Do I need a Compressor ?

[Diesel]

I am playing bass and as I attempt to do some pluck / slap thingie, I find that the sound is louder than I would had used normal fingering style bassist normally do... does that mean if I use a compressor the slap sound level can be reduced while my fingering sound will be somewhat at same level when I slap and finger etc ?

Or was it my skill level and I only just need more practise to perfect and balance my strength when working on strum / finger and slap ?

Thanks and appreciate any honest comments here !

 

[jeremyspk]

@Diesel,
I'm not a bassist, so I can't really tell you how it'll sound with a compressor.
How about an EQ pedal? Maybe this can cushion the emphasised freq you hear from a slap? my 2cents.

 

[fretless6]

Both. A compressor helps, but look for one that has a decent compression ratio so it allows for "limiting". Using EQ to control peaks is not a good way to go.

And technique improves with practice of course Anyone can play like a gorilla, economy of hand movement comes with right technique and lots of practice. I'd recommend watching Gary Willis' instructional videos. It's applicable not just for slap but bassplaying and as a musician overall.

 

[Diesel]

I checked out BOSS compressor on the Youtube.. looks pretty OK, but I am not sure if its actually advertisement claims or not.
You personally tried those before, or anyone ? Care to give me a short review / comment ?

Thanks guys !

 

[fretless6]

What's ur budget? I'll see if I can recommend anything within ur price range.

 

[wck]

I had a stock boss cs-3 and there was treble and quite some volume loss but other than that its ok. I'm not a bassist too but I think u shd go with VCA (i think, pls correct if I'm wrong) comps which generally have a harder compression and that squish that might give that punch.

And of course having great technique helps a lot too..

Hope this helps!

 

[Diesel]

I think Bass need the LMB-3, the guitar low-end brother of CS-3.

 

[AlNino10]

EBS Multicomp or Markbass Compressore is prolly the two most utilized comps around. But honestly, I'd suggest working on the technique rather than rely on a pedal.

Only after you have developed the right technique, then add a comp to enhance the tone.

 

[jbarks]

No, but your studio does. Play with a compressor first. If you like it, buy it. If you can't tell the difference, don't buy it. But if you want to get one, I think your needs might be better served by a limiter or high-ratio comp if you want to even out slap and fingerstyle volume.

 

[Diesel]

Yes, I wanted to even out the slap part so that it doesn't sound too loud when compared to fingerstyle.
So LMB-3 is a limiter / enhancer right ( as what the product name is called ) ? So that could be the item that suits my need ?

 

[jbarks]

Yes. It's actually surprisingly good; you wouldn't normally expect this sort of performance from a Boss comp without some sort of modding. Check out the Onvilab review: http://www.ovnilab.com/reviews/bosslmb3.shtml

 

[Diesel]

thanks.. then perhaps I will look out for one ..

 

[ankursamtaney]

I'm not a bassist myself, but I do understand compression. IMO - you're overlooking the fact that by "limiting" the peaks, you're merely crushing your signal. Compression would be great if you wanted to boost your overall volume AND avoid too much clipping due to peaks. Sure, you use it for other elements such as adding punch, maybe even sustain, etc. depending on how you set your attack / release and ratio, but that's another story altogether.

As someone suggested earlier, I'd say you work on your technique as far as possible. Make sure your 'source' is right (right, of course, is relative. so make sure it sounds right to YOU). Use FX / processing to enhance your sound; i.e. to make it "better".. If you think of processing as a quick fix to errors, you may unknowingly end up flatten your learning curve.

My suggestion - play around with the 'volume' control on your guitar before buying a compressor. You can get a zillion different tones with only changing Volume and Tone settings. Lowering the volume pot should (a) lower the volume and more importantly (b) lower the drive / attack - BOTH of which together might be just what you're looking for when slapping n popping. Most pro guitarists (I'd imagine bassists too) use their pots ALOT for tone variations in the midst of songs.

Good luck!

 

[Diesel]

I think you have a point too. I could be too hasty in trying to learn a new skill..

Anyway since my first post in this thread, I realize that the volume difference can be minimized between fingerstyle and pop / slap by not trying to use the same strength.. i.e. i would reduce the strength a little.

But I try today pass the bass through a compressor / limiter and took note that the compressor actually helps alot too.

As for the pots, I dont use them during play..I set them to my preference only...but I'll try them out. But unfortunately, frankly speaking, I dont hear any much difference on the 3rd knob....minimum or maximum.. tone sounds similar, with a little nasal sounding .. thats all.. hmmm....haha.. maybe guitar stuffy nose... hahahaa

 

[ankursamtaney]

But I try today pass the bass through a compressor / limiter and took note that the compressor actually helps alot too.

As for the pots, I dont use them during play..I set them to my preference only...but I'll try them out. But unfortunately, frankly speaking, I dont hear any much difference on the 3rd knob....minimum or maximum.. tone sounds similar, with a little nasal sounding .. thats all.. hmmm....haha.. maybe guitar stuffy nose... hahahaa

Sure, compressors have their place.. and important one.. in dynamics and tone. And as most would rightly say, there's no right or wrong as long as you get the sound that YOU are after. All I was trying to say was: do whatever you can, as much experimentation and practice as possible, to get the best sound you can get without FX. and then add FX to enhance, and not correct (if that makes sense)

Yes, the force you play with makes a lot of different to the volume and attack - comparable to finger plucking vs playing with a pick.

Maybe that 3rd pot is a tone pot. And chances are, your amp only has the lows cranked up, but the mids and highs very soft, hence the 'tone' doesnt change much, coz your amp is killing the incoming treble? That's just one of the hundred possibilities.. stuffy nose being the last of the hundred But do try playing around with the volume pots / pickup selection. I love the difference it makes to normal electric guitar w/ distortion; don't suppose it would be VERY different with bass. After all, the fundamentals remain the same.

 

[Diesel]

Thank you guys for your replies..
I finally slowly understand what all these is all about... compressors are not a neccessity now.. I am now playing clean, direct to my amps now.. it sounds much better now.. thanks guys and GXFC !