Amps with built in compression?

[SuperSeagull]

I’m quite enjoying the one knob compressor on the Ashdown RM500 when I’m playing around at home but whenever I’ve used compression live I struggle with what feels to me like an unacceptable loss of the ability to control the dynamics of my playing myself. 

[SuperSeagull]

Should add I don’t think I’ve ever been described as anything other than a player who digs in quite hard!

Edited January 8, 2022 by SuperSeagull

[Lozz196]

I was the same, my style/dynamics were dig in all the time for every song, so compression largely didn’t help. But since I started playing with a lighter touch I have found compression to be more useful though in all honesty I still prefer it without.

Edited January 8, 2022 by Lozz196

[fretmeister]

I swap between slap, fingers and plectrum through a show so I need it. The differences in dynamics for those 3 styles is immense.

 

And I like what it does to the tone of my basses.

[BassAdder60]

I’m using my Ampeg Opto Comp as a limiter more than compressor so I don’t fit the input of my ABM600 too hard.

When band is going full tilt I found I was playing harder so the Compressor gives me peace of mind I don’t over do it ! 
The built in compressor on the head isn’t great and makes it sound like a blanket is laid over your speaker !

Edited January 8, 2022 by BassAdder27

[fretmeister]

I must admit the various reports of the ABM compressor doing that is probably got take it off my list.

 

[Downunderwonder]

6 hours ago, SuperSeagull said:

Should add I don’t think I’ve ever been described as anything other than a player who digs in quite hard!

If you are habitually digging in hard you are naturally extremely compressed right off the bat. The dynamic range between digging in hard(ish) and digging in (really) hard is a fraction of what's available.