Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

[PFDarkside]

I've been using mine like this:

Fuzz -> OD -> Compressor -> Distortion
(Sprinkle modulation in where ever it sounds best, usually post compression and pre-distortion, then delay and reverb after everything)

Fuzz is always by itself, and first so it'll clean up ahead of any buffers. OD ahead of compression as well, so guitar volume cleans it up. Next compression to even out transients and provide the modulation pedals with an even, strong tone. Then distortion (Pinnacle) that I boost with the OD. The compressor also works solo for clean and funk type stuff. I usually keep the compressor set with sustain a little under 50% and level with a slight boost.

How about you? Where do you place the compressor and how do you use it?

 

[LLL]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

1st.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

Always first, unless I am using a Pickup Booster, then 2nd.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

Always on or situational? (Clean, solid, etc.)

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

I always go tuner>compressor>wah>fuzz>amp for my rig.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

After picking dynamics sensitive processors.

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

Before I retired mine it was first in the chain and barely, but always, on.

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

First, unless I'm using a pedal tuner, then second...

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

i like it before the overdrive where it can still interact with the subtleties of your pick attack.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

I tend to go "studio" with mine and put it towards the end of the chain after the amp. That lets me get the timbral changes when I smack the strings (as I often do) while taming the dynamic peaks and valleys.

 

[Archer_of_Fish]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

After my wah, before any gain pedals

 

[lucaspaço]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

I put my OC-3 first, than the compressor, wah, distortion etc..

 

[Aceman]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

First

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

well, uh, first
but now that you mention it

I have had some interesting effects years ago with
compressor > amp > reverb > compressor
almost a synth like sound as the compressor grabbed the reverb tails

 

[TimmyPage]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

Conventional knowledge says first, but depending on the compressor I actually like some of them AFTER drive pedals, at least for the ones that don't have mix controls, for the same reason that funkfingers listed above. It means that my gain pedals remain really touch sensitive and reactive to my playing, and then my signal is compressed for a much smoother attack. When the gain pedals are off, then the compressor is technically first in my chain anyway so it doesn't affect any of my other echos and reverbs weirdly.

As I saw explained in a video once, when you turn an amplifier up it compresses naturally. I like the sound of my gain pedals into a pushed amp, an amp that is compressing, so having a compressor on AFTER the gain tricks your ears into hearing it as if it were a gain pedal through a cranked amp.

Let your ears decide (and they have some beautiful information here as well)

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

I tend to go "studio" with mine and put it towards the end of the chain after the amp. That lets me get the timbral changes when I smack the strings (as I often do) while taming the dynamic peaks and valleys.

How do you do this? In the effects loop? Or with a studio comp on the channel strip when you mic it?

 

[Securb]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

There are no hard and fast rules about where an effect needs to be in a chain. Move it around until you get the desired tone.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

There are no hard and fast rules about where an effect needs to be in a chain. Move it around until you get the desired tone.

That's crazy talk Bruce.

 

[LLL]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

There are definitely smart... and dumb**** stupid ways of doing it.

Put all your chorus, delay, reverb and other time-based/modulation pedals in front of your heavily distorted amp.

Then put your several od/distortion pedals (followed by compressor) in the FX loop.

Make sure your od/distortion pedals are cranked to the max, because we all know "moar distortionz = moar tonez".

(no, don't do that - it will sound like ass :lol

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?

I run my compressor after my DOD FX10 Preamp, and then into the Boss TU-3 tuner. The compressor gives the tuner a more stable signal to work with. Then wah, chorus, phaser into the amp. Delays and the Boss Harmonizer in the Mesa's loop.

Bill