compressor pedals

[lex666]

I've read alot of stuff that people don't really know what a compressor pedal does or how to use it. That people who don't like them are using or setting them wrong. I've read that this is the "key" or the missing ingredient to their tone.

Can someone educate me on what it does, how to set it properly, and your opinions on which one is best? I play mostly heavy metal/rock/punk

Can I use it first in line if I'm using amp distortion?

Thanks for the info...

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: compressor pedals

Compressors come first in line anyway.

They make loud peaks in your signal softer and softer passages louder so that you have an even volume throughout. They can be subtle, or they can squash your tone if that's desired.

Some compression sustainers add sustain as well as compress the signal. (imagine a ball of clay. you squash it on the top and bottom, and the surface area increases. the more you compress the sound, the more sustain you get)

Some compressors sound just fine after distortion. A Boss CS-2 sounds very bland. A CS-3 is pretty transparent (a mod is good for adding bottom to it though) Ross compressors (i think) sound great after distortion. It's something to try when you get one. To see where it sounds best.