Watch this guy blow up. Such a good communicator, solid videos, not pretentious. So much care and detail in each video. Everyone involved in this channel understand their audience!
Compression is BUTTER. I had the MXR Bass Compressor on my board for almost 10 years. First in the signal path. Set it and forget it... Always on. I used it transparently because I didn't want it to effect my tone too much. Just enough to sweeten and tighten everything up. I often switch from finger/muted thumb/picking throughout a set so it really helped with dynamics. It wasn't until recently that a FOH engineer told me to take it off because he was doing a lot of that on his end. I've felt a little more control and life back into my playing now that it is off my board. I guess I had been using it as a crutch for a while. Happy to use it as a tool for a specific job now. Great perspective shift for me.
This is similar to my recent experience as well - used it more when I needed it more to even me out, now the FOH hates it so it’s out. It sometimes added a weird hum anyway….
Same here, I never use a compressor when playing at my church since I like having a more stripped back plug n play set up every Sunday (literally tuner + preamp lol). I keep my compressor on my gigging pedalboard, it really helps you sound just a bit more consistent across different venues
You’re very quickly becoming my favourite bass educator on here 😊 Your videos make me feel like I’ve sat down with a friend who’s explained something to me and I understood /learned something (whereas some of the other bass channels you can come away with a feeling like “what’s the point I’ll never know anything 🤯” haha). It was your D.I shootout video that brought me to your channel - keep it up man, really enjoy your stuff 👍
One of the things that rarely get talked about with compression is that by using compression judiciously, you can actually use it not just to reduce dynamic range, but to increase dynamic range, in which case, the compressor is actually acting as an expander. This is typically done by using a relatively long attack time and a relatively short release time, the reverse of what you would typically use to control errant loud notes (which of course, as a competent bassist, we never would in the first place, right?). What this does is allow the initial attack of the note to pass uncompressed, then clamp down on the body of the note, making it quieter. This increases the relative difference between the peak amplitude and average amplitude of the envelope. And makeup gain is an extremely important part of all compressors that is virtually always used to boost the compressed signal back up to unity gain after processing, so telling people not to use makeup gain is self-defeating. For most people, it's going to be a good idea to have the makeup gain set just slightly higher than unity gain, so that you can tell when the compressor is active, but it's not so drastic a change that if the compressor fails for any reason, you don't sound completely different for the rest of the gig without it. Best of all for bass is a parallel multiband compressor that allows one to tailor the compressor's response to low, mid, and high frequencies independently. Bass frequencies have so much more energy than treble frequencies that using a wideband compressor on a bass instrument is almost always going to be suboptimal, because the bass frequencies will trigger the compressor first, killing the treble response, so if you then adjust the compressor so it doesn't kill the highs, you end up with not enough compression on the lows. That's why the Cali76 has that HPF control on it; it allows you to filter out some of the low frequencies that trigger the compressor too quickly; most analog wideband compressors don't have this type of feature. My personal recommendations for compressor pedals for bass guitar are the tc electronic SpectaComp and the Boss BC-1X Bass Comp. Both of these are multiband digital compressors. The SpectraComp is more flexible, but you need to be able to competently program the unit to get the best out of it. If fiddling with software is not your jam, the BC-1X is much easier to use. These two units are, in my opinion, the two best on the market. I have not had the opportunity to use the Source Audio Atlas, which can do two-band digital compression, but that's better than one band. The Atlas, however, is significantly more expensive and just as difficult to program as the SpectraComp.
This is one of the best explanations of compression out there hands down! Been seeing your vids pop up the past couple days and this cemented that I need to be subscribed to ya
I've been using a markbass compressore for a while now and I love it. With the gain high enough you get a bit of tube distortion, which is compression in its own right. The rest of the compression is mainly to clean up my playing. I love the sound of that pedal, I highly recommend them for both soul/funk and rock/stoner types of music.
Great analogy!!! & i love the cali! i use both the empress bass compressor and the cali 76 on my board. The Empress does a great job at having an extreme punch when i crank the input all the way up, with slowest attack and fastest release. i leave the cali with more natural settings, and its better at giving more of a warmth or vibe rather than punch. both the input and hpf at noon, attack/release all the way right or sometimes at 3:00, and ratio set at its lowest. what really helps with using the two comps at the same time is the dry knob. i like to have my dry signal remain like 30-40% with in the volume.
I ordered your course and I’m glad I did. I’m using a keeley at the moment. I’m playing in a worship band at the present. I like the way it sustains a single note especially when there’s an 8 count between notes. It also smooths things out.
I also own the Cali76 and it's preety good in my opinion. Again a very informative and entertaining episode by you. You're sooner or later becoming the Rhett Shull of bass my friend! 😄
Really good description on how compression works. I use it for both taming the peaks and also for tone shaping. I like a bit of a squashed sound. Especially how that sounds with a pick. It adds a new nice percussive tone. I have a Keeley Bassist Comp. I like its simplicity of three knobs - ratio, threshold and gain.
I’ve finally found a channel worth subscribing to. Brilliantly articulated. The ability to understand and disseminate wisdom is an extraordinary and extremely rare gift. Thanks man. I would add that “gain” is considered the lift (expansion) of an effect and can be attenuated irrespective of output volume. And, your playing is seriously top tier.
30 years ago I was a guitarist that used to leave my pedals and mic on the stage overnight on a gig, and in San Jose Calif they all got stolen. So my then new girlfriend, now wife, bought me a compressor. She asked the Music Store for the best one, and gave me a DBX 160X rack compressor. I still have it, and still have my wonderful wife. Bass is my primary instrument now, and I think I use the compressor in a subtle way, sometimes I even bypass it. Thank you, great video. Liked and subscribed.
