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Alembic Club » Miscellaneous » Archive: 2005 » Archive through June 03, 2005 » 2003 Archive » Archive through May 12, 2003 » Compressor or Big Headroom? « Previous Next »

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bigredbass
Member
Username: bigredbass

Post Number: 90
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:33 pm:   Edit Post

I want to wade into a big question.

What do you all think of this:

Trace-Elliott (back in the pre-Gibson, pre-Ashdown days) made the premise that with big headroom, compression was not needed. While that is technically true, big headroom does not 'pull up' the less-surely played parts of a tune that a good compressor would. Yet while doing that, I've given up some dynamic range by using the compressor to sound smoother.

So, in your experiences, what do you prefer? Big headroom (big amps, that is) without the 'smoothing' effect of a good compressor, or a somewhat 'smoothed' sound with the accompanying slightly 'squashed' feel?

I would appreciate all of your advice. Mentally, I've chased this one around the block many times and can't come to a finality.

I know some of you may say 'you have to have the RIGHT compressor', but I'd rather hear your feedback as an 'either/or' case.

Thank You All,

J o e y

rockandroller
Member
Username: rockandroller

Post Number: 52
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 2:35 am:   Edit Post

IMHO its not actually the "compression" (upwards expansion) that kills your dynamic range... its the "limiting" (downward contraction).

I think a compressor/expander/gate 'correctly set up' along with MASSIVE amounts of headroom is the ideal solution...
dannobasso
Junior
Username: dannobasso

Post Number: 44
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 6:18 am:   Edit Post

I only use compression for recording. With the accuracy of Alembic's basses and preamps, you can practice playing evenly. I find that without processing, I can play with whatever nuance I need. I know they are unforgiving of "unusual performances".This can be demonstrated by allowing any other player try your gear. Good technique give good tone. The opposite is also true. Many sound men have a few processors in their racks to deal with whatever you give them. (Usually squash the hell out of it anyway) Right now I use a F1X, QSCplx1602 Acme B2(4 ohm) and Epifani 310 (5.3 ohm). I only loop a Korg DTR-2 into the preamp. No crossover, just fullrange out, amp set to parallel. To each his own, that's what Alembic is all about.

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