Compressors

[Aceman]

Re: Compressors

My point exactly. You don't really want a compressor. You want a sustainer. That's a thing - it has existed.

On the Boss unit, for example, just set the attack for maximum time to onset, and then boost sustain to wherever makes you happy.

Of course, you need a comp with an attack and a sustain knob to do that...

 

[Gtrjunior]

Compressors

This thread read has me gassing for another compressor, even though o don't really need one!
The vise grip and the boss be-3 both look very good.

 

[Paully]

Re: Compressors

Definitive Site RE: Comprressors.
http://www.ovnilab.com

 

[Blille]

Compressors

This bread has me gassing for another compressor, even though o don't really need one!
The vise grip and the boss be-3 both look very good.

Didn't know that bread was a gassy food

You mean the CS-3? It was my first comp and I keep it (modded to take care of noise) as a squisher for funk or similar. Not in the same league as most of the ones mentioned here IMHO.


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[TimmyPage]

Re: Compressors

I still question the fundamental logic of a compressor that blends back original signal.
- If the original is NOT squashed, then it is NOT compressed. Purpose defeated
- If it is, then you didn't blend it back
- If you only want the sustain but not attack mod, then there is a knob for that

Compressed tones get kinda dark and it takes a way a lot of the chime inherit to modern guitar tone. The blend allows you to have the best of both worlds, the warmth and sustain with the bright chime. FWIW Robert Keeley agreed with you for years, saying he'd never make a compressor with a blend (or a tone knob).

Quoted from a post he made on TGP:

"I thought my compressor/blend control comments would come back at me a bit. Here is how I feel about it now. The GC-2, Bassist and Compressor Pro still don't need a blend control. They are extremely transparent and provide a studio grade solution to limiting. I still don't see the need to undo it with a blend control. The 4 knob style compression with expander, like the old Dyna Comp, uses the CA3080 and is a heavy handed compression and sustainer circuit. Yes, I can totally see why a blend circuit is needed and it allowed me to get humbuckers to sound really good now. You ain't living if you ain't learning. You don't learn if you don't make mistakes."

And at the end of the day.. it sound's good, so who cares what the 'point' of the compressor is? Does anyone complain that a vibe pedal doesn't really sound like a rotary speaker? Or that a 'hall' reverb doesn't sound like any real hall space and is just actually a bunch of delays mushed together? Tone > 'Rules'.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Compressors

Didn't know that bread was a gassy food

You mean the CS-3? It was my first comp and I keep it (modded to take care of noise) as a squisher for funk or similar. Not in the same league as most of the ones mentioned here IMHO.


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Haha! Spellcheck got me again.
Yes, I meant CS-3.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Compressors

If a non-compressed signal is passed through - it isn't compressed. In fact, it isn't anything. It would be like a ducking-delay with a non-ducked signal blended back in. It isn't actually ducking anymore. You will hear the thing it is there to make not heard.

I'm just gonna spew now:

People who buy Compressors with blend knobs ARE knobs who don't know what a compressor, a sustainer, or a limiter is, how they work or why they exist. They just want one because it is a mysterious pedal the hip sound people talk about. They went out and got one for all the wrong reasons, couldn't work them properly and complained. Now, baffled guitar pedal makers have realized this and are building "blend" compressors and ripping off idiot pedal fanbois. Can't wait until the Strymon blendocomp comes out to reviews that say "It doesn't even sound compressed. It's totally dynamic and open." And then every thread where someone needs a little squish will be "The Strymon is really the only comp that you should even consider."


I was alive and playing in the days before digital noise gates, Strats trying to play metal with signal coils, and 80's Squash madness. Piss off all you dumb@$$ bedroom pedal freaks. Get a clue. Get life. Leave compression to studio engineers and live sound guys.

 

[Blille]

Re: Compressors

If a non-compressed signal is passed through - it isn't compressed. In fact, it isn't anything. It would be like a ducking-delay with a non-ducked signal blended back in. It isn't actually ducking anymore. You will hear the thing it is there to make not heard.
I'm just gonna spew now:

People who buy Compressors with blend knobs ARE knobs who don't know what a compressor, a sustainer, or a limiter is, how they work or why they exist. They just want one because it is a mysterious pedal the hip sound people talk about. They went out and got one for all the wrong reasons, couldn't work them properly and complained. Now, baffled guitar pedal makers have realized this and are building "blend" compressors and ripping off idiot pedal fanbois.

Can't wait until the Strymon blendocomp comes out to reviews that say "It doesn't even sound compressed. It's totally dynamic and open." And then every thread where someone needs a little squish will be "The Strymon is really the only comp that you should even consider."


I was alive and playing in the days before digital noise gates, Strats trying to play metal with signal coils, and 80's Squash madness. Piss off all you dumb@$$ bedroom pedal freaks. Get a clue. Get life. Leave compression to studio engineers and live sound guys.