I use the Darkglass Hyperluminal Compressor for everything. 3 compressors in one (although I'm partial to the 1176 ALL IN setting). My favorite thing about compression is the way it makes my fingers feel. I play different. I slide different. I hold notes different. It also doubles to clean up some flubs too. Your band, engineer, and audience will thank you too. Great content as always Philip.
What I often do in Studio: I use a CL-1B as some kind of preamp for the DI-Signal. The comp has a lot of input gain and also does one of the most 3D and easy to dial in compression. You really can go hard on this.
Well explained...not easy explaining compression... some compressors or limiters do not have attack & release pots..some have a 3 position knee switch, fast, medium & slow...i use a Boss LMB 3 bass Limiter/Compressor...it has no attack & release settings as being a FET compressor it kicks in extremely fast..it has a level, ratio & threshold pots as well as an enhance pot to boost the hi-mid & treble,a kind of bass 'presence' pot...no lights or led strips to tell you anything...it only took me 5 yrs to get the thing to work properly...i put it through a DAW to find out the optimum settings depending on the music being played...now i can see it on a screen it makes it easier to find the right settings,lots of coloured dots round each pot to let me know where i am..lol..it works..Boss LMB3's are not the easiest compressor/limiter to figure out how to get the best out of them but when you do it gives a very transparent tone with an extra thickness yet is easier to cut through the rest of the band live or in recording keeping the bass tone more level in output...i swap between the Boss LMB3 & an Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher, a simple 2 pot bass compressor, a level pot & a compressor level/ratio pot with a 3 position toggle switch ,fast,medium & slow, for knee setting & attack speed, simple but works very well especially when used along with my amps compressor, a Warwick WA300 class A solid state bass head...amazing bass amplifier with a built in compressor...a transparent beautiful bass amp tone which can play at very loud levels without breaking up,i use an Eden Glow Plug to get that overdriven grinding valve bass tone when needed...compressors, you can't live without them if you play bass, well you can but it won't sound so good...
Best explanation of compression I’ve seen. I have an Empress on my board. Need to spend more time figuring it out. Thanks for the analogies and encouragement to mess around with it.
Your analogy for compression was one of the best I've heard to clearly explain each of the aspects of a compressor. For me, I use it on my board and use it for consistency. I'm currently running an Orange Kongpressor.
I just picked up the UAFX 1176. Only done a little testing so far but I’m loving it. I’m coming from a significantly less powerful compressor (jhs 3 series) so it’s a major upgrade for sure. I’ve recently gone back to a very simple setup of just a tuner, comp, and a sansanp, and generally rubbing into my svt 3 pro. I play a player series jaguar bass and a Gibson sg faded bass.
Just before you mentioned, that your wife is a designer, I wanted to comment on the nice and not so common font choice and the overall look of your videos. I like it! That being said said, the explanation was a good analogy to memorize.
I compress for tone (parallel compression). This brings up the subtleties of the sound (increases the quiet bits) whilst louder notes bypass the compressor. I’m using a Seymour Duncan Studio Bass pedal for this and setting the blend control so that the dry and compressed signals are about the same level when I’m playing comfortably.
I do the same thing with my bass compressor. I set it harder than I like, then dial the mix back so I have the best of both worlds. I get to keep my dynamics with the fat sustain and note support from the compressed signal
Great explanation, Philip! Interesting approach, not quite the way I would have explained it, but well done! I usually don't use my compressor pedal (Empress Compressor) as an effect pedal but as an always on sound shaping tool: Purpose No. 1: Controlling my dynamics. In a live band situation engineers always appreciate an even and consistent volume level of the incoming signals. Even if you're a very experienced player with clean technique, bass guitar has a really big dynamic range. For me it's most important to smoothen out the clicking of the strings against the frets while playing finger style. Purpose No. 2: Making the bass sit in the mix. As a compressor doesn't treat all frequencies the same, it's also some subtle kind of equalizer. It can either fatten up your sound (expecially when used with higher ratio settings) or add transparency (lower ratio). Dialed in the right way, it will also give your bass sound more attack and tonal definition and can help you get rid of boominess, some instruments deliver as it tightens up the low end. I really love the Empress Compressor for its 'neutral' sound. It can make your bass cut through the mix without tweaking the character of your tone too much, if you dial it in the right way. I also like, that it has all the right knobs to control the important parameters (attack, release, ratio, threshold/input gain and output gain) plus a dry mix knob, that can be very useful if you use a fat, punchy compression to fatten up your tone and want to make it sound more natural. Some additional advice: Always use the 18 Volts power option, if possible. At least with the Empress Compressor this really makes a huge difference in clean headroom and sound quality.
I just bought a Cali76 stacked edition for 7 string which is in the mail so I haven't set it up yet. I'm new to compressors, but the forums seem filled with bassists using the stacked edition as well so hopefully I can get enough adjustability out of the ratio/hpf dials for my 5 string bass without having to buy a bass specific second pedal. I use a shared pedalboard for both and it's getting crowded haha. I plan to use colour coded arrow stickers to keep track of the ideal settings for both instruments as I figure things out. The problem with forums is that everyone ends up buying the same gear so I feel a little guilty participating in that instead of trying compressors from smaller companies, but at the end of the day most of us want to minimize experimentation while learning to something the more experienced players confirm as good.
