Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
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TimmyPage
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
The old tape echo units, like the Echoplex and Echorec were run into the amp, in the days pre-effects loops. Even better, both were used for their preamps which pushed the amp even further, so you are now running your delay INTO your 100 watt cranked marshall.
And it sounded awesome. My amp is always pushed a little bit and I run my delays before it, I just kind of like the blurrier sound it provides. I also currently have a reverb pedal at the front of my chain, just before my main distortion pedal, specifically to use as a 'wall of sound' shoe-gaze style in one of the songs we play. As well, phasers and (sometimes) flangers sound awesome before dirt. Pretty much all of those rules except for the one about distortion pedals in the loop are moot.
And even that one, I'm sure theres someone out there who has made an exception to that rule and gets a cool tone from it.
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
The old tape echo units, like the Echoplex and Echorec were run into the amp, in the days pre-effects loops. Even better, both were used for their preamps which pushed the amp even further, so you are now running your delay INTO your 100 watt cranked marshall.
And it sounded awesome. My amp is always pushed a little bit and I run my delays before it, I just kind of like the blurrier sound it provides. I also currently have a reverb pedal at the front of my chain, just before my main distortion pedal, specifically to use as a 'wall of sound' shoe-gaze style in one of the songs we play. As well, phasers and (sometimes) flangers sound awesome before dirt. Pretty much all of those rules except for the one about distortion pedals in the loop are moot.
And even that one, I'm sure theres someone out there who has made an exception to that rule and gets a cool tone from it.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
^ I totally agree.
There is a cool write up on MF on the pros and cons of putting it at the beginning or the end of the chain. Most guitarist put at the beginning of the chain, there is sound value to be found also putting it at the end. It all depends on what you are looking for. Like I said try it both ways it won't hurt anything. At the end of the day you want to develop your own tone/voice and not be a clone of someone else.
http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/t...to-put-a-compressor-in-a-guitar-effects-chain
^ I totally agree.
There is a cool write up on MF on the pros and cons of putting it at the beginning or the end of the chain. Most guitarist put at the beginning of the chain, there is sound value to be found also putting it at the end. It all depends on what you are looking for. Like I said try it both ways it won't hurt anything. At the end of the day you want to develop your own tone/voice and not be a clone of someone else.
http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/t...to-put-a-compressor-in-a-guitar-effects-chain
LLL
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
Yes; I have a couple true (based exactly on) EP3 preamps (without the delay) I run in front of the amp and they're awesome.
Lots of old players used the Echoplex, etc in front of amp to great effect. But that was typically all they had back then.
Just so you know - if someone wants perfectly clear, clean delay repeats (or reverb, or etc), they either need to slave/reamp or add the FX from the console/FOH.
Undoubtedly.
Pointing out that there are other (sometimes more complex) alternatives out there than the typical "yeah, everybody knows that already" answers the clones and saleschumps at Guitar Center like to parrot about how to setup gear (so they sound "knowledgeable" and "experienced"). Said alternatives require thinking outside of the box and listening; instead of sticking to the hard and fast Guitar Center Rules Of Gear Setup® or the "forum creed".
Yes; I have a couple true (based exactly on) EP3 preamps (without the delay) I run in front of the amp and they're awesome.
Lots of old players used the Echoplex, etc in front of amp to great effect. But that was typically all they had back then.
Just so you know - if someone wants perfectly clear, clean delay repeats (or reverb, or etc), they either need to slave/reamp or add the FX from the console/FOH.
Undoubtedly.
Pointing out that there are other (sometimes more complex) alternatives out there than the typical "yeah, everybody knows that already" answers the clones and saleschumps at Guitar Center like to parrot about how to setup gear (so they sound "knowledgeable" and "experienced"). Said alternatives require thinking outside of the box and listening; instead of sticking to the hard and fast Guitar Center Rules Of Gear Setup® or the "forum creed".
Last edited:
TheMadGypsyBaron
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
I'm not one to use compression myself, but I think if I did I would have it towards the end of my effects, but before my delay and reverb.
If possible, I would have it in the effects loop with before my delay and reverb which would also be in the loop.
Though you could get a neat effect with it after the delay and reverb
I'm not one to use compression myself, but I think if I did I would have it towards the end of my effects, but before my delay and reverb.
If possible, I would have it in the effects loop with before my delay and reverb which would also be in the loop.
Though you could get a neat effect with it after the delay and reverb
aleclee
Major General GAS
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
Digital modeler, either Atomic Amplifire or AxeFx
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
Ah, hadn't even considered Atomic/Fractal/&cet which would enable you to do that.
Ah, hadn't even considered Atomic/Fractal/&cet which would enable you to do that.
Lucy Diamond
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
For me...personally...dead first unless I'm using a Whammy Pedal which is not often.
But yeah...first.
\m/,
(there are no rules though.) put it where you like it... :naughty:
For me...personally...dead first unless I'm using a Whammy Pedal which is not often.
But yeah...first.
\m/,
(there are no rules though.) put it where you like it... :naughty:
iamthesuck
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
Ask trey man...
trey anastasio runs two Tube Screamers into a ross compressor. He can still get dynamic effects while being loud enough to be heard
Ask trey man...
trey anastasio runs two Tube Screamers into a ross compressor. He can still get dynamic effects while being loud enough to be heard
MacBradley
New member
Re: Compressor users, where in the signal chain?
I use one at the very front of my chain (for when I tap and need a boost/compression) and one set up very transparently in the FX loop (to balance out all the clean/dirty/FX levels).
I use one at the very front of my chain (for when I tap and need a boost/compression) and one set up very transparently in the FX loop (to balance out all the clean/dirty/FX levels).
