Who doesnt use compression?

[Jazz Ad]

I rarely use compression except as an effect a la TOny LEvin.
Now, I tend to push gain pretty high on my amp, which naturally compresses the signal.

 

[DigitalMan]

Sorry, got off on a tangent But it does happen a lot on here. What can I tell ya?

Tangents are my specialty.

 

[chadds]

Please don't perpetuate the wild inference. No one said elitist here that I can see except Scotch and Brad.

There's no need to call anyone anything. That's the only point that was being made.

Hope you were joking about Scotch and Brad.
Because they deserve it.
I've never heard Scotch play. Yet it has some serious effects when in a glass. If you hear Brad play you'd follow his example. He has very relaxed hands and no wasted motion in his touch.

If you say you're driving to Chicago and you're actually heading to Miami is it elitist to say hey you're going the wrong way? Add that you asked for directions too.

Funny thing here is the people who are defending compression when technique is the issue are calling the names. The folks who are saying hey work on your technique are doing a service to the community.

 

[punkjazzben]

Dear me... seems like a lot of people don't understand how to use compression.

With regard to those silly comments about 'losing dynamics', here's this from Bongomania's website:

...even though some people say they don't like compression because they play with a wide range of dynamics, the fact is that carefully applied compression will actually make the entire dynamic range easier to hear, rather than making your signal sound "less dynamic". This is partially about the quality of the compressor, partly about the type of compressor it is, and partly about how the compressor is being used. Failing to adjust the level of the signal going into the compressor can make anyone hate compression. And some compressors just suck.

I have found reading through these FAQs to be helpful in understanding what compression is and how it can be used effectively: Compressor and Audio Gear FAQ

I used to not use it because I would click 'on', and fiddle with the dial until I could really hear a difference, and I didn't like the result in a band mix. It sounded choked or something. With a little bit of knowledge of how to use compression in conjunction with good technique, I have begun using it live quite often.

Also, I now understand that just because a knob on your amp is labelled 'compression' doesn't make it so. Often it's just a limiter, which can be fairly harsh compared to compression-proper.

 

[cnltb]

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.

This pretty much sums it up for me too.

 

[DigitalMan]

Hope you were joking about Scotch and Brad.
Because they deserve it.
I've never heard Scotch play. Yet it has some serious effects when in a glass. If you hear Brad play you'd follow his example. He has very relaxed hands and no wasted motion in his touch.

If you say you're driving to Chicago and you're actually heading to Miami is it elitist to say hey you're going the wrong way? Add that you asked for directions too.

Funny thing here is the people who are defending compression when technique is the issue are calling the names. The folks who are saying hey work on your technique are doing a service to the community.

People aren't "defending" compression. It needs no defense. It's a preference.

People are saying derogatory things about people who prefer compression without any basis of reference - including you in this very post.

This isn't about music. It's about manners. Get some.

 

[DigitalMan]

About to get on a plane so my silence moving forward is indicative of that fact alone.

To be specific, no one defending compression called or should call anyone any names. People attacking compression have accused the defenders of name calling, but I haven't seen a post in this thread that supports that. However, I'm on a mobile phone at the moment and might have missed something.

Technique should NOT be an issue. People attacking compression are making it the issue. Generalizing that people who prefer compression need it due to poor technique is objectionable. It is rude and it is arrogant. Note that pointing this out is not name calling. It is characterizing the lack of manners of a specific set of statements.

If you want to start another thread about poor technique, then please do so in the appropriate forum, and then let people self-select if they feel their technique is not up to par.

Otherwise, take a moment and think about what you are saying about an entire group of players without any means of actually knowing anything about their playing abilities.

 

[scotch]

Digitalman, I really don't see how I've ''attacked'' you or anyone else. If you read my posts, I think it is clear that my opinion is simply that compression CAN be a hindrance to developing solid right hand technique. NOT that anyone who uses compression is a flawed player by association. Is that really such an over-the-top assertion?

Please don't infer an attack from someone who doesn't know you or has ever had any interaction with you. (As far as I am aware, that is.) I just answered the op's question. If you don't agree with my opinion - super! But don't take an opposing viewpoint as an attack.

 

[DigitalMan]

Digitalman, I really don't see how I've ''attacked'' you or anyone else. If you read my posts, I think it is clear that my opinion is simply that compression CAN be a hindrance to developing solid right hand technique. NOT that anyone who uses compression is a flawed player by association. Is that really such an over-the-top assertion?

Please don't infer an attack from someone who doesn't know you or has ever had any interaction with you. (As far as I am aware, that is.) I just answered the op's question. If you don't agree with my opinion - super! But don't take an opposing viewpoint as an attack.

With regard to you, I was simply pointing out that your post as far as I can tell is where the word elitist originated, whereas subsequent posters thought someone had called you that. This started the tangent about name calling without anyone actually having called anyone anything.

Saying "I don't use compression because my technique is sufficient" is fine. But other people are saying that people who use compression are "sheep" and "lazy assed" and that this board is doing a public service by calling out their "poor technique". That's all talking about other people - not talking about oneself. Not appropriate in my book.

 

[taurus1]

With regard to you, I was simply pointing out that your post as far as I can tell is where the word elitist originated, whereas subsequent posters thought someone had called you that. This started the tangent about name calling without anyone actually having called anyone anything.

Saying "I don't use compression because my technique is sufficient" is fine. But other people are saying that people who use compression are "sheep" and "lazy assed" and that this board is doing a public service by calling out their "poor technique". That's all talking about other people - not talking about oneself. Not appropriate in my book.

you are easliy the most intelligent person here, my new favourite Talkbasser.
the arrogance of some of the posters here is unbelievable.

 

[96tbird]

Well you guys are a bit new here (me too, just a bit longer) so here's a wee bit of advice: if you feel offended by a post, just ignore it. Pi--ing matches are boring. If you have been abused, report it.

By virtue of this type of thread, its ALL opinion and some opinions will seem offensive, just let em pass.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Please don't perpetuate the wild inference. No one said elitist here that I can see except Scotch and Brad.

There's no need to call anyone anything. That's the only point that was being made.

That's not the only point that's being made and if you don't see calling others arrogant and talking about perfect technique akin to the accusation of elitism, fine. Guess they'd have to say the actual word.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Digitalman, I really don't see how I've ''attacked'' you or anyone else. If you read my posts, I think it is clear that my opinion is simply that compression CAN be a hindrance to developing solid right hand technique. NOT that anyone who uses compression is a flawed player by association. Is that really such an over-the-top assertion?

Please don't infer an attack from someone who doesn't know you or has ever had any interaction with you. (As far as I am aware, that is.) I just answered the op's question. If you don't agree with my opinion - super! But don't take an opposing viewpoint as an attack.

As usual that's exactly what's happening. Surprise.

It would be fun to see where the actual attacks are. Quotes in context would be nice.

The fact that some feel attacked is so much more about them than anything it's not funny. Scotch, you're clearly arrogant for having your opoinion and experience. So am I. And frankly I'm cool with someone thinking I am because again, that's about them, not me.

Using compression as a SUBSTITUTE for learning how to control your strings is a WONDERFUL THING FOR EVERYONE.

Happy now? That's how truly silly this discussion is. A hammer in the right hands, for it's intended purpose, is a great tool. You can also use it to remove bottle tops but there might be a better way.

Try and let that sink it before the kneejerk responses continue.

 

[Chef]

Use the report post button instead of engaging in further bad behaviour all around.

Thread closed.

start another one and be kind to each other.