Do you use compressor pedal ?

Adrian81 · 05-21-2012, 10:13 PM

Hi guys,

Since I bought a Fender amp, I like to play clean with my Stratocaster... and since then to improve the sound... I always use compressor pedal in front of my amp whenever I play clean or overdriven.

Currently I have MXR Dynacomp and Boss CS-3 in my arsenal...

How about you... do you use compressor pedal ?

Joeydego · 05-21-2012, 10:15 PM

I'm a bit of a compressor snob. I've went thru many comps. The TC electric G System comp seems to work better for me than any pedal comp I've ever had. I use the comp in it often throughout the night.

tazzboy · 05-21-2012, 10:24 PM

Nope I don't

st.bede · 05-21-2012, 10:25 PM

Yes, an old mxr or an analogman juicer.

Olds442 · 05-21-2012, 10:41 PM

i do.

i use a VS comp 66.

it's not the best comp out there by any means but it works well enough for me.

Skintaster · 05-22-2012, 08:13 AM

I don't play cleam a lot, but I have a Pigtronix comp I like a lot. Other than that, I get a lot of compression from the overdrive in my amp, and don't usually add any more.

gibsonguitar1988 · 05-22-2012, 08:15 AM

The Keeley 4 knob is my comp of choice. LOVE it.

PraXis · 05-22-2012, 08:18 AM

I have an MXR super comp, but could never dial it in correctly. I don't think I *need* one now, but if I do I'll try the Keeley or Barber.

HRC · 05-22-2012, 08:19 AM

I've had several throughout the years but never really used them and wound up selling or trading them. I have a Boss CS3 that collecting dust now. Maybe I'll give it a shot at rehearsal today.

Lurko · 05-22-2012, 08:20 AM

What do they actually do to the tone? I've never really messed with one.

PraXis · 05-22-2012, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurko

What do they actually do to the tone? I've never really messed with one.

Good basic description here: Signal compression - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LPG · 05-22-2012, 08:28 AM

Use this when ever I play my strat clean / sometimes overdriven.

Do NOT like it when playing anything with humbuckers, clean or otherwise.

Edit: WHOA big picture....sorry.

b3john · 05-22-2012, 08:31 AM

Yes, currently running a TonePress with my Strats. The blend control adds back some of the original dynamics which levels the output without that "squish" most stomp box compressors are famous for.

In my experience, overdriven humbuckers get enough signal compression as it is and don't really need a compressor.

As always, YMMV.

Rich · 05-22-2012, 08:36 AM

I have a few different ones (Keeley, Analogman BiComp) but have never liked the results with my live setup, which is dialed in to always be at least a bit overdriven. I do mess around with them sometimes at home where I mostly play clean and they do sound good with single coils but usually I just go without.

bscenefilms · 05-22-2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurko

What do they actually do to the tone? I've never really messed with one.

One of the effects is increased sustain. But it comes at a cost. As the amplitude of the input signal drops, the compressor can add gain to the output in a proportional fashion. So what you end up getting (in this instance) is increased gain and it's attendant noise as the signal from the instrument fades.

coldsteal2 · 05-22-2012, 09:03 AM

I used to use them with my strat back in the 70's
for clean playing

Tone deaf · 05-22-2012, 09:23 AM

Yes, but only because I thought everyone else was using them.

nick1962 · 05-22-2012, 09:41 AM

MXR Super Comp - smooths out those rough edges!

SteveGangi · 05-22-2012, 10:21 AM

I've never used one, I just never got a chance to try one.

bscenefilms · 05-22-2012, 10:33 AM

I know a lot of folks swear by them but I am not a fan. The negative impact to dynamics is the deal killer for me on this.

bobarino · 05-22-2012, 10:37 AM

yes, always. couldn't live without it.

River side · 05-22-2012, 11:06 AM

Eh.

Pedals like that are like make up - if you have the right gear in the first place, there isn't any need to have to punch-up this or that.

But that isn't any fun, now is it?

Thundergod · 05-22-2012, 11:19 AM

No.

Byron999 · 05-22-2012, 11:34 AM

They are good for getting that 70s funk rhythms on Strats.

