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Who doesnt use compression?

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#82
I used to use one when was playing loud rock shows. I thought I was getting more punch. I stopped playing shows and turned the comp off. I haven't even noticed the difference. So I sold the compressor. I'm just as happy as I ever was.
 
#83
I don't like compression but i do use limiting on the single i send to the house sound system. We blew a speaker recently and the guy who runs the sound insists it was my slapping and popping that killed the speaker. Funny thing is we have a limiter/compressor on the front end already! BUT to make him happy I added a limiter compressor to the single going from my rack to the front end. I don't use compression which makes things SOUND louder however decreases your personal dynamics, but do use a hard limiter to make sure the front end doesn't get any spikes from me.
 
#86
A compressor does not add to your sound it subtracts from your sound.
It takes away some, or all, of your ability to articulate (depending on the threshold setting).
I can see some usefulness. Like training wheels on a bicycle.
It can help you achieve a better sound until you perfect your touch.
 
#87
Since there seems to be a relative dearth of pro-compressor supporters and a glut of anti-compressor supporters on this thread, I'll submit this article from Bass Player (a reputable source if you ask me) as evidence on the pro side:

BassPlayer: Compression Basics

Not to ruffle any feathers, but I do find it ironic that so many players in here seem to think that their technique is so good that they can't benefit from compression at all. I've been playing bass for a long time (about 20 years), I am a classically trained musician (cello, piano, and bass), and have very good technique, but I still clank out a note every once in a while that was way louder or softer than I meant it to be that my compressor has kept in check.
 
#89
Liam Wald said:
A compressor does not add to your sound it subtracts from your sound.
It takes away some, or all, of your ability to articulate (depending on the threshold setting).
I can see some usefulness. Like training wheels on a bicycle.
It can help you achieve a better sound until you perfect your touch.
Click to expand...

Here it is again. Compression = your technique sucks. Surely there must be good players who use compression.
 
#90
Liam Wald said:
A compressor does not add to your sound it subtracts from your sound.
It takes away some, or all, of your ability to articulate (depending on the threshold setting).
I can see some usefulness. Like training wheels on a bicycle.
It can help you achieve a better sound until you perfect your touch.
Click to expand...

I don't believe this to be correct for bass or any other instrument. I love compression for a couple of the guitarists I play with because for them to retain their 'soft touch' on the strings, they have to play them...well softly. If we want the audience (or listener for recordings) to hear what they're doing, compression is wonderful. It keeps the tone and timbre of their playing while making it loud enough for the listener to understand the nuance. I use it this way for vocals too.
 
#93
SteveC said:
I know, I know. I just wish we could lay off the "compression is for people who suck" thing that ALWAYS gets posted in these threads.
Click to expand...

This thread is a real eye opener for me, I haven't read any other threads on this subject here, I am surprised at the amount of "I am too good for a compressor" Or the "I don't use one because it ruins dynamics or tone (because I don't know how to use a compressor)" .
Threads like this spread ignorance.
 
#94
SteveC said:
I know, I know. I just wish we could lay off the "compression is for people who suck" thing that ALWAYS gets posted in these threads.
Click to expand...

Well, the qoute "compression is for people who suck" is obviously hyperbole. It doesnt add anything constructive to the discussion.

I do, however, still maintain that if you rely on compression too much (i.e. all the time), you're probably limiting your development as a player. This may or may not be ok with different people. In my opinion (again, obviously). :-)
 
#96
eupharies said:
For the people who do use compression pedals?

Which ones do you recommend??

Ive never been able to ask a question without hijacking but as i started this thread muwahahah :D
Click to expand...

What are your compression goals? A pumping feel, transparent limiting, tube simulation, etc... Then how much control and features do you need? More detail = less people just posting the pedal they own.
 
#97
scotch said:
What are your compression goals? A pumping feel, transparent limiting, tube simulation, etc... Then how much control and features do you need? More detail = less people just posting the pedal they own.
Click to expand...
Ya, comps are like anything else...very personal and function-dependent. There are a few standards here and there, but there's a huge difference between a pedal compressor that costs $100 and a tube compressor that costs $2000. But you might like the $100 pedal's vibe for a certain function over the $2000 tube jobby.
 
#99
"Try and play more dynamic!"

"Dynamic? What do you mean, dynamic..... I am already playing as loud as I can!" :D

I don't use it. I don't like it in studio. If you listen to lately produced music, you will hear highly compressed productions. Ever heard of the "cvompression wars"?

For some kind of slap-bass compression works fine. But I like it as it is. I want to have control over my dynamic playing, and I have a GenzBenz GBE 1200 that gives me the headroom I need.
 
#100
eupharies said:
For the people who do use compression pedals?

Which ones do you recommend??

Ive never been able to ask a question without hijacking but as i started this thread muwahahah :D
Click to expand...

I use compression on really dynamic stuff. The one I use is a "Diamond BCP-1". It is very subtle and great sounding. Refer to Bongomania's reviews of comps. I find when I use My Markbass SA450 I don't use them much(it seems more audible), but when I'm using my other amps I like it more.
 
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