Thank you, Brother for this video. I just recently entered the world of bass compression and purchased an Origin Effects. This has really helped me understand how everything works. Thanks again!!!
I'm not oldschool at all when it comes to playing bass. I'm happy to use preamp gain to compress everything and just be really careful to mute very very efficiently. But honestly? it is cool to use a compressor along with that. I use an MXR bass comp and I shoot for unity gain with the lowest ratio, slow attack and a quick release. I've been thinking about the optical EQD Warden to either upgrade to or maybe use one into the other.
for beginners, start with extreme settings, then dial them back until you get what you want. threshold= when to start compressing / ratio= how much to compress / attack= how long until full compression is reached / release= how long until no compression is reached / the most common way I use bass compression is to keep the notes sustained longer, so the track doesn't feel like its losing weight.
I must say that was the most comprehensive explanation of compression I've ever heard. Of all my effects, I don't have a dedicated compression pedal on my board, relying instead on the built in single control knob (level) compression in my preamp, the built in compression (again with just a level knob) in my Hartke amps when I use them, or the compression in my multi-effects boards. I think I'll do more research and look into a compression pedal to add to my pedalboard. This will also help me understand compression better in my DAW. I've been playing over 45 years, but just got into doing my own recording about 5 years ago, because I was never much of a tech head. With this understanding, I can take a different approach.
I am new to bass (only 9 months in) and I got a comp early on (the Mira optical compressor, Walrus Audio) and it really helped balance my tone. One of the best purchases I’ve made for my pedalboard. One on those pedals thats always on.
I like to use compression to either increase or decrease aggression. A faster attack will decrease the aggression by compressing the transient while a slower attack with increase aggression by letting more of the transient through.
I have a Cali76 and I run the input super high, (so low threshold) but with pretty minimal ratio. This way everything is compressed a little bit. I do love notes that just ring out forever, and I can get that with these settings too. For reference, on the Cali, I go clean at 9:00, output at 10:00, input at 3:00, ratio at 9:00, A/R at fully clockwise, HPF at 1:00
Although I mostly agree with everything you said, specifically in bass for certain genres of music a very compressed and "lifeless" bass is what you want. Examples would be very produced modern metal and EDM or other styles where you mimic a synth bass. As for compressors, I have used the MXR Bass Compressor for a VERY long time, the ART Pro VLA is awesome specially at the price point and plugins I usually use the Logic Optical compressor or the Focusrite Red Comp
Well said! Extreme compression can be totally appropriate in some situations, and there are no rules. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching this video. Glad to have you here ⚡️
Another great video brother. So maby flavors in there with compression but I've always basically divided it in 2 categories.. The intended use purely as dynamics control and, "effect" compression where it's leaving a sonic footprint on the tone (IE McCartney through cascaded Altec 436's).
Great explaination! Im guilty of using the gain on my EBS MultiComp to boost the signal....but I'm gonna try your suggestion and clean up a little. Thx!
I like to stack multiple compressors, especially for recording. I find that using one and hitting it hard can be unpleasing but if you do 4 compressors that do 2 db each it's much more pleasing. Parallel compressions is also a game changer.
My favorite bass compressors are without a doubt the EBS MultiComp and the Darkglass Hyper Luminal. Hyper Luminal for rock/metal and MultiComp for everything else.
I used to have a Markbass Compressore but it was too big and needed a different power outlet. Then I got the Boss BC-1X and I couldn't be happier. Never leaves my board and it's always on.
I’ve read about compression, I’ve asked pro musicians, technicians and I’ve surfed internet trying to understand it. Your analogy is perfect. Thanks man. Also, I know some people hate this, but I'm beginning this journey and I'd like to ask if there's any chance to know more about the intro baseline? TABs? Thank you.
Hey Phillip - great video! I use the @mozztronics Opto-Comp on my (upright) bass - always on when playing every gig! I generally use a lower ratio, with a low threshold. This tames the inconsistencies between pizzicato and slap playing - and gives me a GREAT stage-sound in every situation. At times I'll even over-compress, and use it in conjunction with a Boss OC-2 Octave and EHX Bass Muff nano fuzz to get a big, dirty synth-esque sound for some songs. Since getting the compressor, it's changed my life - and makes my playing, the sound and the signal for the FOH engineer all much more fun, interesting and consistent. Happy days! :)
Just got a knockoff of the yellow Mooer compressor because at 6 years of playing I barely heard I’ve been missing out… Now I just gotta figure out how to use it. Introducing a pedal board to my live rig for the first time at a show next month!
Well my only dedicated bass compressor is the Darkglass Hyper Luminal but I think it's wonderful - has everything you could possibly want or need in a compact and light package, and a huge range from totally transparent to obvious tone-shaping! I think I just need to spent the huge amount of practice time to 1) get great hand/ear technique first and foremost and 2) train my ears on the subtleties of the compressor settings so I instinctively know how to dial it in for different situations
Cool video. I need to study my compressor a lot more. I been using a Boss CS-3 that I borrowed from the guitar player from one of my bands (in exchange I lend him my OC-2 and my BFB-2; seems kinda one-sided, but it's a win-win situation because he uses them in our band). I know it's cheap and most people despises it, but it has been quite useful and opened a lot of tonal possibilities, like you said in the video.
