Do you use a compressor?

anoukane · Post by **anoukane** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:52 am

I use a Ampeg SVP Pro (5 tube preamp).
I have a aggressive fingerstyle technique, so a compressor would probably improve my overal sound. When I record something at home, I use a compressor filter with the recording software and it improves the sound. A real compressor would probably be even better..
I think i'm gonna try the EHX Black Finger (should be a nice compressor in combination with some drive) or the EBS MultiComp.

teeder · Post by **teeder** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:20 am

I'll just copy Ted's response!

"I use a Bass Pod and set the compressor up to about half way. It smoothes out my sloppy chops."

That's me!

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:26 am

I agree, when I played SS, they helped a lot. I don't feel the need for one with the SVT.

dluxe · Post by **dluxe** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:45 am

The DBX 160X are excellent units. I used one a few years back when I used a rather large rack system.

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:46 am

How about the Boss CS3? (Ducks and runs)

Seriously I use the JangleBox.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:22 pm

I tried using a compressor once,an Alesis 3630 model while I was on the road. I hated it. I couldn't get it to smooth out the peaks, without squasing the sound. It was terrible, I wound up selling the unit cheap just to get rid of it. I switched to the SansAmp Bass Driver and that did the trick. My old Hartke amp never clipped again. I've since sold that rig as well, and bought an Ampeg BA115HPT 220wt 1x15 combo that is perfect for me. Needless to say I won't be buying another compressor anytime soon.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:33 pm

Sean......I'm not sure how to answer that question clearly. The Compulator can be very transparent but I tweak it to add a little "squish" to my tone. My playing style is aggressive and sloppy. I whack the strings along with plucking them to give various tones I need. I can dig in hard and strike the strings aggressively to get "growl" and "wails" without spiking the volume.

I like an obviously slightly compressed tone....it helps my hack technique sound smooth yet articulate.

pflash4001 · Post by **pflash4001** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:50 pm

I use an Alesis NanoCompressor to limit my signal into the PA. I don't use one in my rig, though. On that thought, though, If I were to put the compressor in the f/x loop of my rig, do I still need it in the channel insert on the PA? I've been wondering about that for a while, but haven't tried switching it.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:12 am

I use the one built into the bass pod ... it is not the best one out there but it is built into the pod with all of the other effects ...

bassbob · Post by **bassbob** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 4:57 am

I use the one built into my Carvin RL1000. Probably not a very good one but, it works o.k.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:15 pm

Javier, IIRC, if the Line Out on your amp is after the F/X Loop in the circuit path of your amp, then the Line Out signal should be modified by the F/X Loop (and thus would be compressed).

This has been a very informative thread for me, being a hack bass player.

alan · Post by **alan** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:28 pm

I like the dbx266 comp/gate with my SS amp, really smoothes it out, also use a Boss LMB3 in conjunction with a series of Boss fx, like Flange, and Octave, cause those pedals NEED help. But, most of the time, I use nothing.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:41 pm

I just ordered an Aphex Punch Factory on Jeff's recommendation. I'll know Monday how good his opinion is!

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:02 pm

You'll like it if you are looking for a natural sound. I can add a lot of compression and it still sounds good.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:04 pm

Jeff, I know your penchant for quality and that's why I went with it - and it was only $100.