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[Gtrjunior]

Re: Compressors

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Beat me to it. Lol

 

[TimmyPage]

Re: Compressors

If a non-compressed signal is passed through - it isn't compressed. In fact, it isn't anything. It would be like a ducking-delay with a non-ducked signal blended back in. It isn't actually ducking anymore. You will hear the thing it is there to make not heard.

I'm just gonna spew now:

People who buy Compressors with blend knobs ARE knobs who don't know what a compressor, a sustainer, or a limiter is, how they work or why they exist. They just want one because it is a mysterious pedal the hip sound people talk about. They went out and got one for all the wrong reasons, couldn't work them properly and complained. Now, baffled guitar pedal makers have realized this and are building "blend" compressors and ripping off idiot pedal fanbois. Can't wait until the Strymon blendocomp comes out to reviews that say "It doesn't even sound compressed. It's totally dynamic and open." And then every thread where someone needs a little squish will be "The Strymon is really the only comp that you should even consider."

Real talk though, have you ever tried one of these parallel compressors that you are trying so hard to hate on? Because it doesn't sound transparent, it doesn't sound uncompressed, when you turn it on it makes a huge difference to your sound. More importantly, parallel compression (eg. a blend knob) IS a recognised recording technique. Mixing in a bit of dry and a bit of compressed has been used by sound engineers to fatten up mixes since the 60s.

Secondly I know plenty how to use an actual studio/rack compressor. I still prefer a comp with a blend knob 9-times-out-of-ten. I've tried plenty of both and my ears prefer the blend knob to dialed in attack-release-ratio controls, you get the squish and the sustain but also the brightness and some of the dynamics of your clean tone, you get the best of both worlds with, to my ears, no downsides. They sound much better and more useable in a live mix/band setting and actually make life a LOT easier on live sound guys, as they don't have to worry about your dynamic peaks suddenly shattering the audience's eardrums.

From ovnilabs (probably the best and most in-depth compressor reviews on the internet):

You'll see some compressors with a "blend" knob, or read about certain recording engineers using parallel compression, and perhaps you'll wonder "what's the point?" since mixing the compressed signal with the original uncompressed signal essentially undoes some of the effect of the compressor. Fair question!

The idea is that sometimes you may want the thickening or increased sustain that can be gotten with compression, but you may not like the way it flattens your dynamic peaks. Sometimes those peaks are what gives your sound its "feel", its sense of depth, power, or vitality. So blending can be a good compromise. This can be done subtly, or as a huge and interesting effect, depending on your compressor settings...

I was alive and playing in the days before digital noise gates, Strats trying to play metal with signal coils, and 80's Squash madness. Piss off all you dumb@$$ bedroom pedal freaks. Get a clue. Get life. Leave compression to studio engineers and live sound guys.

I don't really understand why you're having an adolescent temper tantrum about it then. I am a professional musician, not just a 'bedroom pedal freak', as are many other people who use parallel compressors. Off the top of my head I can't think of a single modern gigging player I listen to who doesn't use a compressor with a blend knob. Maybe you should grab one and try it before talking so much.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Compressors

Timmy, might want to lay of the Monster Energy drinks. You seem to think I was talking to you personally....

 

[Mincer]

Re: Compressors

Actually, parallel compression has been used in the studio for years. You want the attack of the dry signal, but the sustain of the compressor...bingo. I think that is why it works so well on bass as well as guitar. You wouldn't use something like parallel compression on country pickin' or 80s metal solos. But for other things, it is wonderful to have the option.

 

[TimmyPage]

Re: Compressors

Timmy, might want to lay of the Monster Energy drinks. You seem to think I was talking to you personally....

Nah, you just seem to have a really strong opinion on something you clearly have no experience with/don't care to broaden your horizon with. I was just saying that I'm not buying into hype or just a bedroom player, I follow my ears.

 

[B2D]

Re: Compressors

I've recently been really taken with the Xotic SP Compressor.

https://xotic.us/effects/sp-compressor

Small footprint, simple controls, internal switches for a LOT more sound options than is apparent, blend controls, and a few other cool things.

I've been trying to use a compressor with my rig for years. I could never get them to feel, sound, or behave like a good studio compressor UNTIL I tried out this one. It's very natural feeling/sounding and it adds a lot of punch and evens things out, especially on cleans.

They can be had for pretty reasonable prices, too, around $110 or so. Check 'em out!

 

[Blille]

Re: Compressors

I've recently been really taken with the Xotic SP Compressor.

https://xotic.us/effects/sp-compressor

Small footprint, simple controls, internal switches for a LOT more sound options than is apparent, blend controls, and a few other cool things.