In a recording rig, I have a dBx 266XL rack mount dual channel compressor. The only pedal that I use is a Zoom B3n, which has some different type compressor options; simple and inexpensive, but effective to tailor any sound I need with different basses, heads, and cabs. 🎸🥳👨🏻
I just found your channel at a very opportune time. I've been considering a compressor for some time, and this video is moving me ever closer. I've been reading where some compressors are noisy. My playing is only at home, mostly jazz and Manouch Jazz. I know no pedals are necessary, but in your opinion do you think I would notice a difference? The pedals I've been considering are the Universal 1176 (saw your video on that one), MXR M282, and the Keeley Bassist Limiting. Really enjoying the information your channel provides!
Loved this video, Just subscribed! PLEASE continue to word things the way you do I like your analogies. A lot of other UA-camrs act like the viewer knows as much as they do… spoiler alert I don’t…
Good video. Personally I only use a little bit on compression to "clean the sound". I used to have a Darkglass Hyperluminal Compressor which I would use together with a Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra. Now I use a Darkglass Microtubes Infinity that includes compression and I only use a little bit of it. Not a big fan of using too much compression though. Prefer to control my sound with my playing.
I tend to use comp more for dynamic control and not so much for note lengthening. Lately I've been waffling back and forth with a Diamond Bass Comp Jr. It's definitely a "color" optical compressor, but I don't always love the low mid bump that it imparts. It does have a tilt style EQ that gets back some of the sparkle but sometimes I feel it loses a bit too much of the low fundamental. As an alternate however I have the cheap Klark LA-2A and 1176 clones that do the job just fine!
The thing is I want to drive the compressor for character and subtle distortion. I run my Cali with Out and In set as high as I can without getting too much compression. A medium attack/rel. setting, 4:1 ratio, and a bit of dry mixed in. It's not so much for the compression as it is for sound it adds to my bass. But by definition almost my compressed signal winds up being 3 to 6 dB higher than uncompressed. I use it always on.
The waves version of the LA2A is amazing. Ive also had the chance to use the actual LA2A and 1176 in real life which are both really good. I can get loads out of logic stock plugins too
I like using a cali76 bass compressor always on a little bit then another one in my HX just for songs with slapping or heavy picking to level things out
Thank you. Very much like the 'chopping mountains and filling valleys' analogy, now I get what all the producer reacts to... vids mean when they say over compressed. Can I use the limiter on these things to kill the string rub noise, do people use it this way? Would this stop it sounding like a stringed instrument? Currently only have the compressor built into my amp head, that only has gain and boost which is as useful as you'ld expect on a 500W rig set to 0.5 out of 10 on the level control to protect the neighbours; must buy a practise amp for home use.
On stage I only like to use a bass DI Along with my Amp, not many to choose from that have compressors I have found that the LR Baggs Stadium Di has a multi band compressor that is very transparent and seems to work out OK for me… I have had several other compressors but fumbling with all the knobs it’s not my thing I would suggest you give it a try and perhaps do a video on the whole pedal
Hi Mate, really enjoying the videos, keep it up! Could you do a video on how your create drum loops and tracks for practice and songwriting? I’m struggling to sequence them in logic pro, and I’m sure a lot of others are the same.
i see it as a 'clean' drive) same setting on bass and guitar give me that extra something, like subtle overdrive does my guitars are very well set up, so there is not much evening out
Watch this guy blow up.
Such a good communicator, solid videos, not pretentious.
So much care and detail in each video. Everyone involved in this channel understand their audience!
Hands down, THE best explanation of compression I’ve heard 🤘🏻
Thanks so much!! ⚡️
Every single video I’ve watched on compression has this exact comment haha
I’ve watched many compressor videos but the „mum banging on the door“ explained it the best🤠
Thanks a lot, great video👊🏼
Thanks for watching Henry!
Compression is BUTTER. I had the MXR Bass Compressor on my board for almost 10 years. First in the signal path. Set it and forget it... Always on. I used it transparently because I didn't want it to effect my tone too much. Just enough to sweeten and tighten everything up. I often switch from finger/muted thumb/picking throughout a set so it really helped with dynamics. It wasn't until recently that a FOH engineer told me to take it off because he was doing a lot of that on his end. I've felt a little more control and life back into my playing now that it is off my board. I guess I had been using it as a crutch for a while. Happy to use it as a tool for a specific job now. Great perspective shift for me.
This is similar to my recent experience as well - used it more when I needed it more to even me out, now the FOH hates it so it’s out. It sometimes added a weird hum anyway….
Same here, I never use a compressor when playing at my church since I like having a more stripped back plug n play set up every Sunday (literally tuner + preamp lol). I keep my compressor on my gigging pedalboard, it really helps you sound just a bit more consistent across different venues
You’re very quickly becoming my favourite bass educator on here 😊 Your videos make me feel like I’ve sat down with a friend who’s explained something to me and I understood /learned something (whereas some of the other bass channels you can come away with a feeling like “what’s the point I’ll never know anything 🤯” haha). It was your D.I shootout video that brought me to your channel - keep it up man, really enjoy your stuff 👍
Exactly I went upstairs after watching and bingo.
Great video. I have my first bass guitar lesson tomorrow and you and rhett have been my main inspiration for wanting to learn bass.
One of the things that rarely get talked about with compression is that by using compression judiciously, you can actually use it not just to reduce dynamic range, but to increase dynamic range, in which case, the compressor is actually acting as an expander. This is typically done by using a relatively long attack time and a relatively short release time, the reverse of what you would typically use to control errant loud notes (which of course, as a competent bassist, we never would in the first place, right?). What this does is allow the initial attack of the note to pass uncompressed, then clamp down on the body of the note, making it quieter. This increases the relative difference between the peak amplitude and average amplitude of the envelope.
