good compressor for bass and kick

[Unknown soldier]

I'm currently tracking bass through a fatso, and compressing quite a bit. When mixing I still find the bass to lack some punch. (It's a fender USA jazz bass into a TG-2). It's not bad, but I'd like to insert a compressor during mixdown to help out.

With the kick, it's a sampled sound via an AKAI S5000. Again, sound isn't bad, just needs a tad more "kick".

I've done enough EQ'ing to get me in the ballpark, just think a bit of compression will help.

I need to go somewhat cheap right now, so I'm considering an RNC or DBX 1066. Maybe around $500 for two channels max.

So?

[Jam]

A second hand DBX 160 might fit the bill. There has been tons of discussion about the different models. Worth be worth a search. I have a pair of 160XT and a 160s for what it's worth and all were nice and cheap.

Jam

[scotty-o]

A pair of dbx 160x or 160xt could suit you well.
You could get them both for about $400 used.

I use a 160x on kick all the time, even with Distressors and 1176's on hand. The 160x isn't to bad on bass, either.


-Scotty

[cgarges]

I really like the older dbx 160 (VU) or 161 for kick and sometimes for bass. They'll probably run you closer to $500 each, but keep your eyes open--you might get lucky.

I also really dig the ART Pro VLA on kick and bass. I prefer it in small amounts (not hitting the input too hard) and not much gain reduction going on, but it does something nice things to the bottom end for my tastes. If you like it, it's great deal at probably $250-$350 for two channels.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[pan]

Originally posted by Unknown soldier
I'm currently tracking bass through a fatso, and compressing quite a bit. When mixing I still find the bass to lack some punch. (It's a fender USA jazz bass into a TG-2). It's not bad, but I'd like to insert a compressor during mixdown to help out.

With the kick, it's a sampled sound via an AKAI S5000. Again, sound isn't bad, just needs a tad more "kick".
....
I've done enough EQ'ing to get me in the ballpark, just think a bit of compression will help.
...
So?

Hmm - punch is normally the opposite of compression - might this be your problem:
Overcompression?

Niko

[alphajerk]

ditto, ever try any of the transient modulators?

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

The SPL transient designers are AMAZING for anything percussive.

The DBX 160x is also a very good alternative for drums and bass.

Cheers
Wiggy

[Screws]

Which Fatso Comp do you use on the Bass? Try the Tracking Comp - lovely!

Also, do you use the Tranny? Adds meat as well.

[scotty-o]

Originally posted by cgarges


I also really dig the ART Pro VLA on kick and bass. I prefer it in small amounts (not hitting the input too hard) and not much gain reduction going on, but it does something nice things to the bottom end for my tastes. If you like it, it's great deal at probably $250-$350 for two channels.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

The VLA is a real sleeper, IMHO.
I use it on the drum bus all the time.
I need another one!

-Scotty

[tINY]

If you aren't getting enough punch out of the compressor that you are using, try slowing up the attack....



-tINY

[davemc]

Originally posted by tINY


If you aren't getting enough punch out of the compressor that you are using, try slowing up the attack....



-tINY

fatso has fixed attack and release on diff settings. So would try some other settings and see which works. Maybe just the warmth and tranny?
why do you need to compress so much?
If the playing is a bit everywhere. Maybe compress different parts afterwards?

[NathanEldred]

Crane Song Trakker is probably one of the best/most versatile I've heard for both uses, next to hitting the 2" tape hard. I didn't prefer the FATSO in those particular applications. YMMV.

[max cooper]

IMHO using compression to control spotty performance will change the sound too much. Much better to ride the fader or if you're using a DAW use volume automation.

First thing I usually do when I patch in a comp is set the attack 3/4 or more of the way to the slowest setting and the release the same amount but to the fastest setting, then I adjust from there. I realize working with the Fatso isn't the same...

How about tracking without compression? I used to track direct bass with comp but I don't now and I think my sound has improved. If you're tracking with compression and patching it in on the channel while you're mixing, and probably a limiter or some mix buss compression, there's not gonna be much left of the bass. IMHO....

[mpr3]

I acquired an original 1176 blackface from a fellow gearslut that sounds superb on bass. Medium-slow attack, medium release. Must watch the fast release times on bass compression. When the compression envelope begins to trace the waveform (long waveforms + fast release) distortion ensues.

[CorkyTart]

For your bass gtr make sure you get a DI (Direct Input) as well as an amp track going. I'll bet this will give you what you're lacking.

[barforama]

dbx165 for kickdrum anytime
and TubeTech CL1b for bass anytmie aswell.
Perhaps a MC76 for both?

[jbuntz]

Bass doesn't usually punch to me unless it locks with the kick drum.... DBX 160s work with kick drum pretty well and they are cheap. In that price range you might be better off with....um... plug-ins. UAD-1 Fairchild would probably work quite well on both (but I wouldn't exactly call it punchy) as would the RenComp or maybe that sonalksis thing. If the sound isn't in the ballpark, you might need to do more than change compressors. Also, you shouldn't need to compress samples much if at all.

Anybody A/B transient designers with the Waves Trans-x? Trans-x can add punch but it does not play nice with the L2 as it seems to undo what the trans-x does.

[mml]

I second the vote for the 165 for both apps. It doesn't have a ton of headroom though, so be careful on kick. It gives a nice punchy, woody tone on bass.

[okailla]

DBX160A/X/XT for Bass is
Get a CL1b

[DrDeltaM]

Tho I agree with the high-end advices, the original poster is not gonna get to there with $500...

[songisking]

Then again, he's had a year to save...

[DrDeltaM]

Originally Posted by songisking

Then again, he's had a year to save...

Hehe, good point

I might add the Daking compressor to the check out list then. Bit cheaper then most other high end comps and works nice on bass.