Compression question

[DBras]

So I'm looking around for a good compressor for my bass rig. But I don't really know much about compression. I'm a bit in the dark. So the question is, which would be better? Guitar comp or bass comp? I just need it to smooth out my sound a bit. I used to use an old fender side kick that had a built in limiter but that's about as far as I've been into compression. And it was just a switch. So can someone fill me in?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Compression question

I strongly suggest a multi-band compressor.

Simple guitar/bass compressor pedals treat the entire signal. Inevitably, the loudest peak signals determine the degree of compression for the entire instrument signal. This can lead to unevenness of output.

By comparison, multi-band compressors treat separate frequency ranges individually. As a result, the output of the bottom string does not dominate the output of the others.

 

[DBras]

Re: Compression question

I looked at a couple multibands but they seem a bit pricey. I was looking at the mxr bass compressor reviews. Seems like a good pedal. Is that a better pedal comp?

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Compression question

I like most MXR pedals. I haven't tried the bass comp, but given their great legacy with the dyna comp, I wouldn't be surprised if it's every bit as good as the dyna.

 

[DBras]

Re: Compression question

I'm just looking for a good comp to go in front of an amp to smooth my sound out a bit. So if the dyna comp is that good, I might try it

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Compression question

I'm just looking for a good comp to go in front of an amp to smooth my sound out a bit. So if the dyna comp is that good, I might try it

I don't know how well the dyna will work with a bass, but you can try it. MXR also makes a bass comp, that might be really nice too, given their success with the dyna.

 

[DBras]

Re: Compression question

Are there any good comps that you can recommend? Preferibly, a pedal to go between the bass and the amp and not too overly expensive

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Compression question

Are there any good comps that you can recommend? Preferibly, a pedal to go between the bass and the amp and not too overly expensive

Like I said, the Dyna comp is a great pedal, and it would be interesting to see how it sounds through bass. It's also a fairly cheap pedal (I think $70 for a brand new one).

 

[DBras]

Re: Compression question

I'll definitely check it out. Found a vid on YouTube and it sounds nice. Like I just need light compression, and that seems to do the trick. Thanks guys!

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Compression question

I'll definitely check it out. Found a vid on YouTube and it sounds nice. Like I just need light compression, and that seems to do the trick. Thanks guys!

Not a problem. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: Compression question

I've used a Super Comp on bass before...worked out ok, but a dedicated bass compressor will certainly react more favorably to a bass....think of them as a multiband compressor that is already calibrated/ tweaked before you get it, one is set up to respond of the extra lows provided by a bass that a guitar just can't achieve. Also, the lack of an attack knob on the Dyna Comp would scare me away for bass. Once again, different instruments/ playing styles and may not act as you want (i.e. chicken pickin guitar player vs thumb thumping bass player certainly need different attack times).

I would look into the MXR bass compressor, good features, not too expensive, sounds good (yes I have tried it). The meter will help you understand what it is doing as you tweak too which is nice. Just make sure to let your ears be the ultimate guide and not your eyes.

 

[DBras]

Re: Compression question

I've used a Super Comp on bass before...worked out ok, but a dedicated bass compressor will certainly react more favorably to a bass....think of them as a multiband compressor that is already calibrated/ tweaked before you get it, one is set up to respond of the extra lows provided by a bass that a guitar just can't achieve. Also, the lack of an attack knob on the Dyna Comp would scare me away for bass. Once again, different instruments/ playing styles and may not act as you want (i.e. chicken pickin guitar player vs thumb thumping bass player certainly need different attack times).

I would look into the MXR bass compressor, good features, not too expensive, sounds good (yes I have tried it). The meter will help you understand what it is doing as you tweak too which is nice. Just make sure to let your ears be the ultimate guide and not your eyes.

Thanks! I'll definitely check it out

 

[uOpt]

Re: Compression question

I used a dbx 160x for a very long time. If you have a 19" rack anyway.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

Re: Compression question

I've been using the Pigtronix Philosopher's Bass Compressor, and for my main gigging needs (ampless, just a DI into the FOH with monitors), it helps to even everything out a bit.