gordon_39422
New member
Where, IYO, is the best place to put a compressor in the signal path?
Another Compressor Question.....
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Jag513
New member
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
I think it should be right after the wahs and phasers. Those can lower volumes in their use (especially wahs and envelope filters), and I normally use compressors pretty close to the guitar. That is, unless you're using a pedal for your main overdrive, and a different pedal for your boost. Then, the compressor should go right after the OD, and before the boost (obviously).
I think it should be right after the wahs and phasers. Those can lower volumes in their use (especially wahs and envelope filters), and I normally use compressors pretty close to the guitar. That is, unless you're using a pedal for your main overdrive, and a different pedal for your boost. Then, the compressor should go right after the OD, and before the boost (obviously).
MikeRocker
What's Your Forum Nameologist?
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
Conventional wisdom states that compressors should go first in your signal chain, as they will boost the noise produced by other effects placed before them. Experiment and see which way sounds best, but try to keep it as close to the front as possible.
Conventional wisdom states that compressors should go first in your signal chain, as they will boost the noise produced by other effects placed before them. Experiment and see which way sounds best, but try to keep it as close to the front as possible.
drew_half_empty
Looking for Real Life
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
right before distortion, typically
right before distortion, typically
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
For pedals before any gain, and after things like dynamic triggered effects, although a standard foot wah can go before, it's quieter afterwards. If using it for a limiter type function then at the end of effects before any time domain effects, although sometimes still before overdrive/distortion. For rack units, after preamps and distortions, thru the loop send and return or preamp output/power amp input; and make sure to set the unit for the proper line level reference (RTM).
For pedals before any gain, and after things like dynamic triggered effects, although a standard foot wah can go before, it's quieter afterwards. If using it for a limiter type function then at the end of effects before any time domain effects, although sometimes still before overdrive/distortion. For rack units, after preamps and distortions, thru the loop send and return or preamp output/power amp input; and make sure to set the unit for the proper line level reference (RTM).
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gordon_39422
New member
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
I was pretty sure that I would get various answers. Of course the pedal is made to go as close to the guitar as possible, but I have seen it every location possible in various pedalboards. I have been spending a lot of time recording at home, so I have used the crap out of my compressors. I have had a lot of time to exeperiment with location and noticed the effects it has when placed in different locations, but was really looking for your INDIVIDUAL preferences rather than instruction. I was hoping to discover some weird trick you guys might use that would get some unique tones.
I do, in fact, use it more as a limiter when recording. When gigging, volume peaks are not that important because you have to full band jamming. When recording, it is important to keep the guitar's volume consistent. If you are trying to catch dynamics on disc, then volume is compromised. If you want consistent volume, then dynamics are compromised. The solution is the compressor. I have been able to place it in different locations so that I can achieve the same tone at the same volume regardless of whether I am wailing on the strings, or simply strumming. Obviously, when I say same volume, I mean in the same area +/- 5db's without clipping. Thanks for the responses, though.
I was pretty sure that I would get various answers. Of course the pedal is made to go as close to the guitar as possible, but I have seen it every location possible in various pedalboards. I have been spending a lot of time recording at home, so I have used the crap out of my compressors. I have had a lot of time to exeperiment with location and noticed the effects it has when placed in different locations, but was really looking for your INDIVIDUAL preferences rather than instruction. I was hoping to discover some weird trick you guys might use that would get some unique tones.
I do, in fact, use it more as a limiter when recording. When gigging, volume peaks are not that important because you have to full band jamming. When recording, it is important to keep the guitar's volume consistent. If you are trying to catch dynamics on disc, then volume is compromised. If you want consistent volume, then dynamics are compromised. The solution is the compressor. I have been able to place it in different locations so that I can achieve the same tone at the same volume regardless of whether I am wailing on the strings, or simply strumming. Obviously, when I say same volume, I mean in the same area +/- 5db's without clipping. Thanks for the responses, though.
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
I've always found they tend to work and sound best if they're the 1st thing your guitar sees. I would, in some cases place one after a wah but NEVER after a distortion device. Of course there are exceptions to the rule... but you'll have to find them yourself.
I've always found they tend to work and sound best if they're the 1st thing your guitar sees. I would, in some cases place one after a wah but NEVER after a distortion device. Of course there are exceptions to the rule... but you'll have to find them yourself.
Re: Another Compressor Question.....
The only tricky thing I ever used to do with them is put them thru the preamp output and power amp input (as the reverb went thru there as well) ... this enabled me to get the reverb to *pump and breathe*, kinda swell up and down on dynamics, that and a chorus before after it which chorused the reverb also. Nice recording trick for clean, or dirty stuff. Live that would get a bit dicey (and yes in this case the distortion from the amp went into the compressor). Another bastard effect is on some comp pedals (the CS-3 comes to mind, as that's where I discovered the trick thanks to a half dead battery), if you drop the voltage powering the pedal you reach this effect whereas the signal stays clean when the compressor clamps, but then as the compressor releases and expands it overdrives the signal into a fuzz ... kinda a dynamic clean to saturation fade or swell (the volume stays the same). Kinda cool as an intro thing, or going into heavy distortion as a note fades ... very cool for blues believe it or not. The signal just kinda morphs from clean to dirty during the sustain part once you get the voltage correct.
The only tricky thing I ever used to do with them is put them thru the preamp output and power amp input (as the reverb went thru there as well) ... this enabled me to get the reverb to *pump and breathe*, kinda swell up and down on dynamics, that and a chorus before after it which chorused the reverb also. Nice recording trick for clean, or dirty stuff. Live that would get a bit dicey (and yes in this case the distortion from the amp went into the compressor). Another bastard effect is on some comp pedals (the CS-3 comes to mind, as that's where I discovered the trick thanks to a half dead battery), if you drop the voltage powering the pedal you reach this effect whereas the signal stays clean when the compressor clamps, but then as the compressor releases and expands it overdrives the signal into a fuzz ... kinda a dynamic clean to saturation fade or swell (the volume stays the same). Kinda cool as an intro thing, or going into heavy distortion as a note fades ... very cool for blues believe it or not. The signal just kinda morphs from clean to dirty during the sustain part once you get the voltage correct.
