The general purpose of a bass compressor is to level out the dynamic range of your bass. A compressor attenuates the instrument signal down when it is too loud and boosts it up when it is too quiet, thus making your volume more even throughout your performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is there a reason 5-string basses have a special need for compression?<\/em> A 5-stringer deals with sonic challenges that don\u2019t apply to a 4-string bass.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Achieving a consistent timbre across 5 strings, especially the low-B, is a vital aspect that compression can address. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A compressor built for guitars, or any generic comp, will completely kill the low B because the unit isn\u2019t designed for the extended range. They will also produce a lot of self-noise and squash the signal at high-comp levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Low B hangs out at 31 Hz and requires a lot of mass and slow vibration to ring out. This will trigger the threshold sooner. Most compressors with a high-input and high ratio will respond to this by killing the lows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, the reason your B-string sounds dead or muddy isn\u2019t necessarily an issue of compression. The amp, EQ, pickups and other factors will also influence the clarity of your low B. Try working with the mids on the EQ control panel first or upgrade your instrument\/pickups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neither can this issue be solved by \u2018perfect technique\u2019 or by ultra-high-end bass builds with custom scale length and fanned frets. None of these will yield a consistent sound across strings as you play fast passages and use the entire range of your instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though some bassists believe an active bass eliminates the need for compression, a compressor has nothing to do with active or passive circuits. It is a valuable pedal in your rig, regardless of build and electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See also: Table of Contents<\/p>\n
Best bass amp for 5-string bass<\/a>
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