bass compressor

[tc4b]

What are some cheap-ass (<$200) compressors that typically work for bass? It would be a dedicated bass comp, I'm thrilled with the RNC on everything else for now, but it makes my bass sound like a big electric marshmallow (yes, I already followed all the requisite advice for RNC on bass, I just don't like it).

 

[pohaku]

Symetrix 528. Get the one with the metal toggle power switch, not the plastic push button. I have one in my rack that is solely used for bass. @$125-150 or so used (only available used).

 

[travelin travis]

What are some cheap-ass (<$200) compressors that typically work for bass? It would be a dedicated bass comp, I'm thrilled with the RNC on everything else for now, but it makes my bass sound like a big electric marshmallow (yes, I already followed all the requisite advice for RNC on bass, I just don't like it).

the big electric marshmallows.....cool name for a band.

 

[tc4b]

the big electric marshmallows.....cool name for a band.

What's the lineup? Let's see...Meatloaf on vocals, John Popper on harp, John Hyatt on guitar, Ben Harper's bass player... can't think of a fat drummer, maybe they get too much exercise just playing.

 

[Tadpui]

I've always wondered how the Electro Harmonix Blackfinger compressor would sound on a bass. I've lusted over one of those for a while now, along with their tube mic preamp.

 

[ecktronic]

What are some cheap-ass (<$200) compressors that typically work for bass? It would be a dedicated bass comp, I'm thrilled with the RNC on everything else for now, but it makes my bass sound like a big electric marshmallow (yes, I already followed all the requisite advice for RNC on bass, I just don't like it).

Good tip for compressing bass is to set the ratio pretty high, around 6-8dB depending on how much is needed and set a low threshold, so the compressor mostly only compressed the parts that are too loud.

Eck

 

[tc4b]

Good tip for compressing bass is to set the ratio pretty high, around 6-8dB depending on how much is needed and set a low threshold, so the compressor mostly only compressed the parts that are too loud.

Eck

Wait... what do you consider a 'high' ratio... more like 2:1 or closer to 30:1? 6-8db... are you talking about the threshhold, more the makeup gain on the other side?

 

[ermghoti]

I've always wondered how the Electro Harmonix Blackfinger compressor would sound on a bass. I've lusted over one of those for a while now, along with their tube mic preamp.

It is quite good. I sent the first one back, because it would buzz after being on a few minutes. The second one buzzes, but it takes a lot longer. I suppose if I sent enough of them back, I would get one that works right. Due to the noise issue, I couldn't give a full recomendation, but the sound is pretty awesome, very punchy.