Compressor Suggestions

ErikH

ErikH

Well-known member
For the longest time, well, pretty much my entire playing life, I never used a compressor in my rig. I tried a few here and there at shops and guitar shows and only one blew me away; the Keeley Compressor (2-knob version). However, the Keeley is beyond my budget. I know my clean tone can benefit greatly with a compressor and have been looking at a few.

Joyo Dyna Compressor
MXR Dyna Comp
Boss CS-3 (and get Monte Allums Opto Plus Mod)

I don't want to spend a lot and used is definitely an option.

So, what's everyone's favorite compressor these days and recommendations for one on a tight budget?
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

I use the Boss CS-3; I have one on my electric board and one on my acoustic board. No problems of any kind, knock on wood. I'm sure there are "better" ones out there. Price, value, durability...it's hard to beat a Boss.

I should add that I use only a slight amount of compression/limiting, but typically it is always on, and I'm not using it as a boost pedal. I set it so I can hear it pump, and then back it off. I would use the Dyna-Comp or the MXR Super Comp the same way. With these settings, noise has not been an issue.

I could be wrong, but I don't feel that a compressor is a pedal that I want to spent huge amounts of money and time obsessing over. It works or it doesn't.

Good luck.

Bill
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

My fave is the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone.

Dunno if it costs more or less than the Keeley, though.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

I had an MXR custom comp a few years back that was pretty cool. Been using the comp built into my G-Major 2 a bit lately but since it's in the FX loop of my amp it's not an ideal situation. So that got me looking into other comp pedals and I keep hearing good things from and reading good reviews on the Mooer yellow comp. It's a Diamond opto comp clone, thus why it gets good reviews. Also said to be quiet which is a plus.

 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

Have you tried the Xotic SP comp? It's got quite a few features in a tiny package for not much money. I like that it has a blend knob, I found it a very useful feature when I had a Wampler Ego.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

Agileguy_101 said:
Have you tried the Xotic SP comp? It's got quite a few features in a tiny package for not much money. I like that it has a blend knob, I found it a very useful feature when I had a Wampler Ego.
Click to expand...

I like the SP a lot. I've got a Dyna Comp at the moment that I'm not overly fond of. I will be replacing it with an SP, hopefully sooner rather than later.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

I have the Joyo Dyna Compressor
three knobs Attack, Threshold, and Level
True bypass
doesnt add noise on its own

compressors are compressors they all do what they do
some just have more knobs

I have had the DynaComp two knob rascal

the Joyo seems the be exactly the same but with a level out knob

less than $30 on Amazon


I would say the Joyo is the budget leader
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

Get a hold of a good Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer clone. AnalogMan's Juicer will be the best but there are other less expensive versions... don't know how good they are though.

The Orange Squeezer is the compressor that has been copied, tweaked and ripped off for years. I have one of the originals and it is VERY good... almost too good. lolz!

The best combination of squish, attack & sustain you can find in a compressor. The circuit is simple yet elegant and iconic.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

Check the trading post, I think that someone there has a Keeley 4 knob for sale at a decent price.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

if you like the keeley, you will be disappointed with those listed. never tried the joyo, but the mxr dyna comp is pretty dull sounding. the tone knob on the boss makes it sound nicer to me. i second the vote for the xotic sp comp.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

TwilightOdyssey said:
My fave is the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone.

Dunno if it costs more or less than the Keeley, though.
Click to expand...

This is an awesome comp!

zenmindbeginner said:
Get a hold of a good Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer clone. AnalogMan's Juicer will be the best but there are other less expensive versions... don't know how good they are though.

The Orange Squeezer is the compressor that has been copied, tweaked and ripped off for years. I have one of the originals and it is VERY good... almost too good. lolz!

The best combination of squish, attack & sustain you can find in a compressor. The circuit is simple yet elegant and iconic.
Click to expand...

I have a orange comp clone Surgeon here on the forum built me. It's an amazing pedal. I definitely recommend checking out the analogman juicer.
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

+1 on the Xotic SP great comp not too expensive. If you want a much cheaper one you probably won't find what you are looking for in a Keeley
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

I love my DBX163X. Not exactly a "pedal" per se, but as a half-rack unit, it still fits into a guitar rig nicely. One of the nice features of this unit is its 1 meg front panel input impedance, which makes it perfect for guitar or bass. I also like to run my SFX-01 Pickup Booster in front of it. Those two together can make for some sweet punch in a mix.

And, they tend to sell for not a lot of bucks.

DBX-163X.jpg
 
Re: Compressor Suggestions

Thanks for the suggestions so far. A few here I hadn't thought of.
 
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