Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

After playing the bass for more than 5 years, I've never tried using a compressor.
Do you use one? If so, which one and why? Do Rics sound better with compression?

Cheers!

Heck Yes!
I used to use the Alesis 3630 by default, because I already had one, now I use the one in the Bass Pod Pro.

Well, I will pick up my compressor soon (Ross copy) and will use it mostly to compensate some dead notes. Hope it does that and more...

I use a little compressor that plugs into my car cigarette lighter socket - but only to pump up my tyres! .

Every day at work.

www.labwork-bw.com


We clean negs and film holders with it.

Oh, you mean, like, audio compressors? Occasionally, mostly when recording, I'll use my Aphex Punch Factory. Sounds just as good as their 661 rackmount compressor I used to have but for far less money.

www.americanmusical.com/item--i-APH-1404.html

www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/661/

I use a Keeley Compressor (updated, high quality Ross copy) to keep my amp from peaking all the time. 5 strings are really hard on the amp's limiter.
This one doesn't actually change the sound, though.

I use the compressor build into my Eden WT 300, and doesn't alter the sound to much. If you play very well you need it less, controlling the gain with your fingers and or pick......

a compressor is a good effect to use on bass ... especially if you play aggressive finger style ...

I use a Janglebox on the Bright setting with my bass. Gives the bass an extra nice clank.

I use a Tech 21 BassCompactor.

Demeter Compulator....excellent unit.

+1 on the Demeter Compulator. I also use a Custom Audio Japan V-Comp tube compressor, which I like because it has an LED showing the amount of compression. I used to have one of the recent Electro-Harmonix Black Finger tube compressors, but it was pretty noisy.

There are various reasons to use a compressor. Some people use them to protect their amp/speakers from big volume spikes, other people use them to compensate for volume differences between playing styles (like slapping vs. regular finger playing), plus it can have a big effect during recording (though usually the compressors found in good studios are much better than stompboxes). If you haven't needed one up until now, then maybe you still don't!

Hey Brian,
Please give some details/comments on that Demeter... I'd like to hear your take on it. I use the Tremulator (to mimic the Fender "Vibrato") and really dig it. Demeter makes great stuff.
Thanks!

Yeah, my nail guns just don't work right with my flanger.

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

Hi Philip,
You didnt say what amp you were using.A lot of the guys here use Ampeg valve (tube) amps and the valves themselves create a certain ammount of compression when they are driven fairly hard.
Try something like the Bass Pod or Boss ME50B multi effects units for size.They have fairly reasonable simulations of a number of different compression units.At the end of the day its all down to personal taste soundwise. Compressors are handy when going through the PA or in the studio to keep the signal level under control.