Using Compression when recording a bass guitar direct

[Badfinger]

Good day and hello. I searched and came up with a number of general repsonses to this, but I am woindering if anyone out there could offer me specific suggestions for my particular equipment.

I have a Tascam 2488 MkII which I am using to record original songs. I am plugging the bass in to the available direct input and it sounds pretty good, although a bit uneven. There's about a zillion kinds of compression and variables available, so my question is this: As a starting point, what level of compression should I use? I realize it is always a good idea to experiment, but as a basic starting point, for rock/heavy pop songs with drums, acoustic, a few electric guitar tracks, vocals and harmonies, what settings might I try to get a smoother bass tone?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[NL5]

Best way to even out uneven playing? Even out the playing. Seriously.

 

[montage]

check out the article on compression at http://indepentrecording.net

 

[Thurgood]

Bump for the article. Use your ear (of course, practice the part etc.) However I find that a slower attack, 4:1 ratio and longer release will smooth things out. Mind you this is just a starting point. I may totally suck for you and make your bass sound like a fog horn but give it a whirl. Hope taht helps.

 

[Jouni]

Only thing I've ever used, is "reduce peaks" -preset on Goldwave. Wont change the sound, but cuts off the peaks.

attack and release 0,001s, multiplier -6db, and adjust treshold until you hear difference in sound, then roll back one or two db.

...works for me.

 

[tc4b]

Just peeking at my compressor (symetrix 501), here's what I got:
threshold: -10
attack/release: 1.5ms/max
ratio: halfway between 1.4 and 2.2

I agree that good playing precludes the need, but we're not all good bassists, and/or we may not have time to practice a part. I'm a pianist, and I hate compression on piano with a passion, it's restrictive. I use it on instruments/parts I'm not so good at. Like bass usually.

 

[rayc]

If it's really peaky you could use a TINY bit of compression on the way in to stop it distorting. Other than that you do need to try to play more evenly.
I stopped compressing bass on the way in & now automate the faders to deal with peaks I haven't resolved by playing more evenly. In fact the last cople of track I've done I haven't used compression in the box either - just autmation and some EQ (lo/hi pass type or anything that you've managed to acquire).