And makeup gain is an extremely important part of all compressors that is virtually always used to boost the compressed signal back up to unity gain after processing, so telling people not to use makeup gain is self-defeating. For most people, it's going to be a good idea to have the makeup gain set just slightly higher than unity gain, so that you can tell when the compressor is active, but it's not so drastic a change that if the compressor fails for any reason, you don't sound completely different for the rest of the gig without it.
Best of all for bass is a parallel multiband compressor that allows one to tailor the compressor's response to low, mid, and high frequencies independently. Bass frequencies have so much more energy than treble frequencies that using a wideband compressor on a bass instrument is almost always going to be suboptimal, because the bass frequencies will trigger the compressor first, killing the treble response, so if you then adjust the compressor so it doesn't kill the highs, you end up with not enough compression on the lows. That's why the Cali76 has that HPF control on it; it allows you to filter out some of the low frequencies that trigger the compressor too quickly; most analog wideband compressors don't have this type of feature.
My personal recommendations for compressor pedals for bass guitar are the tc electronic SpectaComp and the Boss BC-1X Bass Comp. Both of these are multiband digital compressors. The SpectraComp is more flexible, but you need to be able to competently program the unit to get the best out of it. If fiddling with software is not your jam, the BC-1X is much easier to use. These two units are, in my opinion, the two best on the market. I have not had the opportunity to use the Source Audio Atlas, which can do two-band digital compression, but that's better than one band. The Atlas, however, is significantly more expensive and just as difficult to program as the SpectraComp.
This is one of the best explanations of compression out there hands down! Been seeing your vids pop up the past couple days and this cemented that I need to be subscribed to ya
Welcome! Thank you for the kind words. So happy to have you!
This video is super valuable for producers and non-bass playing musicians too, great content!
I've been using a markbass compressore for a while now and I love it. With the gain high enough you get a bit of tube distortion, which is compression in its own right. The rest of the compression is mainly to clean up my playing. I love the sound of that pedal, I highly recommend them for both soul/funk and rock/stoner types of music.
Great analogy!!! & i love the cali! i use both the empress bass compressor and the cali 76 on my board. The Empress does a great job at having an extreme punch when i crank the input all the way up, with slowest attack and fastest release.
i leave the cali with more natural settings, and its better at giving more of a warmth or vibe rather than punch. both the input and hpf at noon, attack/release all the way right or sometimes at 3:00, and ratio set at its lowest.
what really helps with using the two comps at the same time is the dry knob. i like to have my dry signal remain like 30-40% with in the volume.
I ordered your course and I’m glad I did. I’m using a keeley at the moment. I’m playing in a worship band at the present. I like the way it sustains a single note especially when there’s an 8 count between notes. It also smooths things out.
Very clear and the little sounds demos are great ! Thanks Philip ! 👌
I also own the Cali76 and it's preety good in my opinion. Again a very informative and entertaining episode by you. You're sooner or later becoming the Rhett Shull of bass my friend! 😄
This was a brilliant explanation. Thank you.
I can’t remember where I heard this metaphor originally. Glad you found it helpful!
I really appreciate how digestible he makes information.
This is one of the better explanations of compression I've seen on UA-cam
Really good description on how compression works. I use it for both taming the peaks and also for tone shaping. I like a bit of a squashed sound. Especially how that sounds with a pick. It adds a new nice percussive tone. I have a Keeley Bassist Comp. I like its simplicity of three knobs - ratio, threshold and gain.
I’ve finally found a channel worth subscribing to. Brilliantly articulated. The ability to understand and disseminate wisdom is an extraordinary and extremely rare gift. Thanks man. I would add that “gain” is considered the lift (expansion) of an effect and can be attenuated irrespective of output volume. And, your playing is seriously top tier.
Thanks for the encouraging word. And great addition! So glad to have you here!
30 years ago I was a guitarist that used to leave my pedals and mic on the stage overnight on a gig, and in San Jose Calif they all got stolen. So my then new girlfriend, now wife, bought me a compressor. She asked the Music Store for the best one, and gave me a DBX 160X rack compressor. I still have it, and still have my wonderful wife. Bass is my primary instrument now, and I think I use the compressor in a subtle way, sometimes I even bypass it. Thank you, great video. Liked and subscribed.
You can never get rid of that compressor now! Great story; thanks for sharing ⚡️
Glad I found this channel. Compression is taking me a long time to learn, this has been useful. Thank you.
So glad to hear that Stewart! Glad to have you here ⚡️
@@philipconradmusic out of all the compressors I've tried I like the Markbass Compressore best.
I use the Darkglass Hyperluminal Compressor for everything. 3 compressors in one (although I'm partial to the 1176 ALL IN setting). My favorite thing about compression is the way it makes my fingers feel. I play different. I slide different. I hold notes different. It also doubles to clean up some flubs too. Your band, engineer, and audience will thank you too.
Great content as always Philip.
I was struggling trying to understand how a compressor works, but your explanation made it so much easier. Thanks a lot for this video!
Thanks for watching!
Up to now, it is the best compression explanation... Thanks man
Bro 10/10 best explanation thank you! I finally get it!
What I often do in Studio: I use a CL-1B as some kind of preamp for the DI-Signal. The comp has a lot of input gain and also does one of the most 3D and easy to dial in compression. You really can go hard on this.
Nice!