Blues4U · 05-22-2012, 11:39 AM

Barber Tone Press--I don't leave home without it--

Thermionik · 05-22-2012, 11:51 AM

When I feel the need for "that" sound:-

Messing about or playing out - Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer
Recording - Teletronix LA-2A Optical Compressor

But more often than not I don't use one - they start to sound clichéd.....

Having an interesting introduction to a Palmer PDI-03 right now,
means I can use my 120w Traynor as "compressor" without deafening da house.

Leendrix · 05-22-2012, 12:02 PM

I've never really liked them. I do like the new sustain they bring, but not the tone.

Dirk$Diggler · 05-22-2012, 12:11 PM

I've had these in my pedalboard:

Power Pedals - Little Orange
Boss - CS-1
Artec - Turbo Compressor
T-REX - Comp Nova

They were all crap, or at least didn't work with my LP:s or me. This is the one in my current set up:

...and it rocks!

Couldn't live without it! Clean or dirty doesn't matter. It makes your tone better without compromising the dynamics. The best part is that the factory version sounds better than the handwired version.

b3john · 05-22-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bscenefilms

I know a lot of folks swear by them but I am not a fan. The negative impact to dynamics is the deal killer for me on this.

For cleans, the point is to even out the dynamics.

For dirt, don't be afraid to put a compressor after your overdrive pedals.

bscenefilms · 05-22-2012, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b3john

For cleans, the point is to even out the dynamics.

For dirt, don't be afraid to put a compressor after your overdrive pedals.

Understood. Not an effect I like - clean or dirty... All a matter of personal preference

To your second point, for my dirty rig the only thing between my LP and my amp is a patch cable. Basically great tone and infinite sustain.

05-21-2012, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Adrian81 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nice beaches and coconut trees Posts: 736 Thanks: 73 Thanked 76 Times in 22 Posts	Do you use compressor pedal ? Hi guys, Since I bought a Fender amp, I like to play clean with my Stratocaster... and since then to improve the sound... I always use compressor pedal in front of my amp whenever I play clean or overdriven. Currently I have MXR Dynacomp and Boss CS-3 in my arsenal... How about you... do you use compressor pedal ? __________________ "May all sentient beings be healed and filled with happiness... " Guitars : - Gibson Les Paul Traditional (Gold Top) - Gibson Les Paul Classic Premium Plus (Honeyburst) - Fender Stratocaster American Standard (3 tone sunburst) - Telecaster Highway One (Butterscotch) - Yamaha Acoustic F350 Amps : - Marshall JCM 800 (2203) - Marshall Vintage Modern (2266c) - Vox AC30 C2 - Fender Deluxe Reverb - Marshall MG 30

05-21-2012, 10:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Joeydego V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NY NY Posts: 15,229 Thanks: 208 Thanked 734 Times in 173 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I'm a bit of a compressor snob. I've went thru many comps. The TC electric G System comp seems to work better for me than any pedal comp I've ever had. I use the comp in it often throughout the night. Leendrix, Rich and Adrian81 like this.

05-21-2012, 10:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
tazzboy Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,023 Thanks: 403 Thanked 237 Times in 92 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Nope I don't Adrian81 likes this. __________________

05-21-2012, 10:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
st.bede V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fresno Ca Posts: 7,195 Thanks: 245 Thanked 203 Times in 80 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Yes, an old mxr or an analogman juicer. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ "The economy is a system of interdependence." “Falsehood has an infinity of combinations, but truth has only one mode of being.” ― Jean-Jacques Rousseau I have slowly morphed into a space alien trying to communicate enigmatic messages to my home world. "to criticize without vision is to be complicitious with dominance" Carolyn Casey "There is no hierarchy of goodness" *Des*

05-21-2012, 10:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Olds442 Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: mostly in the past. Posts: 4,293 Thanks: 168 Thanked 73 Times in 22 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? i do. i use a VS comp 66. it's not the best comp out there by any means but it works well enough for me. Adrian81 likes this.

