I just bought the CS-3 to my bass, and it works very well. It gives more power if you play in a band, but still it doesn't sound like pure noise. I would definitely recommend it!
Great review dude. Thanks for making a CLEAR recording!! So many reviewers have used webcam or iphone mics and the little subtleties are completely lost. Nice one!
Well done review, tnaks! I also have a setup similar to yours (comp -> VT Bass.). One clarification though, to anyone out there: in most of the VCA-based compressors, including Boss, Ibanez etc., turning the Attack Knob clockwise actually REDUCES attack/release time constant, hence the increased distortion. The Attack knob goes from Max to Min, not vice versa.
I've just purchased the CS-3 & found that the bass sounds more natural & deeper bass with the tone rolled either completely off or just slightly on. The tone thins out the bass when up too high. I do like the pedal & what it does, it definitely evens out the levels of each string & notes. I love your playing & the sound of your fretless is gorgeous. Thanks for your review.
Thanks, just keep in mind that any CS2 you compare to a modern CS3 you should take into account the 35 year old capacitors in the CS2 that are probably not performing as well as they could. The artifacts I was describing in the video are from a new CS3 vs and old CS2. I thought the CS3 was nice on fretless, but sounded like plastic on fretted, just my opinion.
Yup, it appears as though the threshold of this compressor is controlled by the output of the instrument. I really dig the tone of the CS-2. It does colour your tone quite a bit, in a way that I like. So I'm kinda using it as a stationary EQ as well as a compressor. I put it second in my signal path only after my dunlop bass wah.
Vince thanks for the video, I just found the link on TB. I have a un-modded CS-3 and love the sound I am getting from it live. Fender P with Flats, bass driver, to Boses L1 and 2 Bose B1 subs. Your suggestion on the settings have improved my sound which I already thought was pretty good. thanks again VinnyDbass, rtslinger from TB
They work, Its just the bass wah has a wide, selectable frequency sweep, and really preserves the low end while engaged. Another cool feature is you just have to step on it to engage it, then it snaps back.
I totally agree, the VCA chip in it was made by a division of dbx, i believe, it makes a big difference between these two versions, though Ive never used a cs-1, im sure its still better. It adds a bit off high end witch i enjoy.
I'm using it as an EQ because I'm taking the perspective that the pedal acts as the amp it was made to model. However, it would definitely be a useful boost pedal or overdrive/distortion pedal.
I've recorded and performed many times with the CS-2. I've never used the LMB-3. The pedal's input is a little sensitive to bass, in my experience. You may have to reduce the output of your bass if you're experiencing some serious squish.
I bought a CS-2 back in 1989 for guitar-- glad it will work for bass as well. The analog circuitry probably has something to do with the better tone you describe in the video.
@Cathonius i didnt need to take a blind test. in a live situation, the cs3 is really quite awful for bass. it completely robs your tone. the. cs2 sounds much more natural. if you dont want my opinion why would watch the video? this is supposed to help others. the cs2 is much better. i have first hand experience and my opinion is probably more valid than yours, considering i used both during the same gigs.
Just bought the cs3 recently and i still don't understand what attack and sustain does because when i turn up the sustain my volume gets louder and for attack from what i understand is that the notes i play is heard more when attack is turned up to max. Its my first time using a compressor so i need some help .-.
MrBolero the sustain knob controls the actual compression effect. It reduces dynamic range (softest to loudest) thus creating a sustaining effect. Attack determines how quickly the compression kicks in. Basically, on this pedal, the attack knob is at its slowest setting when turned completely clockwise. With a slower attack, you will hear more of the initial pluck.
MrBolero nope, clockwise is at its slowest attack setting. This lets the initial pluck of the string pass through.The word ‘attack’ refers to the speed at which the pedal engages after a note is played (how quickly or slowly the pedal ‘attacks’ your signal) It does not refer to the aggressiveness of your sound.
I will buy an cs 3 or Lmb 3 for my bass and Equivalent Input Noise Level of BOSS CS 3 is -110 dBu (IHF-A Weighted, Typ.) and Equivalent Input Noise Level of BOSS LMB 3 is -86 dBu (IHF-A, Typ. So which one is better for me and why ?
The cs3 is crap for bass, in my opinion. it sounded decent on fretless, but i would by something else for a compressor. the lmb-3 is a limiter. a compressor provides smoother transitions between quiet and loud, basically speaking. a limiter is simply compression at a high ratio, practically, it means that a limiter blocks sound from getting any higher than the threshold (which is set by the user). with a limiter, quiet playing will still sound naturally quiet. if you are looking for evenness, get a compressor. limiters are useful for taming loud peaks that could harm your speakers or ears. the combination of a compressor followed by a limiter can help you get a "louder" sound by flatlining your signal. limiters arent as needed as compressors are on a pedalboard. just my opinion.
