• 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.

Who doesnt use compression?

Status
Not open for further replies.
#21
I don't use any "real"compression (live), but, since my (pre-)amp has tubes in it I'll get a bit of "natural" compression which I really like. But as far as compressors go, I never heard any that sounded good to me (yeah, some very expensive studio quality ones).

I just like to have control over the dynamics with my hands, together with some tube compression/saturation.
 
#22
Arjank said:
I don't use any "real"compression (live), but, since my (pre-)amp has tubes in it I'll get a bit of "natural" compression which I really like.
Click to expand...

I'm in the same boat as this guy. When I upgraded from a solid state Peavey 300 amp to the Ampeg SVT3 Pro with tube pre, I loved the "professional" sounding warmth and evenness of the tone. I played with it for months before learning on TB about natural tube compression and that that was what I was experiencing.
 
#24
mmm quite mixed then! I used to have an ashdown ABM with a built in compressor which i did run at about half way, although now i have my GK mb500, i love the tone and dont really want to emss with it!
 
#28
eupharies said:
Im just curious as i currently dont but... wondered how many out there jsut rely on their amp / head for the tightness...
Click to expand...


Yeah, I pretty much only use compression as a special effect. One of the reasons I advise bass players not to use compression all of the time is exactly what I hi-lighted above. If you rely on compression to keep things "tight", you're just limiting how well you develop right hand technique.

There's a time & place for compression, but don't use it as a crutch. Unless you find you have to, naturally (but I bet you really don't!). :)
 
#29
I use the SD DoubleBack compressor on my board. The DoubleBack feature allows you to add your original signal back in (with switchable emphasis on highs, mids, or full-range).
When properly tweaked it still allows my playing dynamics to come through. [Note: this isn't an advert.. I'm not affiliated with SD!]

I used to spend a lot of time at a home recording website. There were tons of threads there about compression, and how most don't properly understand it - leading to over/under compressed signals.

A properly compressed signal still gives you plenty of dynamics.

I like compression. For me it helps to keep the guitar player honest. Otherwise they will turn up to your loudest signal, and your dynamics can get lost!
 
#30
I use compression ever-so lightly. In reality I use it more as a limiter with a very high threshold and very low ratio. Under normal playing dynamics I'm not into the range where the compression kicks in much if at all.
 
#33
I sometimes use it as an effect, but it's pretty rare. That said, if someone wants to add compression when mixing my tracks then I'm not going to cry about it either, so long as the results are good.
 
#35
I just discovered this weekend that my Markbass Compressore can become an OD pedal, and it sounds better than a Distorsore pedal. :) Turn the input gain way high, and output volume lower to compensate. Set threshold all the way high (lowest sensitivity), attack and release where you like. Now engage the tube circuit by turning up ratio just barely above zero. Whoah! Since the ratio is so low it doesn't audibly compress the signal even though the compress LED is lit almost constantly, but that grind and grit is pretty sweet. Turn up ratio for a really squashed and distorted tone.
 
#36
I don't use any in my live rig. I like the dynamics of a big amp with lots of headroom. I figure if I'm going through the front end, they're applying some.

For recording I tend to go without on my own line and then I apply it to my track later on as needed. When it comes to recording everyone else, I tend to apply it liberally. ;) I use it on the snare/hat and kick, and the guitar to tape, to keep things even. It ends up driving me nuts trying to mix stuff if the dynamics are all over the place and less time for me to automate the track volume levels even after I've compressed the tracks by way of software. I love compressed vocals, it makes them sound much more personal and 'in yer face' to me.
 
#38
I haven't used a compressor in years. I run my head somewhat hot/saturated and it has the effect of some compression (peaks turn into slight grit).

After at least 5+ years without one, I am actually interested in getting one again. I loved the type of compression on the M-Pulse head and wouldnt mind trying out something similar again for slapping.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back