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05-22-2012, 08:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
Skintaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 17,622 Thanks: 1,180 Thanked 1,059 Times in 326 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I don't play cleam a lot, but I have a Pigtronix comp I like a lot. Other than that, I get a lot of compression from the overdrive in my amp, and don't usually add any more. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ 2010 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro (Gold top) 2008 Gibson Les Paul Studio (Alpine white) 1989 Ibanez RG 550 1978 Ibanez Iceman 1983 Kramer Pacer Imperial 1983 Kramer Baretta 1984 Kramer Baretta 1985 Kramer Baretta 1987 Kramer Baretta 2009 Charvel So-Cal Pro Mod 1986 Charvel Model 2

05-22-2012, 08:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
gibsonguitar1988 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 7,814 Thanks: 30 Thanked 87 Times in 24 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? The Keeley 4 knob is my comp of choice. LOVE it. deepblue, cwness and Adrian81 like this. __________________ *Resident Dirtbox Junkie and PAS Group Co-Founder* Guitars: Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Stratocasters, Fender Telecasters, Gibson SG, PRS Custom 24 and 22, Ernie Ball Music Man Benji, Carvin CT6M, Epiphone Dot, Epiphone Explorer, Epiphone G-1275 Amps: 1968 Fender Super Reverb, 1978 Fender Vibro Champ, 1955 Fender Deluxe, 1965 Fender Twin Reverb Reissue (modern amp), 65amps Ventura head Pedals: Too damn many to list. Pickups: Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Lindy Fralin, Wilde, Fender

05-22-2012, 08:18 AM	#8 (permalink)
PraXis V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Planet X Posts: 19,116 Thanks: 352 Thanked 311 Times in 122 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I have an MXR super comp, but could never dial it in correctly. I don't think I need one now, but if I do I'll try the Keeley or Barber. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ Hank Johnson (D-GA): "My fear is that the whole island will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize."

05-22-2012, 08:19 AM	#9 (permalink)
HRC Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,748 Thanks: 278 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I've had several throughout the years but never really used them and wound up selling or trading them. I have a Boss CS3 that collecting dust now. Maybe I'll give it a shot at rehearsal today. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ If You Can't Play 'em, Relic 'em Axaholics Bluesville Junction

05-22-2012, 08:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
Lurko Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 5,405 Thanks: 5 Thanked 188 Times in 59 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? What do they actually do to the tone? I've never really messed with one. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ Ich bin ein NERD.

05-22-2012, 08:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
LPG Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 2,614 Thanks: 242 Thanked 41 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Use this when ever I play my strat clean / sometimes overdriven. Do NOT like it when playing anything with humbuckers, clean or otherwise. Edit: WHOA big picture....sorry. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ I use: Fuelie Pickups Jonesy Blues MHD Pickups Rewind Pickups Sheptone Pickups

05-22-2012, 08:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
b3john Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: stage left Posts: 3,799 Thanks: 169 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Yes, currently running a TonePress with my Strats. The blend control adds back some of the original dynamics which levels the output without that "squish" most stomp box compressors are famous for. In my experience, overdriven humbuckers get enough signal compression as it is and don't really need a compressor. As always, YMMV. Blues4U and Adrian81 like this. __________________ A bunch of Strats, some Gibsons, a couple clonewheels, a few Fender amps, various stompboxes *Posted from MyLesPaul.com App for Firebird X*

05-22-2012, 08:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
Rich Non sequitur Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 16,698 Thanks: 675 Thanked 963 Times in 257 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I have a few different ones (Keeley, Analogman BiComp) but have never liked the results with my live setup, which is dialed in to always be at least a bit overdriven. I do mess around with them sometimes at home where I mostly play clean and they do sound good with single coils but usually I just go without. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ Vote for our own LesPauI+SG=Win - Taylor, The Kentuckian!

05-22-2012, 09:03 AM	#16 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA "Fly Over America" Posts: 35,113 Thanks: 695 Thanked 102 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I used to use them with my strat back in the 70's for clean playing Adrian81 likes this. __________________ Cold Steal soundclick...My YouTube ... Interview.. ...Sunset Strip Rock Alumni 76-83' I'm Insane (pre-ratt)...Scene of the Crime (Pre-Ratt)..Street Legal..Song of Mine..Loved You So I Lied

05-22-2012, 09:23 AM	#17 (permalink)
Tone deaf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 3,801 Thanks: 2 Thanked 27 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Yes, but only because I thought everyone else was using them. Rich, Hack, River side and 1 others like this. __________________ "I have always been baffled by the depravity of some and the stupidity of others." Tone Deaf "If opinions are like a**holes, you should be able to smell me from a mile away." Tone Deaf "There are two sides to every story. I am only interested in the one that makes me feel better." Tone Deaf

05-22-2012, 09:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
nick1962 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Leicester, England Posts: 3,620 Thanks: 110 Thanked 21 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? MXR Super Comp - smooths out those rough edges! Adrian81 likes this.