If you are still in the market for a transparent sounding compressor, i recommend the mxr bass compressor, a little more expensive, but more control and overall natural tone. the boss pedals have more of a character. I use my boss at the beginning of the chain to add some of its bite to my dry sound, and also it drives the pedals a bit. the mxr at the end of the chain to control the dynamics from the effects. hope that helps.
Just wanted to clarify what knob you turn down when using your active bass. I presume the attack yeh? And then, as you say, boost the "level" knob to compensate. I too have a Stingray (HH) and am looking at getting the best compressor/sustain effect without (hopefully) changing my tone. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
+Jared King Musician the volume knob on your bass. your instruments output dictates the threshold of the compressor. my stingray's preamp is pretty loud and getts squashed even at about half the volume.
Vince, would you prefer to use the CS-2 for bass over Boss's LMB-3? I've got a bass and a Tech 21 RBI pre-amp for recording DI. I already have a CS-2 for my guitar, do I really need to buy a dedicated bass compressor or will the CS-2 work just fine?
Those files take forever to upload and your just staring at pedals. The H4n was available in 2012, as I bought one. It says H4n on it, so it must be true. This is not a zoom with a camera, its only a field recorder. The video is from a webcam.
i need a little help over here!!! :'v i bought this compressor to obtain almost that classic distorted sound of cliff Burton ('cus i'm working in a Tribute band and it seems this could really help me) but when i tested, it started to sound like the amp was about to explode!!! like a rahahafsjsbhhgajdvhsjabsubdkwbahusyaudgh xD really... i don't know what happened... when i put the pedal off the chain, every g went back to normal. my rig is a Active Musicman stingray bass, crybaby bass mini wah, MXR M89 bass overdrive, Vox Stomplab 1 and a 40 watt Fender bronco amp (which is the one that i use for house practicing.) can you please help me finding the problem? if it is the order of the pedals, the settings of the compressor or if the 40 watts of the amp aren't enough??? please help :'c
start by turning down the volume on your stingray. I know my stingray needs to be turned down to about half volume to use with a cs-2. The threshold is controlled by the output of your instrument, since this pedal doesn't have a separate control for threshold. If either of the controls are at their extreme, turn them down. I never have my sustain past 1'oclock. And my level control never goes higher than 3'oclock. Adding compression also may increase feedback. If you are trying to get a really loud sound out of a 40watt amp, you will definitely experience feedback and distortion. 40 watts is enough for low to medium volume situations, but if you are just using it for practicing, high volume is not necessary. also, obtaining distortion from a compressor should be a happy by-product. don't intend to use the compressor as such. Its there to level out your sounds before or after your pedal chain.
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I just bought the CS-3 to my bass, and it works very well. It gives more power if you play in a band, but still it doesn't sound like pure noise. I would definitely recommend it!
Great review dude. Thanks for making a CLEAR recording!! So many reviewers have used webcam or iphone mics and the little subtleties are completely lost. Nice one!
Very concise and helpful from a bass player's point of view. Thank you very much.
That worked out well, that's the bass I play the most--my DJ4, thanks for your time for a good demo between the two.
Well done review, tnaks! I also have a setup similar to yours (comp -> VT Bass.).
One clarification though, to anyone out there: in most of the VCA-based compressors, including Boss, Ibanez etc., turning the Attack Knob clockwise actually REDUCES attack/release time constant, hence the increased distortion.
The Attack knob goes from Max to Min, not vice versa.
Thanks!!!!
I had the CS2 and miss it so much. It just sounds great.
Bass player’s perspective reaaaaaally helped out! Thanks for that. Just purchased a CS-2 tonight and looking forward to trying it out in my board.
I've just purchased the CS-3 & found that the bass sounds more natural & deeper bass with the tone rolled either completely off or just slightly on. The tone thins out the bass when up too high. I do like the pedal & what it does, it definitely evens out the levels of each string & notes.
I love your playing & the sound of your fretless is gorgeous. Thanks for your review.
Thanks, just keep in mind that any CS2 you compare to a modern CS3 you should take into account the 35 year old capacitors in the CS2 that are probably not performing as well as they could. The artifacts I was describing in the video are from a new CS3 vs and old CS2. I thought the CS3 was nice on fretless, but sounded like plastic on fretted, just my opinion.
