Yep, another compression question..

[alirazz]

Ok, so I've read Bongo's FAQs and have read a lot of threads about compression but I've never used one before so I'm still not exactly sure if this is possible.

Right now I have a dod fx25, a bass big muff and a tech 21 vt. But of course when I change the gain/level settings on the pedals, the volume changes.

So my question is, if I put a cheap compression pedal, like an LMB-3, at the end of my chain can I use it as a 'master volume' control?

 

[Kosko]

Although the question is best left to the masters, I'll say probably not. Compression should be thought of more of stabilization for peaks and dips; not so much overall volume.

It will help tame the peaks of those pedals, but not act as master volume for them.

I think... I could be totally wrong...

 

[alirazz]

Although the question is best left to the masters, I'll say probably not. Compression should be thought of more of stabilization for peaks and dips; not so much overall volume.

It will help tame the peaks of those pedals, but not act as master volume for them.

I think... I could be totally wrong...

Ok, I'm sorry if this is confusing but.. if I'm on stage and I stomp on the vt bass to activate it, that would increase the volume right? How do bassists usually keep the volume constant while switching between different effects?

 

[Mingus Addict]

Most bassists keep their volume constant by setting their pedals at unity. The VT bass only increases the volume if you set it that way. In this case, turn down the knob marked level on the VT bass until the level is the same whether it's on or off.

From what I understand, the VT in particular is hard to set at unity if you're using a higher gain setting, so this could be the entire reason behind your difficulty.

Edit: just to be clear, you should have no problem doing this with the BBM. Set the tone, sustain, and switch for the sound that you want, and then use the volume knob to get that sound at the same level as your clean tone (assuming unity level is what you desire).

 

[Swift713]

A limiter can do this as well but it may sound really choked if you're trying to even out levels that are very far apart.

 

[bongomania]

While it is possible to use a compressor to get unity levels between a "loud" pedal and a "quiet" one (or bypass), I do not recommend it, because the "louder" signal will end up squashed, lacking in dynamics, and probably sounding dull.

It is true that unity gain is difficult with the VT, at most "dirtier" settings. Naysayers on that front, who claim that it's no big deal getting unity with any tone on the VT, I'm sorry but they have their heads up in a dark place.

The solution IMO is to put the VT in a loop with a level control, so that you engage the loop (with cut output level) rather than directly engaging the VT. Or, as the VT loyalists will eagerly tell you, just live with the volume jump and be happy about it.

 

[Ja-Boo]

Ive read somewhere on the board, that you could use the eq on the vt to achieve unity gain. For example instead of setting everything to 12 o'clock set bass/mids/treble at 11 o'clock and you should get the same tone but not as much volume. This was a hint by tech21, but i didnt try it out, since ive got no vt Bass.

 

[RickenBoogie]

It's all true, but usually, in a band mix, you'll want a little increase in volume when using distortion, (or overdrive, fuzz, etc). The effect itself is a bit compressed, and not as easy to hear as a clean tone at the same volume. So, just set all the other pedals for unity, and let the VT be a bit louder. In the end, it'll all work out.

 

[alirazz]

Cool, thanks for everyone's input on this, it was really helpful and now I got the volume set up the way I want it.

I've been fooling around with my settings all day only to realize that I don't think I like the vt's drive. I'm already looking into a new distortion pedal to buy. I've only been playing for a year and the GAS has already taken over me. god damn it.

 

[BassBrass]

I use the VT as the last pedal on the floor set at constant volume @ 9:30 and drive at 9:30 too, not for distortion/fuzz, into the low amp input...the compressor/limiter is in the amps effect loop, and when the ratio/threshold and attack is set right it does add a bit of sustain and protect the power amp/speakers from peaks. I have used a lmb-3 last after the VT and that works fine, but I get more volume with a compressor in the loop. (an Alesis micro-limiter)