Compressor or...?

[algs911]

Good day,

I've been reading about the merits of a compressor pedal; it interests me. I have some specific issues I'd like to solve and one concern though. I've read through the forum but have not seen answers to these questions (in part I have, but here it goes anyway):

1. I have about 8 pedals, two ODs and one fuzz. The volume for each seems to be pretty drastically different. Will a compressor pedal solve that? Ie., may I run these pedals at their own volume, but then the compressor will even them out? I think yes...

2. If I do get a compressor, I'm concerned about pumping up the volume for soloing. I imagine this isn't an issue since a compressor actually does that automatically. Correct? Thoughts?

Thanks!

Al

 

[lemmy loud]

Good day,

I've been reading about the merits of a compressor pedal; it interests me. I have some specific issues I'd like to solve and one concern though. I've read through the forum but have not seen answers to these questions (in part I have, but here it goes anyway):

1. I have about 8 pedals, two ODs and one fuzz. The volume for each seems to be pretty drastically different. Will a compressor pedal solve that? Ie., may I run these pedals at their own volume, but then the compressor will even them out? I think yes...

2. If I do get a compressor, I'm concerned about pumping up the volume for soloing. I imagine this isn't an issue since a compressor actually does that automatically. Correct? Thoughts?

Thanks!

Al

I dont know anything about pedals, so my Son has taken on the task of teaching me.
He got a Way Huge AquaPuss for me and it is a real nice piece of gear. Again, not knowing anything about it or what it does, I would just say its like prozac for sound. IT just sort of evens everything out, make it nice. A compressor with a small tube amp turned up is a really nice sound, a little better than the amp alone. I know that isnt much help though.
Rent one?
www.pedalgenie.com

 

[st.bede]

I will try an answer. In the studio comp can be used that way, to even out spikes in a performance. There are some disadvantages in doing that. So your theoretical understanding is in line with the basic nature of a comp.

When it comes to guitar, you will notice most people place their comp first in the pedal chain (and often turn it off when using their dirt pedals). In this setting, a comp is often used more as a clean sustain pedal. However there are people who run their comp as an always on pedal. A blend knob is very handy in that case.

I have not really seen a guitarist using a comp after od/dirt/fuzz. Typically those pedals have a level control allowing for the volume to be set.

There is never a good reason not to experiment with pedal placement... let me write a clear sentience: it is always good to experiment with pedals.

There are only two factors in timbre/tone issues.

One: do you like it.

Two: will it work (cut through, stand out) in a live setting.

There is a third issue. Norms and/or expectations. In other words, if you take your strat and 100 Marshall to a chamber orchestra gig people might kill you. With art (now days) typically vision/inner voice and risk pays off in the long run. (However, I am not digging Sco's new album). I would say: vision needs to be tempered with craft.

Of course, all I wrote is limited by my experiences and shaded by my subjectivity.

 

[rjshare]

The basic function of the compressor is to make all dynamics equal - or have less variation in them at least depending on how it is set. This means that long held notes won't fade away so much and loud spkes in volume will be evened out.

You need to use the volume/level knob on each pedal to adjust them to sound approximately the same volume - the compressor will not do this job for you.

 

[algs911]

Great info. Thank you. I went and tried out a comp pedal. Did NOT like it. Played with it for about an hour using an OD pedal similar to mine, then the comp at different placements. I'd rather have the dynamics w/out the comp. Plus, I've learned to quickly back off the volume control on the LP while playing.

Thank you for all the great info.

Al

 

[penguinchit]

Completely agree with the dynamics. When you play, your unique playing style comes out. A compressor gets rid of that. I have a Mooer Yellow Comp that is rarely on because I don't like how I don't sound like me.

 

[sonar]

Stacking OD/Fuzz/Dirt is an art form. So many combinations don't work, then switching amps can effect the chain...

The best advice I can give you is to keep your amp relatively clean (more headroom is better) and match low gain OD pedals with fuzz.

A compressor isn't a quick fix in this application, especially with humbuckers.

