Solo Compression?
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beaubrummels
Well-known member
It can hide poor technique and poor dynamics, honestly.
ehdwuld
A Ficus
Thats how i do it
Inflames626
New member
Depends on what else is going on in the mix, but for me gentle, conservative compression dialed in right can help a solo or melody stand out over the mix in the same way a little compression on bass evens it out below. Hotter pickups seem to do this compression naturally as well.
If a solo has a lot dynamics, I would use little to no compression.
Compressor type/choice can be important, too. In plugins like Amplitube and Guitar Rig, I like using pedal based compressors for guitar as opposed to something complex or in a rack.
Drums and an overall mix seem better for more complex compressors with more precise controls and parameters.
If a solo has a lot dynamics, I would use little to no compression.
Compressor type/choice can be important, too. In plugins like Amplitube and Guitar Rig, I like using pedal based compressors for guitar as opposed to something complex or in a rack.
Drums and an overall mix seem better for more complex compressors with more precise controls and parameters.
Yeah, these are the kinds of players I am talking about. They use compression to get tapped notes the same volume as picked or strummed notes. Every time I hear a player like this, there is always some compression.
GuitarStv
Sock Market Trader
When you crank a tube amp, even if you're not getting much gain you usually get compression. If you're playing at lower volumes you can set a compressor up to mimic this, which helps make the amp feel more like it does at high volumes - otherwise many clean amps will sounds harsh and unnaturally peaky.
Inflames626
New member
With all this mentioned, a thread on when to use expanders would be nice. If people tend to not know how to use compressors well, then they don't know when to use expanders at all.
Inflames626
New member
What bugs me about this isn't so much the compression as the sizzle in the signal. I've always preferred a direct acoustic sound, ideally from a magnetic pickup, blended to taste with a close mic or room mic.
Definitely not a fan of acoustic amps and such, but compromises have to be made in a live situation I'm sure.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Not to be confused with the Omnipressor reverse-compressor mode.
Coma
Well-known member
Best description I read was that a good compressor pedal is like an overdrive for your clean tones. I often keep mine on when playing at home because it changes the sound and response of the amp. It's not necessarily something you want all the time, but it is the right tool for the right job, so to speak.
marcello252
Well-known member
A friend of mine uses nails only to pick the string, it has a very light approach, he uses the compressor intensively, without it he tends to sound a bit lifelss.
I am a string digger with the pick, a tortex 1.0, in my case the compressor is almost useless, so, it all depends on the the singular case
I am a string digger with the pick, a tortex 1.0, in my case the compressor is almost useless, so, it all depends on the the singular case
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
First of all, most comps can do a gain/level boost for popping the solo out
Next, they can add sustain. I'd say this is mostly useful for a Strat/Single coils, but could be others.
And as mentioned, hides poor technique (<= my favorite reason!)
So think about it - solo time and pop the Comp on:
1. Volume goes up a touch to pop out of the mix
2. Your less-than-definitive pull offs get boosted up to even volume with the rest
3. That epic bend hold as long as you need no matter how string aligns with a pole
All good!
Next, they can add sustain. I'd say this is mostly useful for a Strat/Single coils, but could be others.
And as mentioned, hides poor technique (<= my favorite reason!)
So think about it - solo time and pop the Comp on:
1. Volume goes up a touch to pop out of the mix
2. Your less-than-definitive pull offs get boosted up to even volume with the rest
3. That epic bend hold as long as you need no matter how string aligns with a pole
All good!
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marcello252
Well-known member
all true. Anyway for 1. I do prefer a lot a megaclassic Boss GE7 at the end of the chain with a 3 dB boost on 800 Hz and 1.6KHz only, it's more than enough
I use a compressor as a boost.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Yet another approach...
ErikH
Well-known member
I've use a compressor as a boost, a clean boost pedal, an overdrive with zero or little drive but level all the way up, and the ever reliable lead channel on the amp. I've not used an EQ like the GE-7 as a lead boost before but have thought about it for a while. I know a guy in the 90's that did that with his single channel Marshalls. Worked great for him.
As far as a solo act and compression, it has it's benefits. There doesn't need to be a lot either. Just enough to smooth things out yet retain dynamics. A little of the same on the vocal mic too.
Oh, and a compressor can work great to create a clean-ish tone from a dirty amp too.
As far as a solo act and compression, it has it's benefits. There doesn't need to be a lot either. Just enough to smooth things out yet retain dynamics. A little of the same on the vocal mic too.
Oh, and a compressor can work great to create a clean-ish tone from a dirty amp too.
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marcello252
Well-known member
it's the 1 kHz the secret, you boost that and without killing the others in the band you magically pop out
