicman Sterling, '86 GK 800rb and English Ashdown ABM410T cabinet.
I love the sound, and am also keen to hear and explore more things...but not so much compression any more.
Thanks for the interesting question! JOHN

 

[mcblahflooper94]

John Entwistle

 

[arai]

If you are going through a half decent PA chances are you are going to be compressed by the sound tech, more often then not

 

[PSYCHOTIC]

some amps I play through have compression. never use it.
give me volume gain bas mid treble and I'm happy.
compression to me is not pure, I dont like to alter the sound/tone/dynamics from my fingers to the speakers

 

[eupharies]

At a gig the other night the sound tech was like mm you should a a compression pedal.. hence my reason for asking... but tbh i dont think i really need one!

 

[MostlyBass]

I had the MXR Compressor. Used it for a while - and it's amazing and what it does. But as a classically trained bassist I was just so used to dynamics being in my fingers I sold it.

 

[lomo]

I love compression. I used to not use it but discovered it when I bought an M9 that has a good onboard unit. To some extent it can make you lazy because it can cover sloppy technique (uneven volume from uneven touch on plucking different notes). However, if used well, it can smooth out your tone and allow you to play at higher gain with lighter touch-it reduces the rick of a gank from string hitting fret or lickup and can add punch to your tone.

 

[chadds]

I love compression. I used to not use it but discovered it when I bought an M9 that has a good onboard unit. To some extent it can make you lazy because it can cover sloppy technique (uneven volume from uneven touch on plucking different notes). However, if used well, it can smooth out your tone and allow you to play at higher gain with lighter touch-it reduces the rick of a gank from string hitting fret or lickup and can add punch to your tone.

Rick of a gank, string hitting a lickup. I need that effects pedal!! Freal

 

[TNCreature]

I've never enjoyed having an "always on" compressor. But I may not have used the correct one for me.
I have started using the built in limiter in my amp however. Even though I hate it, I don't wish to fry any more speakers.

 

[chadds]

Never. Studio? That's up to the engineer. Live nope. As is said above, it can cover sloppy technique, and limits the dynamic possibilities in your playing. I want to go from grazing the strings to full on thump. If i need greater volume I add more cones and/or watts. But hey, to each his own.

 

[treekiller]

Never. Studio? That's up to the engineer. Live nope. As is said above, it can cover sloppy technique, and limits the dynamic possibilities in your playing. I want to go from grazing the strings to full on thump. If i need greater volume I add more cones and/or watts. But hey, to each his own.

I tried using one for a while when I first started playing live, but once I fully developed my right hand technique I quit using it. In fact I don't use any effects or pedals of any kind, I just plug straight into the amp and go.

 

[tsverrir]

I put much effort into finding perfectly balanced strings and adjusting the pickup height so I don't have to use compression live. I like to be able to play dynamically. But of course the studio is a completely different beast.

 

[arai]

Using a compressor does not necessarily kill your dynamics. This seems to be a vary common misconception. It can but it depends how it is set.

 

[agreatheight]

On stage - no.
FOH - depends on engineer / gear, but usually yes.
Recordings - yes.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I don't use compression live or in the studio at all.

 

[Lo-E]

Almost never live. Just a tiny bit in the studio.

 

[Dave W]

I have in the past, but not currently. I always had an "always on" comp on my board. I mainly used it for my metal band. I took it off the board though, and I've been playing without it in my cover band. When this gig first started I thought I'd use it, but I never did.

My amps have a bit of natural compression when you really open them up, but I'm not adding any.