compressor

[Meltinpix]

what does a compressor do other than level the output signals?
Thanks,
Meltinpix

[Baard]

Originally Posted by Meltinpix

what does a compressor do other than level the output signals?
Thanks,
Meltinpix

You can raise the overall singnal strenght, because the signal is smoother, and will not overdrive the following stage in the chain, even with a increased over all signal strenght.

you can add the relative attack, because you can choose to let the first ms of the signal remain unprocessed.

You can squash your signal to a pulp, or you can touch it up, and add volume to it. It´s all in the settings.

if I could have only one effect, that would be compression. I play mostly clean, and leave it on all the time.



Baard

[Nick Fanis]

I always use a compressor first inline NEVER turn it off.
With the RIGHT setting a comp. will do wonders for your sound.Just don't over do it!
I normally have the level at 1 o clock,the sustain at 11 o'clock and the attack all the way up.

[Meltinpix]

I just bought an Arion from MF.

[CIM]

With a high compression ratio, note sustain can be increased considerably. However over-heavy compression can create a squeezed or pumping effect.

Compressors have attack and release times (sometimes fixed in pedals, sometimes adjustable) - the attack speed dictates how quickly the compression kicks in i.e. how much of the pick attack gets through - and this has a significant effect on the guitar's dynamic character.

Some compressors also may have a threshold setting – this is the level above which the compression effect 'kicks in'. The behaviour of the compressor around this threshold (e.g. hard knee or soft knee) also has an effect on the resultant dynamics.

Compressors will tend to boost any noise in your system - they are often (not always) set as the first device in the chain after the instrument.

[Meltinpix]

I just read some reviews saying that the compressor I just bought sucks. Any suggestions on a decent one?
Thanks
Meltinpix

[Baard]

Originally Posted by Meltinpix

I just read some reviews saying that the compressor I just bought sucks. Any suggestions on a decent one?
Thanks
Meltinpix

Maybe it only sucks if you overdo it. Try with as little compression as possible,1/3 to halfway up...a bit more attack, so you only hear it if you whack it with a full G chord. You´re not meant to hear it too much......adjust the volume (of possible) be slightly stronger than the clean one. If you do that it might be ok.

I used a Marshall ed compressor that was fine with me, but now I use rack stuff, and the Behringer autocom 1400 or something is good for my use....but not much better than the Marshall tho. I just use it to have everything neatly in the rack.


Baard

[Meltinpix]

I read some good reveiws about the rt66. what do you think about them? Thanks

[az hart]

The Route 66 is a GREAT compressor. To me, it's one of the very best. I haven't tried them all--there are so many these days that I think that would be almost impossible--but I have tried some of the most highly regarded, and the Route 66 is my choice over all those I've tried, even the Maxon CP101 and the Carl Martin.

[Meltinpix]

Thanks

[Dillon]

Some folks swear Arion pedals are great bang for the buck. Give it a shot and see if you like the effect.

In the meantime, use the forum to read other comments and keep an eye on the Garage Sale to see if any other interesting pedals come up for sale.

I picked up a Boss CS-2 here inexpensively, liked what I heard, followed the discussions, and ended up with a Barber TonePress. It's now my favorite pedal (after the Boss TU-2 tuner, of course). I rarely turn it off.

[lenny]

if you have a few hours some time take a read thru the "stomp box" forum. there have been many discussions about what compressors everyone likes/uses and why.
one night i was really bored and i browsed all the posts back to march 2003 (yes REALLY bored) i learned a sh*tload that night about all sorts of effects.
common, relatively cheap compressors are the boss cs-2 (if you can find one used) boss cs-3 (i like mine, many don't like em as much as the cs-2) or the good old dyna comp. there are many other good ones, most more expensive..
good luck