I've been trying to use a compressor with my rig for years. I could never get them to feel, sound, or behave like a good studio compressor UNTIL I tried out this one. It's very natural feeling/sounding and it adds a lot of punch and evens things out, especially on cleans.

They can be had for pretty reasonable prices, too, around $110 or so. Check 'em out!

I recently sold mine (one can only have so many compressors) but I agree it's great. I was impressed with the range from low-to high comp and the extra control of the internal switches. Really flexible. Plus... Blend control.


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[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: Compressors

My point exactly. You don't really want a compressor. You want a sustainer. That's a thing - it has existed.

On the Boss unit, for example, just set the attack for maximum time to onset, and then boost sustain to wherever makes you happy.

Of course, you need a comp with an attack and a sustain knob to do that...

How does the Sustain knob make the note ring longer. On CS-3 it makes the compression longer, not the note. You can actually feel there is a valley for a few seconds before the signal recovers.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Compressors

I've recently been really taken with the Xotic SP Compressor.

https://xotic.us/effects/sp-compressor

Small footprint, simple controls, internal switches for a LOT more sound options than is apparent, blend controls, and a few other cool things.

I've been trying to use a compressor with my rig for years. I could never get them to feel, sound, or behave like a good studio compressor UNTIL I tried out this one. It's very natural feeling/sounding and it adds a lot of punch and evens things out, especially on cleans.

They can be had for pretty reasonable prices, too, around $110 or so. Check 'em out!

I recently sold mine (one can only have so many compressors) but I agree it's great. I was impressed with the range from low-to high comp and the extra control of the internal switches. Really flexible. Plus... Blend control.


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I've been interested in this compressor.
I'm not sure I lobe the idea of the internal controls. It makes it so it becomes a "set it and forget it" pedal. While I'm sure it offers variety, it seems counterintuitive to have to open it up to access that variety. You certainly couldn't do that in a live setting.
Do you guys feel that isn't necessary and once you set it up for your needs you're good to go with it?
What are then internal settings?

 

[Diego]

Re: Compressors

I would definitely NOT recommend the MXR DynaComp for "a number of situations" as you mention.
The DynaComp is a very, uh, intense compressor with a really slow release (I think that's it at least) and it's very unsubtle about it's job.
I think there's a mini DynaComp now with an attack knob/switch that makes it a bit more flexible. The original one isn't exactly flexible.

I've heard good things about the Marshall Edward ED-1, and used it's real cheap. You might wanna give that a go.

 

[Blille]

Compressors

I've been interested in this compressor.
I'm not sure I lobe the idea of the internal controls. It makes it so it becomes a "set it and forget it" pedal. While I'm sure it offers variety, it seems counterintuitive to have to open it up to access that variety. You certainly couldn't do that in a live setting.
Do you guys feel that isn't necessary and once you set it up for your needs you're good to go with it?
What are then internal settings?

That's a fair point. I use comp always on and I either need something subtle or (rarely) squish but my preferences in terms of the internal settings work for me. I could see if you used a LP and tele in the same set maybe you would like to tweak it but that's not the case for me. Alchemy audio mods it to have the switches outside but it kind of defeats the point of the small footprint.

It has:
- attack / release
- hi cut filter
- input pad / lo cut

https://xotic.us/media/wysiwyg/Effects/SP_Compressor/manuals/SP_Compressor_manual.pdf


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[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: Compressors

If a non-compressed signal is passed through - it isn't compressed. In fact, it isn't anything. It would be like a ducking-delay with a non-ducked signal blended back in. It isn't actually ducking anymore. You will hear the thing it is there to make not heard.

I'm just gonna spew now:

People who buy Compressors with blend knobs ARE knobs who don't know what a compressor, a sustainer, or a limiter is, how they work or why they exist. They just want one because it is a mysterious pedal the hip sound people talk about. They went out and got one for all the wrong reasons, couldn't work them properly and complained. Now, baffled guitar pedal makers have realized this and are building "blend" compressors and ripping off idiot pedal fanbois. Can't wait until the Strymon blendocomp comes out to reviews that say "It doesn't even sound compressed. It's totally dynamic and open." And then every thread where someone needs a little squish will be "The Strymon is really the only comp that you should even consider."


I was alive and playing in the days before digital noise gates, Strats trying to play metal with signal coils, and 80's Squash madness. Piss off all you dumb@$$ bedroom pedal freaks. Get a clue. Get life. Leave compression to studio engineers and live sound guys.

I think it's a piece of bullcrap too Ace. For decades engineers have relied on dbx 160 compressors and the standard controls have always been 'Attack', 'Release', 'Ratio', Threshold'. Even in the Alesis 3630.

You are right, some dumb@ss pedal freaks are already drooling over fancy Blendocomp compressors with Blend knob. If they want to blend, they look at Cuisinart not Strymon. And I can't believe none of these blendocomp come with 'Ratio'.