Do You Use Compression?

schecterplayer

schecterplayer

New member
I never liked it myself, but I keep reading about great players who use it and all the big pedal companies make one. Do you have one in your rig, and how do you use it? I've tried some really expensive ones and never liked the sound I got, but I might just not be using them correctly.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I use it, but just at the point where you can barely notice it when playing clean. Helps round out the sound, if that helps in any way.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I only notice mine when I turn it off. That said, I intend to alter my approach by using it much less and specifically not using it with distortion or overdrive. Too much compression is a very bad thing.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Jay 77 said:
I use it, but just at the point where you can barely notice it when playing clean. Helps round out the sound, if that helps in any way.
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As I become a better listener, I believe that they way you describe is pretty much the winning recipe for using any effect... moderation, subtelty.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Hmm, I'll go give it another shot. I tried the pigtronix philosophers tone the other day and maybe I just dialed in too much.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I don't have one at the moment. Used to use one back in the day (84-87) a lot.

Said best by i forget who...

set it until you can just hear it, then back off a touch. No one will know it, but you will sound awesome.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

No, I don't use compression just for the sake of compression. I do use an ISP Decimator G String noise reducer, though. Great pedal.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

schecterplayer said:
Hmm, I'll go give it another shot. I tried the pigtronix philosophers tone the other day and maybe I just dialed in too much.
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My impression of Pigtronix pedals based upon the three I've owned is that they are designed to lack subtlety.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Ick. Never. Subtle or not. I like the way it makes things easier to play, but hate what does tonally when I'm using it so I don't. Last time I owned a compressor was probably 1988.

And that goes for anything that adds compression to the tone- certain preamp tubes, pickups, goose pedals,whatever.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Lazarus1140 said:
My impression of Pigtronix pedals based upon the three I've owned is that they are designed to lack subtlety.
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I agree. But the Philosopher's Tone is a great tool to have in your arsenal for some truly unique tonal options! I love mine.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I use compression for a variety of settings. Some are quite subtle; others not.

We played a song this past weekend that requires it to NOT be subtle...A hard compression with a clean tone. It WORKS in that song.

My tendency is to play fluid, sustained single note leads. Compression often helps achieve that tone.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Not a fan either. Could never find a setting I liked. Recently sold my unused marshall compressor (nice unit though) that sat in it's box for 10 years. Early on all I ever ended up with was a few 80's type effects on clean channels...not my thing. It sounded fake and sterile to me.

Never could find a reason to use it with higher gain either. Overdrive channels and pedals seem to have enough sustain for me.

And I found I played worse because I was constantly searching for my usual missed notes and unintended slurs, which add...mmmm...character, only to be corrected by the compressor's dynamic restrictions...making me sound like the better player compressors are supposed to make out of us...lol. But I've improved a bit since back then.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I just picked up my first compressor and we are not bonding.

Maybe it's my inability to dial it in... it's 2 knobs! Can't be that hard!

For me my tone and playing just sounds... off... it takes something away.

I love hearing players that use compression well, but I can't get it to work for me.

I will give this pedal a shot through the weekend but it is most likely heading to the trading post.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I have a Diamond Compressor and love it - and I was one of those guys who hated compressors for the most part.

I tried to get on with them over the years - Dyna Comps and the like - but the hard squish always killed all of the good stuff I wanted to keep from my picking dynamics. Since the Diamond is opto-based, it pretty much leaves your picking dynamics alone and simply levels the signal.

I originally bought it for leveling the individual string volumes when I was fingerpicking clean stuff and it works great for that - but I've found that it's also a kickass clean boost and the Tilt EQ knob can add some shimmer to darker pickups or amps. I use it way more than I expected I would. I wouldn't ever just leave it on all the time like some do (I don't get that mindset, personally) - but yeah I get good use out of mine.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

Didn't use it much until I got an AxeFx. It has enough tweakability that I can dial it in to be subtle yet effective.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

On electric? Hell, yes, I LOVE hearing them huff and breathe. On acoustic? No.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

My main problem with them is that it seems like they take away from my playing dynamics, although it could be that I just need to try a clearer, more subtle one. I play mostly clean and like to keep that really percussive attack, but more sustain would be cool.
 
Re: Do You Use Compression?

I play in a 3-piece, so I use it to just even things out a little. I have the SD Doubleback, so I can mix the compressed tone with the uncompressed for a nice balance.
 
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