School Me on Compressors

[misterwhizzy]

My daughter asked me if we could build another pedal, so I started thinking about what I could add to the stable. I think a good compressor would for the bill. Either that or a chorus, and I already have two of those. I guess there are Ross/DynaComp types and optical compressors? Which do you like and why? What else do I need to know?

Really I'm just looking for something to make up for my lack of consistent single-string pick strength with clean tones.

 

[Demanic]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I use the Keeley 2&4 knob. It's an effect that doesn't sound like an effect.

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[Mincer]

Re: School Me on Compressors

As kits go, I love the BYOC 5-Knob Compressor, which is a little more subtle than a Dyna Comp and would solve your balance problems. As a kit, it is a little harder to build than, say, a TS clone. But it sounds amazing.

 

[dystrust]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I have a MIJ Boss CS-3 on my board that I use for clean tones when I want to even out dynamics and typically have effects mix more smoothly. It's in the same league as a Dynacomp, but smoother and less noisy than the "new" CS-3.

 

[Aceman]

Re: School Me on Compressors

While people love the Ross/Dyna Comp school of compression, they are the of the "Quash" as an effect school. You use them because they have a toine/sound about them that lets people hear the squish, pop, cluck, gate, whatever you want to call it. Is it cool? Depends on what you want.

I would generally recommend something with AT LEAST Level, Attack and Sustain. That will give you what you want, without what you don't want, and the right amount of it.

Full Disclosure: I have a Boss CS3 that is Monte Allums modded. It is bad@$$. I mostly use it for acoustic only. And I LOVE the tone control on that!

But any comp will do what you want - just a question of how transparent. Best advice here ever on this: "Set it until you can tell it is on. Then back it off just a touch."


(Unless I'm doing a Police cover - then crank it up!)

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I like super squashy comps as long as they have a blend control. I am envious of your pedal building skills!

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I have the Rothwell Love Squeeze. Super transparent and simple to operate.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: School Me on Compressors

It's an effect that doesn't sound like an effect.

+1 to this!

I really like the MXR Comps (Dyna, Custom, etc.) because of feel/response.

 

[Liam1963]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I go between the MXR Dyna-Comp and the Wampler EGO, like them both, Dyna-Comp I seem to use more in the studio, while I use the Wampler for live stuff...

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: School Me on Compressors

Also....I've been using PM Tubes in my preamp section and LOVE them. I haven't tried their EL34's but here's the link.


https://www.tubeboutique.com/powertubes/

 

[zionstrat]

Re: School Me on Compressors

Mxr dynacomp is a miracle of understatement for live. Always seems to work with minimal effort.



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[PFDarkside]

Re: School Me on Compressors

Since I got a mini Ego, I see why the blend is loved by so many. It allows you to keep the attack but get the sustain of the squishy compression. That with an EP Boost into a Fender is the best clean tone I've ever had.

 

[Mincer]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I think the secret to a compressor that doesn't sound like an 'effect' is a blend knob. The BYOC 5 knob has this, as well as the Studio Bass. If you are going to build one, though, go for one with a blend knob.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: School Me on Compressors

 

[Joey Voltage]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I think it really depends on what your using it for, and whether or not you want coloration or to hear it pumping "breathing". If you are looking for a simple guitar project, opto may be easier, but it also can be a little more obvious. For a cleaner comp, many prefer VCA. Both are good. If you want a mix control, it's very simple to add one to any comp you want, so don't let that be a deterrent.

 

[Blille]

Re: School Me on Compressors

Go to ovnilab.com and learn. Once you know the "kind" you like (optical, vca etc) come back here and we may be able to narrow it down depending on what you need and play.


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[Chickenwings]

Re: School Me on Compressors

I use a simple ross clone when im doing the squish mostly, but I've never heard a better comp than the wampler.