Well explained...not easy explaining compression... some compressors or limiters do not have attack & release pots..some have a 3 position knee switch, fast, medium & slow...i use a Boss LMB 3 bass Limiter/Compressor...it has no attack & release settings as being a FET compressor it kicks in extremely fast..it has a level, ratio & threshold pots as well as an enhance pot to boost the hi-mid & treble,a kind of bass 'presence' pot...no lights or led strips to tell you anything...it only took me 5 yrs to get the thing to work properly...i put it through a DAW to find out the optimum settings depending on the music being played...now i can see it on a screen it makes it easier to find the right settings,lots of coloured dots round each pot to let me know where i am..lol..it works..Boss LMB3's are not the easiest compressor/limiter to figure out how to get the best out of them but when you do it gives a very transparent tone with an extra thickness yet is easier to cut through the rest of the band live or in recording keeping the bass tone more level in output...i swap between the Boss LMB3 & an Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher, a simple 2 pot bass compressor, a level pot & a compressor level/ratio pot with a 3 position toggle switch ,fast,medium & slow, for knee setting & attack speed, simple but works very well especially when used along with my amps compressor, a Warwick WA300 class A solid state bass head...amazing bass amplifier with a built in compressor...a transparent beautiful bass amp tone which can play at very loud levels without breaking up,i use an Eden Glow Plug to get that overdriven grinding valve bass tone when needed...compressors, you can't live without them if you play bass, well you can but it won't sound so good...
Best explanation of compression I’ve seen. I have an Empress on my board. Need to spend more time figuring it out. Thanks for the analogies and encouragement to mess around with it.
Your analogy for compression was one of the best I've heard to clearly explain each of the aspects of a compressor.
For me, I use it on my board and use it for consistency. I'm currently running an Orange Kongpressor.
I just picked up the UAFX 1176. Only done a little testing so far but I’m loving it. I’m coming from a significantly less powerful compressor (jhs 3 series) so it’s a major upgrade for sure. I’ve recently gone back to a very simple setup of just a tuner, comp, and a sansanp, and generally rubbing into my svt 3 pro. I play a player series jaguar bass and a Gibson sg faded bass.
Just before you mentioned, that your wife is a designer, I wanted to comment on the nice and not so common font choice and the overall look of your videos. I like it! That being said said, the explanation was a good analogy to memorize.
I compress for tone (parallel compression). This brings up the subtleties of the sound (increases the quiet bits) whilst louder notes bypass the compressor. I’m using a Seymour Duncan Studio Bass pedal for this and setting the blend control so that the dry and compressed signals are about the same level when I’m playing comfortably.
I do the same thing with my bass compressor. I set it harder than I like, then dial the mix back so I have the best of both worlds. I get to keep my dynamics with the fat sustain and note support from the compressed signal
love the illustration, great teaching. although I understand compression, I will be using this to explain to others how a compressor works.! :)
Great explanation, Philip! Interesting approach, not quite the way I would have explained it, but well done!
I usually don't use my compressor pedal (Empress Compressor) as an effect pedal but as an always on sound shaping tool:
Purpose No. 1: Controlling my dynamics. In a live band situation engineers always appreciate an even and consistent volume level of the incoming signals. Even if you're a very experienced player with clean technique, bass guitar has a really big dynamic range. For me it's most important to smoothen out the clicking of the strings against the frets while playing finger style.
Purpose No. 2: Making the bass sit in the mix. As a compressor doesn't treat all frequencies the same, it's also some subtle kind of equalizer. It can either fatten up your sound (expecially when used with higher ratio settings) or add transparency (lower ratio). Dialed in the right way, it will also give your bass sound more attack and tonal definition and can help you get rid of boominess, some instruments deliver as it tightens up the low end.
I really love the Empress Compressor for its 'neutral' sound. It can make your bass cut through the mix without tweaking the character of your tone too much, if you dial it in the right way. I also like, that it has all the right knobs to control the important parameters (attack, release, ratio, threshold/input gain and output gain) plus a dry mix knob, that can be very useful if you use a fat, punchy compression to fatten up your tone and want to make it sound more natural.
Some additional advice: Always use the 18 Volts power option, if possible. At least with the Empress Compressor this really makes a huge difference in clean headroom and sound quality.
This was such a good explanation bro. Thanks so much
I just bought a Cali76 stacked edition for 7 string which is in the mail so I haven't set it up yet. I'm new to compressors, but the forums seem filled with bassists using the stacked edition as well so hopefully I can get enough adjustability out of the ratio/hpf dials for my 5 string bass without having to buy a bass specific second pedal. I use a shared pedalboard for both and it's getting crowded haha. I plan to use colour coded arrow stickers to keep track of the ideal settings for both instruments as I figure things out. The problem with forums is that everyone ends up buying the same gear so I feel a little guilty participating in that instead of trying compressors from smaller companies, but at the end of the day most of us want to minimize experimentation while learning to something the more experienced players confirm as good.
Been binging your videos really enjoying them and feeling inspired
Thank you, Brother for this video. I just recently entered the world of bass compression and purchased an Origin Effects. This has really helped me understand how everything works. Thanks again!!!
I'm not oldschool at all when it comes to playing bass. I'm happy to use preamp gain to compress everything and just be really careful to mute very very efficiently. But honestly? it is cool to use a compressor along with that. I use an MXR bass comp and I shoot for unity gain with the lowest ratio, slow attack and a quick release. I've been thinking about the optical EQD Warden to either upgrade to or maybe use one into the other.
for beginners, start with extreme settings, then dial them back until you get what you want.
threshold= when to start compressing /
ratio= how much to compress /
attack= how long until full compression is reached /
release= how long until no compression is reached /
the most common way I use bass compression is to keep the notes sustained longer, so the track doesn't feel like its losing weight.
