Compressor help

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:42 pm

I just picked up a real nice ART SC2 compressor for very few bucks, but I dont have a clue as to how to set it up. I've got it racked with my Ampeg B2 for the moment, played around with it a little this weekend but I'm pretty much baffled as far as what the knobs do and how to set it up. I just want a mild compression on the loud notes. Any suggestions ?

Its a stereo unit, but Im just using one side.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 3:07 pm

Scott, it's quite hard to be definitive, because the controls act on one another....changing one changes all, if you like.
But try this.....slope to 4:1, attack at 3/4, release at 1/4 or less (ie slow attack, fast release), soft, compress. Then adjust the Threshold to the required amount of compression & also adjust the output to make up for the gain reduction caused by the compression. You should be looking for about 9-12 db of compression for a reasonably gentle, but worthwhile effect, as shown on the gain reduction led's.

The reason for this set up for bass is...

Threshold is the point at which compression takes place.
Slope is another word for ratio (how close the bandwidth becomes)....too much & you could find that your notes get louder as they decay!
Attack is how fast the compression works...too fast & you will lose transients.
Release is how long the compression returns to unity gain....too slow & you run the risk of more noise & the possibility of 'over shooting' when you start up after return to unity gain.
Soft & hard is how the compression reacts as the gain approaches compression. Soft is a gradual onset, whilst hard is more of a limiter effect.
Compress or limit....limiters stop everything above a certain threshold, whilst compressors work on both peaks & troughs.

You can set the gate to stop any noise when you're not playing, but don't set it too high, or you could cut the end of long held notes off!

Only a rough guide, but with these settings, it should be a good starting point. Hope this helps....

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:42 pm

Scott, go to ART's website and download a manual in .pdf form.

They are still in business and great at sharing the docs.

www.artaudio.com

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:04 pm

Sticking my nose in this ...

I did not see any link on the ART site for manulas or discontinued items. When I did a Yahoo search on '"Art SC2" compressor manual', I found this thread (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-117082.html):

...02-18-2004, 05:54 AM
I picked up an ART SC2 stereo/mono compressor/limiter for $35 used.

Obviously it is not in production anymore as the ART website doesn't even list it in it's discontinued section.

Does anyone know where to get a manual for it...or know anything about them? I've e-mailed them but no response as of yet. I can use it without a manual as I've used simliar compressors before.

Anyone else here ever have one of these?

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Planet Boulder02-18-2004, 03:38 PM
You got it for 35 bucks? HELL of a deal!

I had one (ironically, I sold it to a buddy this morning because the threshold on one channel is broken) and LOVED it. Great compressor.

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Sundogue02-18-2004, 05:37 PM
Yup, $35. I always get great deals from this music store I've been doing business with for over 25 years now.

I have yet to play out with it, but in setting it up with my amp at home it works great.

I've always used compression to varying degrees...my amp has killer tone, but I like to use it to further fatten up the sound.

Good to hear one person say they like it. It is a dual, stereo compressor...were you using it on your bass amp? It could have been run in mono. Oh well, it's an old compressor.

I still can't find the manual, online or otherwise. ...

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:14 am

Thanks guys, all the info is a great. Much appreciated.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:11 am

Hey Scott, if you get it all figured out, post a summary for posterity's sake.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:13 am

Scott, I just heard back from Thom Davis at ART. Very helpful guy. You can reach him at [email protected].

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 2:37 pm

Thanks Paul I sent an email this morning and the manual was waiting for me when I got home from work tonight.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:12 pm

ART are very good folks who produce top-notch products. I've had only good experiences with their stuff and Thom is very happy to assist with tech stuff.

You guys and gals have possibly seen me raving about my new/old ART ST825 modelling amp, and the ART PRO rack mount compressor I've got, too.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:43 pm

I use the compression built in the Line 6 bass pod ... Compression really improves my finger playing and thumb slapping ...

6l6 · Post by **6l6** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 4:31 pm

Consider selling it and getting a BOSS CS-3 pedal.

Seriously.

http://www.roland.co.uk/prodcatdetail.asp?ID=cs-3

6

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:50 pm

Nah,, I've been working with it and liking it.

bassman_bob · Post by **bassman_bob** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:33 am

JANGLEBOX !!!!! Not cheap but recommended by McGuinn himself.