[Beatbx]

Originally Posted by Guitarist4u36

I have fought with compressors for YEARS! Some may or may not agree with me, but I find that compressors (along with various other effects but compressors tend to be the hardest to me) are an effect that has to really grow on you because each one (even if they're the same brand and model) has a slightly different voice which is in turn affected by the style and the way you play. Over time you slowly dial it in /adapt to it and it becomes a part of "your" sound. I have used a Boss ME-10 multi-effects pedal for 16 years (to the point that it's basically worn out) because of this very reason. I believe the compressor in the ME-10 is simply based upon the boss CS-3 but it doesn't even sound like other CS-3s that I've tried. I've tried Barbers, Keeleys, Maxons, Dynacomp vintage scrips, analogman...you name it, and as great as they are, there's still something lacking in my ears. I won't say that any of them sound BAD....just different. Some sounded very good in their own way. But when I tried them live and started playing like I play, I felt like I was "walking with a slight limp" for lack of a better way to put it. Either they squish to much or not enough, attack too slowly, attack too quickly, suck tone,too transparent, not enough sustain, ect. Again, probably affected to a degree on how I have adapted to playing. And also, if I think back about it, when I first got my me-10 I fought with it as well until I got used to it.
That being said, the one compressor that I've tried that I like the best is the Electro-Harmonix Black finger. It's an optoisolator tube vacuum that runs on either lamp or led. It has both normal and squash modes as well. I feel like it's a very warm sounding, balanced compressor...one of those hidden jewels that you don't hear alot about. Anyway that's my input and also finishes up my compressor venting on the soapbox. It's someone elses turn. haha
Dino*

I've had similar experiences with comps in general. I've got the EH, a BYOC, a couple Ibanez comps, and then for recording an RNC, DBX 160, and an Alesis Nanocompressor. For guitar the Ibanez 10 series (in bright salmon!) turned out to be the best sounding to me, but still doesn't make the board. I'm glad to have become familiar with them and have learned how to use them in appropriate circumstances, but for guitar it's a kind of 'meh' effect. My amp is a compressor.