Any compressor users out there?

Re: Any compressor users out there?

Reckless Abandon said:
wrong forum

Whoops! Htf did I do that? lmao! Hopefully one of the admins will move it now that I have a response...
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I use it the way a compressor is supposed to work, for a even sound.
And I have plenty of room to work with, so powerchords are never louder than picked stings.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I use a Boss on acoustic guitar only, so single notes can be louder and I don't have to pick so hard.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

compressors are great for drums and bass guitar, i dont really find the use of them on guitar, being a sound engineer and u need something to slightly compress the guitar i would go to a '57 to do that little trick.

If i were to use one it would be for compressing the higher notes on the guitar to mould better with the lower strings but nothing a screw driver wouldnt sort!!
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

#1 Even out the sound - such as that of my lousy fingerpicking!
#2 Clean boost for leads
#3 Extra sustain - such as during unusually long sustaining solos, or a super weak pup!
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I use it for clean AND dirty sounds, depending on what I am trying to accomplish.

It works well for sustaining distorted power chords as well.

Use in any way that accomplishes YOUR goal.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

This is actually the right forum for compressor questions.

Usually I get enough compression from my amps when they are running under gain but I do use compression when I am on the clean channel of my Mesa rack. The rhythm green channel has go much gain that If I don't compress the signal a bit I tend to overload the inputs of the next processor in the chain.

Remember that a compressor limits your dynamics so if you want touch sensitivity a compressor will tend to kill that. I you want consistant levels and added sustain a compressor will help you out but with the loss of hand control. Some folks like the support of a compressor under high gain settings but I find it takes away some of the expressiveness by leveling everything out.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I have a DBX 163x that I use mainly as a buffer/signal conditioner. I use it to split my signal to drive my J-Station and a Yamaha effects unit. I leave the compression turned all the way down 99% of the time. I use that 1% when I'm goofing around with power chords.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I use my compressor to even out the low end I get when I'm really pushing my super reverb. Sometimes, it just gets a little grittier and flabbier than I like and I have to tighten it up a little bit and my MXR Dynacomp does an amazing job of that. I find that having a compressor allows me to use my volume knob more effectively (if that makes sense to you, I'm amazed). I have it on all the time :)
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

Compressors are almost a necessity for clean funk rythem playing . . . they really help to even out the single notes/frantic strumming/wailing wah stuff . . . good for jazz on subtle settings too
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

I have a Dynacomp. I use it when I want to sound like George Harrison on Nowhere Man, or If I Needed Someone.
Or Roger McGuinn on Mr. Tamborine Man.
 
Re: Any compressor users out there?

gripweed said:
How do you use your compressor? For boosts? For sustain? Other uses?

I use it for simulating an amp when I run through a keyboard amp line out from the ME-50, or when I need a more country-ish tone. Sometimes I use it for sustain, but I have to be careful when I do that. Sometimes when it's in the loop with distortion or overdrive it makes them act more "on", i.e. they seem to distort earlier or more heavily.
 
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Re: Any compressor users out there?

I use my blue Boss compressor on all the time. Since i play alot of open chords and very fast and intricate strumming, all with a clean tone, the compressor helps to keep the sound even and ring like a bell. It helps to add a little ring to my open chords. I tend to have my Twins volume on 5 or 6, and this is quite loud, with a large amount of bass. I find that having the compressor always on keeps the tone in check and makes it more comfortable sounding. Things can get a little wild sounding when turning an amp like a Twin up, since it doesnt compress much by itself. Thus, a compressor is essential to keeping the tone from getting too crazy at loud volumes. However, i try to keep the settings fairly neutral with not too much effect on the sound. I don't want a squishy tone.
 
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