Yup, it appears as though the threshold of this compressor is controlled by the output of the instrument. I really dig the tone of the CS-2. It does colour your tone quite a bit, in a way that I like. So I'm kinda using it as a stationary EQ as well as a compressor. I put it second in my signal path only after my dunlop bass wah.
I use the compressor before most of my pedals because of the way it pushes each of them to sound better.
Vince thanks for the video, I just found the link on TB. I have a un-modded CS-3 and love the sound I am getting from it live. Fender P with Flats, bass driver, to Boses L1 and 2 Bose B1 subs. Your suggestion on the settings have improved my sound which I already thought was pretty good. thanks again VinnyDbass, rtslinger from TB
They work, Its just the bass wah has a wide, selectable frequency sweep, and really preserves the low end while engaged. Another cool feature is you just have to step on it to engage it, then it snaps back.
Thanks for the review of these pedals. Also digging the Jaco references.
I totally agree, the VCA chip in it was made by a division of dbx, i believe, it makes a big difference between these two versions, though Ive never used a cs-1, im sure its still better. It adds a bit off high end witch i enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your experience with these two, very helpful.
I'm using it as an EQ because I'm taking the perspective that the pedal acts as the amp it was made to model. However, it would definitely be a useful boost pedal or overdrive/distortion pedal.
The VT bass is great. I use it as an EQ, so its on all the time. It gives the effects more juice.
Damn! That DJ sounds killer.
thankyou so so sooo much for this video dude!!
I've recorded and performed many times with the CS-2. I've never used the LMB-3. The pedal's input is a little sensitive to bass, in my experience. You may have to reduce the output of your bass if you're experiencing some serious squish.
I bought a CS-2 back in 1989 for guitar-- glad it will work for bass as well. The analog circuitry probably has something to do with the better tone you describe in the video.
how do you set the boss cs3 on bass?
@Cathonius i didnt need to take a blind test. in a live situation, the cs3 is really quite awful for bass. it completely robs your tone. the. cs2 sounds much more natural. if you dont want my opinion why would watch the video? this is supposed to help others. the cs2 is much better. i have first hand experience and my opinion is probably more valid than yours, considering i used both during the same gigs.
beautiful fretless tone
go for it, thats a really good price. The CS-2 can squash down quite hard if your bass has alot of output.
Is there any noise if we use cs3 for bass?
I prefer my 80's Japan Cs-3 over my old Cs-2 on bass...
Either way, you cant go wrong with a Boss compressor.
cool, yeah the pickups in my yamaha bb basses are really hot so compressors are a must for me
Thanks Man! Greetings from México!
8:08 That's the little opening piece Nathan East plays before Layla, isn't it? You've got his tone pretty much down too.
That's from "A Remark You Made" by Weather Report (i.e. Jaco Pastorius).
Thank you! Very helpful
@andreasmariosetiawan you can use it for bass, i just didnt like it very much
have you tried the BOSS bass limiter enhancer lmb-3? its more voiced for lower frequencies
Just bought the cs3 recently and i still don't understand what attack and sustain does because when i turn up the sustain my volume gets louder and for attack from what i understand is that the notes i play is heard more when attack is turned up to max. Its my first time using a compressor so i need some help .-.
MrBolero the sustain knob controls the actual compression effect. It reduces dynamic range (softest to loudest) thus creating a sustaining effect. Attack determines how quickly the compression kicks in. Basically, on this pedal, the attack knob is at its slowest setting when turned completely clockwise. With a slower attack, you will hear more of the initial pluck.
@@joerobot32 so the attack works backwards? i thought the attack knob is at its fastest setting when clockwise.
MrBolero nope, clockwise is at its slowest attack setting. This lets the initial pluck of the string pass through.The word ‘attack’ refers to the speed at which the pedal engages after a note is played (how quickly or slowly the pedal ‘attacks’ your signal) It does not refer to the aggressiveness of your sound.
Should I use a pedal compressor as opposed to the compressor / limiter that's built into the amp?
I used a 2 in a studio I recorded at. I mistakenly went out and bought the 3. Didn't sound as good to me
Nice video man! Thx you!
Does a regular wah not work well with a bass?
Ow I see.. But is that okay to use boss cs3 for bass? Cs3 is for guitar, isn't it?
Already with you. 75% volume on fender jazz bass. cs-2. rbi di.
niiice hows the vt bass?
