NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

[SongsForTheDeaf]

for 40 bucks I had to pick this up. Any ideas where in my effects chain I should put it ?

I was hoping it could level out my spikey cleans.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Usually a comp goes first, or near the front. Experiment.

I have mine between the wah and the OD.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

There is no end of advice on the Internet on this subject.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Just thought I'd check in with the lovely people here

thanks RD ... I will put it first and see how that goes. I wonder if it would be radically different after my fuzzes and distortions I will experiment.

I have a feeling its goanna be very helpful for me as after watching several videos on compressors it seems it balances out the levels of each string right ? Good thing for me as my low notes stand out WAY more than my high strings

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Have you tried readjusting your pickup height?

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Just tried it out at a decent volume it sounds like it cuts my volume even with the output maxed but I have attack and sensitivity set to about 9 o clock. I really like the effect it gives. It makes my cleans and distorted tones have a more balanced feel and warmer with more mids. Is it normal for a compressor to add mids or something ?

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Have you tried readjusting your pickup height?

Yes I have on both my guitars. I'm cursed with spikey highs and super bassy lows

 

[CountFeedback]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

I put it after the Dirt.
if I had a tubescreamer I might put it before that, but after my other dirt boxes :eyecrazy:

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

I put it after the Dirt.
if I had a tubescreamer I might put it before that, but after my other dirt boxes :eyecrazy:

Why after rather than before ? I did some research and seems that the most common place it is put is before dirt

 

[CountFeedback]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Why after rather than before ? I did some research and seems that the most common place it is put is before dirt

It's a different sound. I find it a more dramatic effect, that and I like to have as little between the guitar and the distortion box as possible.
There is a way that compressor before a tube screamer type box makes a very natural sounding infinite sustain without sounding over saturated that is nice, BUT most of the time I'm looking for more overtly compressor sounds, like zingy cleans, or a distortion versus dynamic brick wall effect.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

It's a different sound. I find it a more dramatic effect, that and I like to have as little between the guitar and the distortion box as possible.
There is a way that compressor before a tube screamer type box makes a very natural sounding infinite sustain without sounding over saturated that is nice, BUT most of the time I'm looking for more overtly compressor sounds, like zingy cleans, or a distortion versus dynamic brick wall effect.

Ahh ok I'm goanna try it after distortion today just for fun but so far I like it first. Question is should it be before or after my whammy V :scratchch

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Just tried it out at a decent volume it sounds like it cuts my volume even with the output maxed but I have attack and sensitivity set to about 9 o clock. I really like the effect it gives. It makes my cleans and distorted tones have a more balanced feel and warmer with more mids. Is it normal for a compressor to add mids or something ?

It's probably squashing the lows, which make the mids sound more prominent.

Compressors reduce the volume of your peaks, so you use the output gain control to bring the overall level back up. Depending on how peaky your pickups are, and how hard you hit the strings, you may have to crank the output gain to get it where you want. There's nothing wrong with that.

If you put it after your distortion/fuzz pedals it will act more as a limiter/levelling amp, and might be too dramatic. That's a totally valid way of using a comp, but most guitarists use them at the front of their chain for more of a "don't notice it's on until it's off" effect.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Yeah I have the output cranked and the sensitivity and attack at 9:00... seems to work wonders where it is so I'm not goanna move my board around and put it after the dirt.

It's amazing what this little MXR is doing for me, it has solved 2 problems I had already and I have only had it a day. I might look into the EHX blackfingers just because it is tube and runs at high voltage. This MXR is great for 40 bucks!! heck I would pay the full 100 for it new too

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Yeah I have the output cranked and the sensitivity and attack at 9:00... seems to work wonders where it is so I'm not goanna move my board around and put it after the dirt.

It's amazing what this little MXR is doing for me, it has solved 2 problems I had already and I have only had it a day. I might look into the EHX blackfingers just because it is tube and runs at high voltage. This MXR is great for 40 bucks!! heck I would pay the full 100 for it new too

Don't get something just because it's tube. Don't be one of those people.

If you decide to upgrade, look into the Xotic SP Compressor - one of the best sounding comps out right now, and a tiny enclosure to boot. The Wampler Ego Compressor is also fantastic. I wouldn't bother replacing the Super Comp unless you change your mind about it though - it's a perfectly good pedal.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

Yeah I know what you mean about those people... I have only really played tube distortion pedals and they always seem to have more oomph to them, I actually use a vox tube distortion pedal. I just figured a tube compressor would be the same.

I have heard alot of good about the SP comp... But I'm just goanna stick with the Super comp. Thanks for all the info ratherdashing!

 

[Aceman]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

I use mine as the first item in the chain to fix my tragic picking technique.

 

[SongsForTheDeaf]

Re: NPD MXR Super Comp... my first compressor

my compressor in action!