I must say that was the most comprehensive explanation of compression I've ever heard. Of all my effects, I don't have a dedicated compression pedal on my board, relying instead on the built in single control knob (level) compression in my preamp, the built in compression (again with just a level knob) in my Hartke amps when I use them, or the compression in my multi-effects boards. I think I'll do more research and look into a compression pedal to add to my pedalboard. This will also help me understand compression better in my DAW. I've been playing over 45 years, but just got into doing my own recording about 5 years ago, because I was never much of a tech head. With this understanding, I can take a different approach.
I’m so happy you’ve found it helpful! Thanks for watching. So glad to have you here ⚡️
I am new to bass (only 9 months in) and I got a comp early on (the Mira optical compressor, Walrus Audio) and it really helped balance my tone. One of the best purchases I’ve made for my pedalboard. One on those pedals thats always on.
Welcome! Thanks for sharing. Compression is your friend! ⚡️
I like to use compression to either increase or decrease aggression. A faster attack will decrease the aggression by compressing the transient while a slower attack with increase aggression by letting more of the transient through.
I use the pulp n peel v4. I love how subtle it can be, and I love dialing in just a little grit with the built in rat circuit 👌🏼
I have a Cali76 and I run the input super high, (so low threshold) but with pretty minimal ratio. This way everything is compressed a little bit. I do love notes that just ring out forever, and I can get that with these settings too. For reference, on the Cali, I go clean at 9:00, output at 10:00, input at 3:00, ratio at 9:00, A/R at fully clockwise, HPF at 1:00
Excellent explanation and analogy
Thanks for watching!
I have the Trace Elliot amps with the dual band compression built in - always on, just to clean up and balance my sound
amazing explanation, THANK YOU!
Although I mostly agree with everything you said, specifically in bass for certain genres of music a very compressed and "lifeless" bass is what you want.
Examples would be very produced modern metal and EDM or other styles where you mimic a synth bass.
As for compressors, I have used the MXR Bass Compressor for a VERY long time, the ART Pro VLA is awesome specially at the price point and plugins I usually use the Logic Optical compressor or the Focusrite Red Comp
Well said! Extreme compression can be totally appropriate in some situations, and there are no rules. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching this video. Glad to have you here ⚡️
Another great video brother. So maby flavors in there with compression but I've always basically divided it in 2 categories.. The intended use purely as dynamics control and, "effect" compression where it's leaving a sonic footprint on the tone (IE McCartney through cascaded Altec 436's).
your video highlights a general problem with a lot of music mixes today: super compressed
Great explaination! Im guilty of using the gain on my EBS MultiComp to boost the signal....but I'm gonna try your suggestion and clean up a little. Thx!
I like to stack multiple compressors, especially for recording. I find that using one and hitting it hard can be unpleasing but if you do 4 compressors that do 2 db each it's much more pleasing. Parallel compressions is also a game changer.
My favorite bass compressors are without a doubt the EBS MultiComp and the Darkglass Hyper Luminal. Hyper Luminal for rock/metal and MultiComp for everything else.
I used to have a Markbass Compressore but it was too big and needed a different power outlet. Then I got the Boss BC-1X and I couldn't be happier. Never leaves my board and it's always on.
I’ve read about compression, I’ve asked pro musicians, technicians and I’ve surfed internet trying to understand it. Your analogy is perfect. Thanks man. Also, I know some people hate this, but I'm beginning this journey and I'd like to ask if there's any chance to know more about the intro baseline? TABs? Thank you.
I also use and love the Cali76. I use it to smooth
Hey Phillip - great video! I use the @mozztronics Opto-Comp on my (upright) bass - always on when playing every gig! I generally use a lower ratio, with a low threshold. This tames the inconsistencies between pizzicato and slap playing - and gives me a GREAT stage-sound in every situation. At times I'll even over-compress, and use it in conjunction with a Boss OC-2 Octave and EHX Bass Muff nano fuzz to get a big, dirty synth-esque sound for some songs. Since getting the compressor, it's changed my life - and makes my playing, the sound and the signal for the FOH engineer all much more fun, interesting and consistent. Happy days! :)
I was in the market to get a Cali 76, but decided to go for a Lusithand Devices Alma Comp. It's a really nice compressor.
For those on a budget I've been using the TC Electronic Forcefield and I really like it. Been thinking about the Keely Mini as an upgrade though
Just got a knockoff of the yellow Mooer compressor because at 6 years of playing I barely heard I’ve been missing out… Now I just gotta figure out how to use it. Introducing a pedal board to my live rig for the first time at a show next month!
Nice video! Thanks!
Well my only dedicated bass compressor is the Darkglass Hyper Luminal but I think it's wonderful - has everything you could possibly want or need in a compact and light package, and a huge range from totally transparent to obvious tone-shaping! I think I just need to spent the huge amount of practice time to 1) get great hand/ear technique first and foremost and 2) train my ears on the subtleties of the compressor settings so I instinctively know how to dial it in for different situations
Nice! Thanks for watching ⚡️
Thank you!
I had the Cali but I ended up selling it. Now I am using the keeley bassist limiter. I’d like to try the source audio comp.
I like both the Origin Cali Bass and the Empress Bass.You can't go wrong with either.