05-22-2012, 10:21 AM	#19 (permalink)
SteveGangi Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: California Posts: 17,451 Thanks: 1,193 Thanked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I've never used one, I just never got a chance to try one. Hack and Adrian81 like this. __________________ Luddite as of 28 Oct 2010. I can haz Luddite tone!

05-22-2012, 10:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
bscenefilms Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Moorpark, CA Posts: 7,222 Thanks: 468 Thanked 797 Times in 257 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I know a lot of folks swear by them but I am not a fan. The negative impact to dynamics is the deal killer for me on this. coldsteal2, Rich, River side and 1 others like this. __________________ I cried when I wrote this song. Sue me if I play too long.

05-22-2012, 10:37 AM	#21 (permalink)
bobarino Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,200 Thanks: 76 Thanked 19 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? yes, always. couldn't live without it. Adrian81 likes this.

05-22-2012, 11:06 AM	#22 (permalink)
River side Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 3,720 Thanks: 12 Thanked 26 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Eh. Pedals like that are like make up - if you have the right gear in the first place, there isn't any need to have to punch-up this or that. But that isn't any fun, now is it? bscenefilms and Adrian81 like this.

05-22-2012, 11:19 AM	#23 (permalink)
Thundergod Douchebag extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 9,570 Thanks: 587 Thanked 310 Times in 138 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? No. bscenefilms, River side and Adrian81 like this.

05-22-2012, 11:34 AM	#24 (permalink)
Byron999 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 4,956 Thanks: 508 Thanked 28 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? They are good for getting that 70s funk rhythms on Strats. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein “When monetary gain is involved, mans capacity for self-delusion is infinite.” Byron "The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” Fredrick Douglas

05-22-2012, 11:39 AM	#25 (permalink)
Blues4U Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Treasure Coast of Florida Posts: 12,393 Thanks: 825 Thanked 848 Times in 138 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? Barber Tone Press--I don't leave home without it-- b3john and Adrian81 like this. __________________ Be the man your dog thinks you are! Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, his wife will hate you!

05-22-2012, 11:51 AM	#26 (permalink)
Thermionik Pedantic Curmudgeon Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Eastern Seaboard of Prefidious Albion (from the age BEFORE fidious.....) Posts: 6,010 Thanks: 266 Thanked 236 Times in 49 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? When I feel the need for *"that"* sound:- Messing about or playing out - Boss CS-1 Compression Sustainer Recording - Teletronix LA-2A Optical Compressor But more often than not I don't use one - they start to sound clichéd..... Having an interesting introduction to a Palmer PDI-03 right now, means I can use my 120w Traynor as "compressor" without deafening da house. Adrian81 likes this. __________________ *'52 Les Paul Goldtop (all gold) unmodified* as old as me - but plays nicer..... *Traynor YGL3 Mk.3* loudificator. *Palmer PDI-03* quietificator Facebook, Youtube, Fandalism and SoundCloud "I used to be with it, but then they changed what it was. Now what I'm with isn't it, and what's it seems weird and scary to me, and it'll happen to you, too."

05-22-2012, 12:11 PM	#28 (permalink)
Dirk$Diggler Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Posts: 261 Thanks: 2 Thanked 58 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Do you use compressor pedal ? I've had these in my pedalboard: Power Pedals - Little Orange Boss - CS-1 Artec - Turbo Compressor T-REX - Comp Nova They were all crap, or at least didn't work with my LP:s or me. This is the one in my current set up: ...and it rocks! Couldn't live without it! Clean or dirty doesn't matter. It makes your tone better without compromising the dynamics. The best part is that the factory version sounds better than the handwired version. Adrian81 likes this. __________________

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