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Disquieter

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why do you need compression??


seriously, what does everyone like so much about compression..

:confused:
joel d.
 

dlloyd

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Disquieter said:
why do you need compression??


seriously, what does everyone like so much about compression..

One of the most frequent misunderstandings about compressors is that they're used to hide bad technique. They don't just even out dynamics, although that is one of the attractive things about them.

They can fatten your tone, making it warmer.
 

Disquieter

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Don't get me wrong, i've got compression on my mesa head and it's decent (probably not as good as it could be, but still decent).

I just don't get why so many bassists insist on having compression.

To me, i find that it hinders the bass. dynamic wise and tonally.

And i have used some high quality compressors in the studio. And i prefer just to run it straight, control the tone and dynamics myself.

I've never actually thought they hide bad technique....

oh well, really, all that matters is that you like your sound, and if you like it compressed a bit, there ya go!


sweet
joel D.
 

dlloyd

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Disquieter said:
Don't get me wrong, i've got compression on my mesa head and it's decent (probably not as good as it could be, but still decent).

I just don't get why so many bassists insist on having compression.

To me, i find that it hinders the bass. dynamic wise and tonally.

And i have used some high quality compressors in the studio. And i prefer just to run it straight, control the tone and dynamics myself.

I've never actually thought they hide bad technique....

oh well, really, all that matters is that you like your sound, and if you like it compressed a bit, there ya go!

I guess a lot of bassists do use it to even out their tone... I like it when playing a dubby bassline... put the signal through an envelope filter (Dod FX25B) with the sensitivity down so it doesn't quack... squash it up with the compressor... instant megabass
 

Mantaray

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Some time ago a bass retailer told me that I wouldn't need a cmpressor for the StingRay because the sound is already quite compressed. He was not right. Compression is invaluable when you play with a band. The funny thing is that when I firstly used compression, I had the best sound in the band.My sound was more professional, distinctive and defined. My suggestion is that you shouldn't get a "toy" compressor(pedal). Go for the rackmount. Now this depends on your budget. From the economy class models the best are

a)HHB or TLAudio FATMAN FAT-1(By far the best, but only if you can find them, they're discontinued)
b)Behringer Composer Pro XL 2600
c)DBX 266XL


The Jet-Set of compressors:

a)Universal Audio Fairchild 670(...............)

b)Avalon Design AD 2044(The best in the Universe)
c)Anthony DeMaria Labs C/L 1500 :cool:
 

cgworkman

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even if you don't use a compressor personally in the studio - at one point in the mix-down there will some compression added - either directly to your recording our to the mix as a whole. having good compression - and knowing when and how to use it seperates the men from the boys....
 

cgworkman

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Mantaray said:
Some time ago a bass retailer told me that I wouldn't need a cmpressor for the StingRay because the sound is already quite compressed. He was not right. Compression is invaluable when you play with a band. The funny thing is that when I firstly used compression, I had the best sound in the band.My sound was more professional, distinctive and defined. My suggestion is that you shouldn't get a "toy" compressor(pedal). Go for the rackmount. Now this depends on your budget. From the economy class models the best are

a)HHB or TLAudio FATMAN FAT-1(By far the best, but only if you can find them, they're discontinued)
b)Behringer Composer Pro XL 2600
c)DBX 266XL


The Jet-Set of compressors:

a)Universal Audio Fairchild 670(...............)

b)Avalon Design AD 2044(The best in the Universe)
c)Anthony DeMaria Labs C/L 1500 :cool:

also the "distressor" compressor... but you're talking big bucks here
 

Mantaray

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The distressor is cool. That's why I mentioned the budget factor. It is usually where you can separate the "toys" from the pro gear. And usually owners of instruments with the price tag of a stingray or a sterling usually fall within the pro category....
 
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