Cool video. I need to study my compressor a lot more. I been using a Boss CS-3 that I borrowed from the guitar player from one of my bands (in exchange I lend him my OC-2 and my BFB-2; seems kinda one-sided, but it's a win-win situation because he uses them in our band). I know it's cheap and most people despises it, but it has been quite useful and opened a lot of tonal possibilities, like you said in the video.
Thanks , on the whole thing about effects etc. with bass, I think I like the sound of the bass straight best of all , I'm just learning by the way .
Thanks for watching! Nothing wrong with just a pure and unaltered bass sound. Glad to have you here!
In a recording rig, I have a dBx 266XL rack mount dual channel compressor.
The only pedal
that I use is a Zoom B3n,
which has some different type compressor options; simple and inexpensive, but effective to tailor any sound
I need with different basses, heads, and cabs. 🎸🥳👨🏻
Excellent video.
Thank you very much!
Got 2 compressors on my Board one direct in front of my OC2 and the other one in my splitt signal of the low frequency up to 150 Hz. for consistency.
I use a Harley Benton Double Down. It does what it should do and has an octaver as a bonus.
I just found your channel at a very opportune time. I've been considering a compressor for some time, and this video is moving me ever closer.
I've been reading where some compressors are noisy. My playing is only at home, mostly jazz and Manouch Jazz.
I know no pedals are necessary, but in your opinion do you think I would notice a difference?
The pedals I've been considering are the Universal 1176 (saw your video on that one), MXR M282, and the Keeley Bassist Limiting.
Really enjoying the information your channel provides!
Came for the compressor talk… broooo! That stang tone though! What strings are you rocking?!🤘🏼
Thanks man! Those are D’addario Half-Rounds
Touché. Keep up the great videos!
Thanks Ryan!
What a perfect and concise analogy! Hahaha love it
Great description!
Thanks Judi! ⚡️
Loved this video, Just subscribed! PLEASE continue to word things the way you do I like your analogies. A lot of other UA-camrs act like the viewer knows as much as they do… spoiler alert I don’t…
Good video.
Personally I only use a little bit on compression to "clean the sound".
I used to have a Darkglass Hyperluminal Compressor which I would use together with a Darkglass Microtubes X Ultra.
Now I use a Darkglass Microtubes Infinity that includes compression and I only use a little bit of it.
Not a big fan of using too much compression though. Prefer to control my sound with my playing.
Great info great video
Thank you! Glad to have you here ⚡️
I tend to use comp more for dynamic control and not so much for note lengthening. Lately I've been waffling back and forth with a Diamond Bass Comp Jr. It's definitely a "color" optical compressor, but I don't always love the low mid bump that it imparts. It does have a tilt style EQ that gets back some of the sparkle but sometimes I feel it loses a bit too much of the low fundamental.
As an alternate however I have the cheap Klark LA-2A and 1176 clones that do the job just fine!
with compressor used as a gain boost before distortion, you can flesh sound out of the distortion pedal you hadn't imagined possible
good one , thanks
Have you tried the Empress 2 bass compressor ?It rocks.
The thing is I want to drive the compressor for character and subtle distortion. I run my Cali with Out and In set as high as I can without getting too much compression. A medium attack/rel. setting, 4:1 ratio, and a bit of dry mixed in. It's not so much for the compression as it is for sound it adds to my bass. But by definition almost my compressed signal winds up being 3 to 6 dB higher than uncompressed. I use it always on.
The waves version of the LA2A is amazing. Ive also had the chance to use the actual LA2A and 1176 in real life which are both really good. I can get loads out of logic stock plugins too
I'm using TC electronic's SpectraComp, with its bass distressor preset.
The sound of your bass is very nice may i ask what pu, strings and amp setings you are using thx
Big fan of the Earthquaker Warden compressor. This is my reminder to go move my knobs more...
I like using a cali76 bass compressor always on a little bit then another one in my HX just for songs with slapping or heavy picking to level things out
Thank you. Very much like the 'chopping mountains and filling valleys' analogy, now I get what all the producer reacts to... vids mean when they say over compressed.
Can I use the limiter on these things to kill the string rub noise, do people use it this way? Would this stop it sounding like a stringed instrument?
Currently only have the compressor built into my amp head, that only has gain and boost which is as useful as you'ld expect on a 500W rig set to 0.5 out of 10 on the level control to protect the neighbours; must buy a practise amp for home use.
How do you screen record and get crisp audio and video from your laptop?
On stage I only like to use a bass DI Along with my Amp, not many to choose from that have compressors I have found that the LR Baggs Stadium Di has a multi band compressor that is very transparent and seems to work out OK for me… I have had several other compressors but fumbling with all the knobs it’s not my thing I would suggest you give it a try and perhaps do a video on the whole pedal
I just got my first compressor (Empress). Compression seems to distort the clarity of the signal, as it does in your video, which I’m not a fan of.
Hey Phillip would love to hear your thought on your ampeg optocomp. Cheers🤘
Nice shirt and thanks for the info.
Thanks for watching Spooky Socks!
What kind of strings do you have on that mustang? Sounds incredible! Thanks
I use the Cali76 too. It is worth the cost.
Hi Mate, really enjoying the videos, keep it up! Could you do a video on how your create drum loops and tracks for practice and songwriting? I’m struggling to sequence them in logic pro, and I’m sure a lot of others are the same.
i see it as a 'clean' drive)
same setting on bass and guitar give me that extra something, like subtle overdrive does
my guitars are very well set up, so there is not much evening out
I’m an analogy guy and the mom-stereo analogy was excellent.