Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

[Quencho092]

Just curious about the differences in the cranking properties of amps when plugging straight in vs. using an OD pedal (but at the same high volume w/ low gain, pretty much using it as a filter) or a compressor.

Would a good compressor make an amp 'sing' in a neater manner, or tighten it up during meltdown mode?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

A compressor will allow you to always get that perfect level hitting the amp, so it will always have the same sustain, bite, break-up, etc. On the other hand, it eliminates the ability to play with dynamics, like with an amp on the edge of distortion. A light pick attack is clean, all the way up to a powerfully struck chord which is distorted. So, it's a trade off. I could see using a compressor on leads with the output volume cranked, then turn it off for rhythm.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

you could also control that with your volume pot on the guitar. turn the amp up to 7, and roll the volume on the guitar down for chords. But, like many tube amps, a DRRI will go into 'meltdown mode' after 8 on the volume and just get very flabby sounding.

I figure that by reducing the amount of variation in each note, one could use a compressor to their advantage when it comes to setting an amp. Thanks alot PFDarkside!

And what pedal would you guys recommend? MXR Dynacomp?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

you could also control that with your volume pot on the guitar. turn the amp up to 7, and roll the volume on the guitar down for chords. But, like many tube amps, a DRRI will go into 'meltdown mode' after 8 on the volume and just get very flabby sounding.

I figure that by reducing the amount of variation in each note, one could use a compressor to their advantage when it comes to setting an amp. Thanks alot PFDarkside!

And what pedal would you guys recommend? MXR Dynacomp?

Dynacomps are pretty good, but the Keeley and Analogman compressors are killer. Pretty pricey though...

 

[italic zero]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

I've heard good things about the Carl Martin compressor as well (Steven Wilson uses one).

 

[Boston Joe]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

I really like the sound of a guitar plugged straight into an amp-- clean or overdriven; very organic. Unfortunately, for my needs, I need that extra kick from an overdrive pedal. What I strive for is an amp tone that isn't altered drastically when the pedal is engaged. In other words, the amp will sound the same, only with more balls from the pedal.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

sounds like you want a very transparent OD pedal. Many have used the Fulltone OCD with much success.

So a compressor would tighten up the attack and pours zero tone color into the mix?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

I really like the sound of a guitar plugged straight into an amp-- clean or overdriven; very organic. Unfortunately, for my needs, I need that extra kick from an overdrive pedal. What I strive for is an amp tone that isn't altered drastically when the pedal is engaged. In other words, the amp will sound the same, only with more balls from the pedal.

You need to be looking for a pedal that doesn't overly color your tone, instead of looking for an amp that retains its character. Of course pedals that fit that description tend to cost more money . Check out the Hermida Audio pieces, I have the Zendrive and the Mosferatu and they are both very transparent and articulate, they are very amp-like.

 

[Boston Joe]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

You need to be looking for a pedal that doesn't overly color your tone, instead of looking for an amp that retains its character. Of course pedals that fit that description tend to cost more money . Check out the Hermida Audio pieces, I have the Zendrive and the Mosferatu and they are both very transparent and articulate, they are very amp-like.

I'm quite happy with the pedals I'm using-- been using them live and in the studio for years. I probaby wasn't clear; the pedals I use are transparent, add little color, but still have kick (some so-called "tube" sounds just don't have much push). I crank up my old tube amps to where they are fat, dynamic, punchy and clean-- almost hollow but three dimensional-- and then boost the signal with the pedals. The key is adjusting the sound to work within the dictates of a room's dynamics and as few peripheral devices as possible. And if the sound isn't there between the amp and guitar to start with, well, effects will merely reflect what signal is readily available (unless they are pedals designed to completely color your sound, of course). I've actually been able to achieve very rich, fluid tones without pedals just by proper placement of amps and mics in a room (a good engineer really helps); even then I'll incorporate pedals yet never compromising the tone that's already present. Years of gigging, recording and rebuilding guitars, you learn a few things along the way. Anyway, this works for me. Different styles demand different temperments.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

^ Very true, great post. I believe I just misunderstood what you said to begin with, I thought you were saying that you were on the search for a certain tone when instead you've already found it .

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Cranking amps dry Vs using compression or OD

I trust Compression like I trust Chorus.

If I ever have a question about something I use in my chain i ask myself one very simple question:

What would Muddy Waters do?

The answer to this has never failed to lead me to great tone.