Author Topic: Compressing a Series I (Read 280 times)

gregduboc · « **on:** August 21, 2009, 06:01:22 AM »

Hey there everyone.
One question that has probably been asked before, but I do want to ask again, in case something new came up...
I need to buy a compressor for my new beloved Series I. Which one?

Greg

terryc · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2009, 07:08:22 AM »

never use one..is there a need when you have such a great instrument with perfect electronics.
BUT if you feel the need there are plently out there..some very expensive some very affordable.
Boss do a good range.

spose · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2009, 08:24:58 AM »

I have gone back and forth over the years using a Rane DC24 dual band comp. I'm currently not running one but I'm about to put it back into the rack.

elwoodblue · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2009, 09:59:57 AM »

I don't have a series bass anymore,
I find for alot of my applications the HHB radius 30
works well.
Are you thinking pedals or rack gear?

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2009, 11:01:01 AM »

Try the Demeter Compulator (COMP-1). Simple and easy to adjust. People at Bass Player mag says it behaves like the old teletronix LA-2A (that is awesome, since this is the classic compressor sound from the 60/70s). If you can afford a studio quality rack compressor, they have the fully adjustable HXC-1 HX.

Never tried the Aphex 1404 Punch Factory, but seems nice being able to see how much compression is going on in a Pedal.

afrobeat_fool · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2009, 11:06:48 AM »

There is an La-2a comp for sale on Portland, Ore craigslist for 1400

wideload · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:40:41 PM »

Summit Audio TLA-50 sounds great, but I only use it in recording. Live, I want all the pop I can get!

mike1762 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2009, 05:55:48 PM »

I'm with Larry... I wouldn't use one live, but you do need to tame those transients in the studio. Even then you need to be subtle or the compressor will suck the life out of your bass tracks.

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2009, 07:20:35 PM »

For Live playing I avoid compression . But for the studio in a recording environment the DBX 160 VU sounds good. An old Teletronix La-2a is ok and so is the Fairchild 670 . Manley has one designed after the Fairchild 670 and uses the variable mu circuit design. (variable mu = variable gain)

gregduboc · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2009, 09:59:11 PM »

Actually, it is indeed only for recordings. But my producer really insists... he is even trying to sell me a new Boss pedal he got for a very nice price. Is it a good choice? Thanks for all the recommendations, I'll do the research now!

Greg

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** August 22, 2009, 01:05:42 AM »

For recording I would opt for a 'HIGH END piece of outboard gear.
You indeed have a 'HIGH END ALEMBIC Bass! Ask your producer to rent a decent unit for the recording process if the studio in use is not stocked with one .

edwin · « **Reply #11 on:** August 22, 2009, 02:36:59 AM »

You needn't compress on the way in unless there is a specific hardware compressor you or the producer likes. It's very hard to uncompress things and given that 24 bit recording represents something 140 db of dynamic range, you are perfectly fine recording straight and then using a plug in or hardware insert of your choice.

Edwin

sonicus · « **Reply #12 on:** August 22, 2009, 03:08:39 AM »

Edwin
I totally agree with you. All that said if you are using PROTOOLS to record why not just use a software plug in. They are getting better sounding all the time. If PROTOOLS HD is available in the studio the plug ins are awesome. I use plug ins in PROTOOLS quite a bit doing audio restoration work. They work and you can un do them.

gregduboc · « **Reply #13 on:** August 22, 2009, 07:14:06 AM »

Thanks again guys. I'll have a little chat with him!
Now I have some great argument points!
Greg

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2009, 09:56:16 AM »

Alembics are quite silent, I don't think you need to record them already compressed. This was a must when the recordings were all analogical and we needed to calm down the peaks (transients) to bring up the main signal. And that was needed just because there were a lot of eletric noise at lower levels setings in a tape machine. In digital realms we have more then 120dB of dynamic headroom and no background noise. So, I don't think it is really necessary to compress a Bass before the DAW if your instrument and pre-amp are quiet enough.

Remember you can change its transients and wave shape using a compressor. Just record that way if you are really shure about the sound you'll be geting. Once you record it that way, you can't step back...

But if your producer really need it, use a good pro compressor, not any pedal. Let it to the gigs, if so. I don't use compressors live anymore since our soundtech will be compressing entire band before send us to the PA. Too many compression in the chain can squash your tone badly.

Author Topic: Compressing a Series I (Read 280 times)

afrobeat_fool