another thread about compressors

[muttonchopsrule]

i've been sort of gas'ing for a compressor (i really want to play through that boss one) for quite a little bit of time now. just to sort of have a new toy (you know how it goes). but other than adding some extra punch for solos and stuff, what else can you do with them? will they do anything to sort of smoothen out my clean channel?

 

[Guitarist]

Re: another thread about compressors

It'll get rid of some of the dynamics, therefore relieving some of the harshness and 'smoothening' out your clean channel. So yes.

 

[muttonchopsrule]

Re: another thread about compressors

interesting...

 

[Rainmaker]

Re: another thread about compressors

Is it worth it? I've heard comparisons about Bogners being compressed and Soldanos being all open - and quite frankly, I get really confused!?

 

[some_dude]

Re: another thread about compressors

Is it worth it? I've heard comparisons about Bogners being compressed and Soldanos being all open - and quite frankly, I get really confused!?

That has to do with tube compression.

Generally, the higher the gain the more compressed (and less dynamic, or open) the amp sounds. Personally, my opinion is that whether an amp sounds compressed or dynamic has more to do with the person tuning it and less to do with who makes it.

Unless it's a one channel amp with fixed gain (no knob), in which case, you're screwed (although, you could still adjust gain with your guitars volume knob, so I guess you're not totally screwed).


For more info, you'll need to study up on the science behind how tubes work. It's really good stuff to know, and really helps you get the most out of your amp.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: another thread about compressors

Yes, this is true: High tube gain = naturally compressed tone. I love using the gentle compression that's in my Fulltone Full-Drive 2; It's very gentle and adds a smoothness not common to most OD pedals.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: another thread about compressors

A compressors job is essentially to even the output, so that going from say arpeggiated stuff to powerchords does not drasticly increase your volume.
It is a good tool for rhythm stuff and clean things.
Personally I never use it for overdriven things anymore, I like dynamics alot, and even a good compressor will ruin that.
But for some things with dirt it has it uses, it just depends like everything else.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: another thread about compressors

I use an Aphex compressor. Just 2 knob's so it does'nt get any easier than that. I'm using it thru my Classic 30's clean channel. The C30 (with humbuckers) can be a bit thick sounding so I use the compressor not to "compress" per say, but more as an overall presence control. Nice, smooth and clear now. I'm very happy with the result.

 

[Curly]

Re: another thread about compressors

I agree with Rid. Compressors tend to even out the signal - "compress it", so the peaks and valleys are not as far apart.

I prefer the compression of the amp or a good overdrive, but I'd consider using a DynaComp for slide, since it also adds sustain.

 

[MrHeavyMetal]

Re: another thread about compressors

Compressors aren't for the uninitiated. You need to play around with them to discover the "sweet" spots. And they need to be used with moderation IMO or they will rob dynamics or introduce noise . BOSS makes a decent floor model but dBx rack stuff is the best IMO, esp with killer PA systems and topline tubed Marshall and Mesa gear,etc rack systems.

MrHM

 

[rhmcfarland]

Re: another thread about compressors

The Distressor is my favorite. A dead on copy of the 1176 that was used by Led Zep and the Who. Fairchild sims are excellent too. As far as live, I have a Boss, and its good, but make sure you use the right power adaptor (otherwise you get some noise). Everyone seems to like Keeley as well.

 

[Kent S.]

Re: another thread about compressors

Compressors aren't for the uninitiated. You need to play around with them to discover the "sweet" spots. And they need to be used with moderation IMO or they will rob dynamics or introduce noise . BOSS makes a decent floor model but dBx rack stuff is the best IMO, esp with killer PA systems and topline tubed Marshall and Mesa gear,etc rack systems.

MrHM

As long as your are running a preamp first (as you would with any rack piece),
I still swear by my alesis 3630, every bit as good as the dbx stuff (unless you are running XLR balanced of course), their newer units, lots of bells and whistles, but I don't know about them. The Rocktron dedicated compressors are nice also. One thing I like about the dbx though, is on at least one model I saw they had a separate peak limited, very cool inclusion, as you don't have to tie up another compressor (or the other channel for mono use) with if you need both compression and limiting. Some of the Rocktrons and RSP technologies had this same feature ... very useful (not just for sound reinforcement uses). If people aren't familiar with compression/limiting, then a pedal AGC (automatic gain control) units are probably best (stomp box *compressors*).