 

[MUSTANGCAT]

The basic function of the compressor is to make all dynamics equal - or have less variation in them at least depending on how it is set. This means that long held notes won't fade away so much and loud spkes in volume will be evened out.

You need to use the volume/level knob on each pedal to adjust them to sound approximately the same volume - the compressor will not do this job for you.

Bingo!

 

[Syrus]

My compressor makes my strat sing for example. Smooths it out. There's a few places to position the Compressor and some people even use several across the board.

In front of dirt gives a balanced drive sound. Smooths out the dynamics (jumpy volume) and after dirt makes it more tidy, like when you run a dirt pedal in already driven amp.

I for one, wouldn't want to miss my compressors. I have the yellow Mooer (Diamond compressor clone Optical) and a few Dyna Comp / Ross style compressors (MXR / Visual Sound chip based). Optical is super smooth and is great for dynamic playing.

Try one out. They can also be used as boost, lifting every string to a higher volume.

 

[5F6-A]

The Mooer Yellow Comp is affordable, subtle if needed, great to shape eq and no noise. Look for one used for next to nothing. You'll probably like it.

 

[dbruno]

Completely agree with the dynamics. When you play, your unique playing style comes out. A compressor gets rid of that. I have a Mooer Yellow Comp that is rarely on because I don't like how I don't sound like me.

This is because your using the wrong compressor or your settings are wrong. So many pedal compressors can be tone suckers for alot of us. I've been back and forth with many of them always unsatisfied and selling in the end. Check out Origin Effects Cali76. Their are several models to research. The prices are not for the budget guy, but it is truly a compressor of a different level. The Cali76TX is my favorite.

 

[moreles]

Mark Knopfler used a compressor on "Sultans of Swing" for one of the most influential guitar tones ever. Compressors are mostly misunderstood as "sustainers," which is only one possible application and in my opinion, hardly the best way to get serious sustain. If you think of a compressor as a limiter, not just a boost or sustainer, you begin to see how a good one can help tame excessive attack, or excessive decay. Where you use it in your signal chain, and how it interacts with other pedals makes a huge difference. It can turn everything into generic crap, or create some really wonderful interactions. To everyone whose experience is only that compressors turn everything into mush, I simply suggest that you listen to those tele guys from Bakersfield, of McGuinn on "Mr Tambourine Man" -- those guys use compression really well. I think it's really worth it to get familiar with subtle to moderate compression, but it can indeed be a pain in the butt to get stuff dialed in so it's easy to see why many players just don't want to go there.

 

[penguinchit]

This is because your using the wrong compressor or your settings are wrong. So many pedal compressors can be tone suckers for alot of us. I've been back and forth with many of them always unsatisfied and selling in the end. Check out Origin Effects Cali76. Their are several models to research. The prices are not for the budget guy, but it is truly a compressor of a different level. The Cali76TX is my favorite.

That's exactly what I've thought. I feel like I need to spend a ton of time learning about it or having someone who knows set it up while I play a variety of stuff.

 

[GitFiddle]

Aside from the tuner pedal, my Dyna-comp is probably the most important pedal on the board for gigging. Always first in the chain.

 

[Telechamp]

I don't use a compressor all the time, but to me, it is an essential pedal on my board.

Certain songs and styles definitely need compression. I have been using a Dyna-Comp and love it, but recently got a JangleBox compressor for my Rickenbacker, and this JB takes compression to a whole new level with the Ric. Instant Byrds, Petty..

 

[hbucker]

Sounds like the o.p. (with all due respect) might be looking for a compressor to do what a combination of pick attack and pedal level adjustments could resolve.

Some drive pedals have more natural compression than others. This can result in a confusing mix of volume differences if you are expecting to go from one to the other with no adjustment of picking/strumming dynamic.

No harm in trying a compressor. I would still suggest putting it before the pedals, not after, but do whatever floats your boat. Doing this would level out the volume you're giving to the pedals and perhaps make it easier for you to level out the volumes.

Practice and familiarity with the dynamics of the individual pedals would be the best way to resolve this though. If I'm right (and I'm probably not) then the compressor is a bandaid for a problem that could be resolved through practice and more familiarity with your gear.

good luck