Compression pedals and a Sansamp VT pre amp

[Jonesy]

Howdy folks!

 

I've never really used a compression pedal and I currently have a hankering to try one. I'm very much in the 'I'm not really sure what they do/I want them to do', and my understanding of the different types of compression is close to non existent. I've read a few articles and threads here, but I'm thinking just picking up a cheap one to try is probably better so I can get an understanding by actually using one. 

 

But, before I do, I have a quick question for you........

 

I play with a Sansamp VT pre amp as an always on, which compresses the signal anyway, so do I 'need' a compression pedal anyway, will it make a noticeable difference? 

 

If you're thinking it's still worth picking one up, I was looking at the Joyo Scylla as an entry point, or the TC Spectracomp. 

 

I have no idea if there are different types of compressors that are suited for different styles (we play blues standards) etc but, if it's handy to know, my current signal chain goes like this......

 

Something with flats

Tuner

Sansamp VT (always on)

Catalinbread SFT (for occasional grit)

Amp

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

[Linus27]

I'm no expert but I play fretless and use a Sansamp BDDI v2 and an Ampeg Opticomp compressor and I couldn't live without it. The compressor just sprinkles magic dust on my tone and smooths everything out. I'm aware that the Sansamp pre-amps do add some compression but I found when I turned my compressor pedal off, my tone lost something and it was noticeable when it was turned back on again. The test for me was when I did a few gigs with another band and needed to build a small pedalboard for a fretted gig. I was going to save money and not bother with the Ampeg compressor but playing without it was considerably noticeable. As soon as I added it to my board (Sansamp, Octave and Compressor), my tone tightened up and was much better for it. I've heard good things about the TC Spectracomp pedal and they are cheap enough to get hold of so I say go for it. 

[Jonesy]

44 minutes ago, Linus27 said:

I'm no expert but I play fretless and use a Sansamp BDDI v2 and an Ampeg Opticomp compressor and I couldn't live without it. The compressor just sprinkles magic dust on my tone and smooths everything out. I'm aware that the Sansamp pre-amps do add some compression but I found when I turned my compressor pedal off, my tone lost something and it was noticeable when it was turned back on again. The test for me was when I did a few gigs with another band and needed to build a small pedalboard for a fretted gig. I was going to save money and not bother with the Ampeg compressor but playing without it was considerably noticeable. As soon as I added it to my board (Sansamp, Octave and Compressor), my tone tightened up and was much better for it. I've heard good things about the TC Spectracomp pedal and they are cheap enough to get hold of so I say go for it. 

 

Good to hear, thanks for that! Do you put the compressor before or after the Sansamp?

 

I've heard good things about the Ampeg too and it's not out of budget, if people think it's worth shelling out a bit more for a different pedal to the the Joyo or TC.

[Linus27]

8 minutes ago, Jonesy said:

 

Good to hear, thanks for that! Do you put the compressor before or after the Sansamp?

 

I've heard good things about the Ampeg too and it's not out of budget, if people think it's worth shelling out a bit more for a different pedal to the the Joyo or TC.

 

I'm current running Bass > Tuner > Octave > Overdrive > Chorus > Reverb 1 > Reverb 2 > Compressor > Sansamp > Amp/Desk so its just before the Sansamp with the Sansamp last in the chain.

 

I chose the Ampeg after having a great chat with @Osiris who suggested an optical compressor works really well for fretless and he was right, I couldn't be happier, it works great for me and the reviews were all really positive as well. A lot of people rate the TC Spectracomp as well though but I would say, due to the Toneprint option, you will fiddle a lot more and may not be able to easily decide what you like or what is working best for you. The Ampeg is literally three dials and super simple to setup and you can just start by having everything at 12 o'clock and tweak from there. I know nothing about the Joyo pedal though but I know the TC and Ampeg are both great.

[Osiris]

Compression is a pretty decisive subject as a trawl of the BC archives will demonstrate 😉.

 

My advice before spending any money would be so a bit more homework on the subject. Admittedly, it a pretty nerdy topic and there's a lot of misinformation about it our there, which IMO, is based more on misunderstanding about what they are, what they do and how best to use them. In fact, you'll get a more objective opinion about the subject from sound engineering sites than sites like this! 

 

Only you know what you want from a compressor, and that usually comes from experience and the type of music you play. With @Linus27 being a fretless player, an optical compressor was the obvious choice as they tend to be more on the smooth and mellow side in terms of their action. But it's very much a personal thing. 

 

But one thing to bear in mind is that compression is more of a feel thing than anything else. And what works for some doesn't work for ithers. I suspect a lot of people who don't get on with comps but one expecting an obvious effect like you get from a distortion pedal, but it's mostly way more subtle. 

 

So in answer to your original post... It depends. I appreciate that probably doesn't help, but it's something that you'll figure out if you decide to dive into that particular rabbit hole. But the Spectracomp is a great starting point as it'll give you an idea of how different parameter settings can affect the bass. If you're in a band, definitely try it in the mix with other musicians as that's where you're more likely to feel what's happened.

 

FWIW, I've been through loads of different compresses over the years, including most of the highest regarding pedals, and I've stuck with the humble Boss LMB-3. It does something that I haven't been able to get from any of the more boutique pedals. It's not expensive or sophisticated, but it does what I want a compressor to do.