I will buy an cs 3 or Lmb 3 for my bass and Equivalent Input Noise Level of BOSS CS 3 is -110 dBu (IHF-A Weighted, Typ.) and Equivalent Input Noise Level of BOSS LMB 3 is -86 dBu (IHF-A, Typ. So which one is better for me and why ?
The cs3 is crap for bass, in my opinion. it sounded decent on fretless, but i would by something else for a compressor. the lmb-3 is a limiter. a compressor provides smoother transitions between quiet and loud, basically speaking. a limiter is simply compression at a high ratio, practically, it means that a limiter blocks sound from getting any higher than the threshold (which is set by the user). with a limiter, quiet playing will still sound naturally quiet. if you are looking for evenness, get a compressor. limiters are useful for taming loud peaks that could harm your speakers or ears. the combination of a compressor followed by a limiter can help you get a "louder" sound by flatlining your signal. limiters arent as needed as compressors are on a pedalboard. just my opinion.
thanks for your opinions.
If you are still in the market for a transparent sounding compressor, i recommend the mxr bass compressor, a little more expensive, but more control and overall natural tone. the boss pedals have more of a character. I use my boss at the beginning of the chain to add some of its bite to my dry sound, and also it drives the pedals a bit. the mxr at the end of the chain to control the dynamics from the effects. hope that helps.
No i havent, I really like the sound of the CS-2 though
Just wanted to clarify what knob you turn down when using your active bass. I presume the attack yeh? And then, as you say, boost the "level" knob to compensate. I too have a Stingray (HH) and am looking at getting the best compressor/sustain effect without (hopefully) changing my tone. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
+Jared King Musician the volume knob on your bass. your instruments output dictates the threshold of the compressor. my stingray's preamp is pretty loud and getts squashed even at about half the volume.
Vince, would you prefer to use the CS-2 for bass over Boss's LMB-3?
I've got a bass and a Tech 21 RBI pre-amp for recording DI.
I already have a CS-2 for my guitar, do I really need to buy a dedicated bass compressor or will the CS-2 work just fine?
Is the VT Bass a EQ pedal?
for the cs series the cs 2 really is the best for bass
all compressors add noise. In this particular comparison, the cs3 was noisier
any way you find works best for you
thanks Vince
It's certainly doesn't sound that way. The attack is definitely more pronounced when turned clockwise.
Yes, they don't make a bass specific CS-3
The CS-3 is ok. But its only ok. It was better for fretless than fretted, i just felt it had no dynamics at all and distorted your sound.
How did you get an H4n in 2012? Why is it not in 1080p -2kHD?
Those files take forever to upload and your just staring at pedals. The H4n was available in 2012, as I bought one. It says H4n on it, so it must be true. This is not a zoom with a camera, its only a field recorder. The video is from a webcam.
I thought you time warped with a "Q4n" my bad
All good man haha
are this pedals modified?
no, they are stock
yea the 2 sounds a little more natural to me
im actually picking up a CS-2 tomorrow for $40, im using the boss bass LMB-3 right now but im want to try something different
Great, tanks
yes i definitely could
i need a little help over here!!! :'v
i bought this compressor to obtain almost that classic distorted sound of cliff Burton ('cus i'm working in a Tribute band and it seems this could really help me) but when i tested, it started to sound like the amp was about to explode!!! like a rahahafsjsbhhgajdvhsjabsubdkwbahusyaudgh xD really... i don't know what happened... when i put the pedal off the chain, every g went back to normal. my rig is a Active Musicman stingray bass, crybaby bass mini wah, MXR M89 bass overdrive, Vox Stomplab 1 and a 40 watt Fender bronco amp (which is the one that i use for house practicing.) can you please help me finding the problem? if it is the order of the pedals, the settings of the compressor or if the 40 watts of the amp aren't enough???
please help :'c
start by turning down the volume on your stingray. I know my stingray needs to be turned down to about half volume to use with a cs-2. The threshold is controlled by the output of your instrument, since this pedal doesn't have a separate control for threshold. If either of the controls are at their extreme, turn them down. I never have my sustain past 1'oclock. And my level control never goes higher than 3'oclock. Adding compression also may increase feedback. If you are trying to get a really loud sound out of a 40watt amp, you will definitely experience feedback and distortion. 40 watts is enough for low to medium volume situations, but if you are just using it for practicing, high volume is not necessary. also, obtaining distortion from a compressor should be a happy by-product. don't intend to use the compressor as such. Its there to level out your sounds before or after your pedal chain.
thanks :)
ahh it would be nice if you could demo it. :) haha
mierda I bought the CS-3