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Posted on Jan 17, 2005 11:49 pm
bassist_outworn
WWW.OUTWORN.NET
Member Since: Oct 15, 2004
hey all. im just wondering if it is useful to use a compressor with bass live? im just wondering exactly what it does to the bass while playing live?
anyone know?
thanks for your time
bassist_outworn
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olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jan 18, 2005 12:50 am Yes I think it would help in a live situation. What it basically does is even out the volume so that you have a more consistent volume for each string/note. Along with that you can set the compressor to add some punch to bass as well.
Dan
Jan 18, 2005 06:02 am I played bass live for years, never used a compressor myself other than the automatic limiting on my amp...are you using passive or active pickups? Active pickups tend to give a much fuller and more even signal. I can't say that is why I never used compression, as I dunno, I just never saw the need, perhaps because I have almost always had active pickups, thats why I never felt the need.
That said, all my dynamics I did with my hands, a compressor might make that more difficult by compensating for weak signals and strong signals...
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Jan 18, 2005 10:48 am I always used one live (except in my "hair metal" days). It doesn't affect the dynamics of what's being played, but evens out the signal so you don't get a huge variation in volume. Of course I was playing with pop bands and with female singer songwriters, so it was important for the bass to sit just right in the mix. I love compressors for this. That said, too much limiting or compression can squash your tone and leave you sounding like your speakers have blankets over them!
I'm a passive bass type chap, so I never experienced what dB-wan details above. For me it definitely makes a difference.
Jan 18, 2005 12:27 pm okay thanks!
yeah my band is pop-punkish. in my bass im using Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound. SB3's or something like that.
anyways im just looking into getting a compressor for live gigs.
if there are any other comments you have on using a compressor live that would be great thanks again
Jan 18, 2005 03:33 pm i'd throw it on the vocals before anything else, you'd be surprized how much of a difference it makes on your live sound. night and day.
peace
wyd
WaltChief Cook and Bottle WasherMember
Since: May 10, 2002
Jan 18, 2005 11:10 pm Ya, I use a Fishman pre that has a compresser with depth adjustment and depending on the sound I want I will often use it. I have good dynamic control so I don't use it to even out the amplitude but I will use it to tighten up the attack especialy for walking baselines or quick secessions with space inbetween. Now for a blooming sound in a balad I pull it out.
Jan 19, 2005 08:25 pm hmm interesting.
im just wondering what exactly the compressor does to the live sound in bass.
does it make it louder? more treble-ish? can it make your high notes sound louder? or what?
Jan 20, 2005 08:19 pm oh okay thats perfect.
i think im going to get myself a compressor.
it'll be good to use for the home studio im going to make as well.
what are some suggested brands?
Jan 23, 2005 07:21 pm it looks like RNC is the way to go, by the sounds for those people.
