Bass compression question.

[elementary]

Whats a good compressor for live bass and for recording? Our bass player uses a yamaha bb404 into an ashdowm abm 500 1x15 and theres just too much variation in dynamics. It can be pedal or rackmount so long as its under £100 (about $150 with markup we get). I don't really know anything about them. Please help. thanks.

 

[timmerman]

many good ones to choose from, but your currrent bassplayer may just want to have a closer look at the settings of his exhisting gear, as you may already have the right tools in your possession.

Okay you may want to give the Aphex a try, not sure about the model number, but it is the one you see in all the adverts with the John 5 picture advertised in most of the major guitarmags. They are good and you should be able to get one for near £ 80/ 85 from Sound Control or Academy of Sound.

Good Luck.

Eddie

 

[gvarko]

Electro Harmonix - Black Finger Compressor...

My buddy plays live and records with this thing, it is amazing.. You can get them on EBay for around $150.00..

http://www.ehx.com/ehx2/Default.asp...e_Studio_Performance_Products/04_Black_Finger

 

[Wireneck]

Dbx163x is a simple little unit that works pretty well for limiting bass. Its a 1/2 rack unit and you can get them for right around $50 on ebay.

 

[Farview]

That variation in dynamics is caused by one of two things.
1. He is playing with inconsistant dynamics.
2. The tone of the amp is set too extreme, making some notes jump way out while others are completly lost.

A compressor will help #1, but he really needs to learn to play better anyway.
A compressor will not help #2 unless it is inserted after the tone stack in the amp, and even then the comp could make it worse.