Which Compressor do you prefer?

[Lucidology]

For those who use compression... I have two questions:

1. Which compressor is your favorite?

2. Do you put your compressor before or after your overdrive/distortion unit?

 

[Mick]

URei1176 or old TC Compressor Sustainer (don´t make them anymore!).

Before the distortion unit so I can push it a little

 

[fsmith]

Barber Tone Press... I have it in the signal chain right after the valvulator and then to the amp. No distortion pedal, just what I get from my current amp, Tech 21 TM60. Chorus and delay are in the effects loop. Works for me.

fred

 

[Thirdpole]

Barber Tone Press also, really superb with single coil !
I use it before my OD on my pedalboard !

 

[blackspy]

Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter. Goes before the 5150, not in the loop. Set for a very mild compression.

 

[spkirby]

Barber Tone Press again!

I've actually been using it in the effects loop as a clean solo boost while still adding a hint of sparkle! Works well...

SteveK

 

[chyde]

I prefer the Maxxon compressor. Had more of a natural blend in the effect & not so squashy.

 

[Norrin Radd]

The BBE opto stomp. Very very transparent.

 

[Jimi D]

I use a good ol' MIJ Boss CE-2 - it's first in line on my board and I use it as much for the buffer as anything...

On a side note - Fred, I use the TM60 too! In fact, I just bought a second one to give me better coverage and volume on these outdoor summer gigs... Great little amp; light, tough, and sounds fantastic...

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I dont use one, but I understand you are supposed to have them pre distortion.

 

[Lucidology]

Actually a lot of players use a compressor immediately after the distortion these days, as it helps to smooth out the edges and take the grainy quality out... it makes for a completey different tone....

Try it just out of curiousity... you'll totally notice the difference

It's not as uncommon as one might think... In fact, I've noticed a lot of pedal chains linking an overdrive -compressor-then distortion...

 

[hepkat]

I use a Visual Sound Route 66 currently, combination OD and compressor. I like this one a lot. I assume that the Comressor is in the chain before the OD only because the switch and controls are beside the "In" jack.

A fellow I play a lot with that has a bunch of different pedals and amps (he owns a small music store and studio) always puts his Carl Martin compressor After the OD/Distortion flavor of the week he's using. Says it smooths out the OD, like previous post said.

 

[peterd79]

thanks guys for this post!

i've been looking for a compressor and i've almost tied myself into one and later would have regretted it!
it's put out a few more options in my plate and now it's time to test drive again!

thanks

 

[Steve Nukather]

I run a Keeley right after my OD pedals. It is more of a vintage MXR/Ross sound, but lower noise...

 

[Lucidology]

I actually use different compressors for different guitars and/or different gigs.... I view each compressor as a different color of sound & attack ...

For my EMG's axes (as with a Luke..) I use a Maxon 101- extremely transparent but also works as somewhat of a nice tone thickener...

For my Godin Nylon String I use a HBE Compressor Retro... probably the cleanest sounding compressor I've ever experienced... seems not to add any EQ whatsoever... you don't notice it's there until you turn if off... and then you totally miss it...

For my hollow body jazz boxes (humbucker equipped)... like my Ibanez GB10... I like using the Boss CS-3 because it has a nice tone control and attack setting.. and indeed squishes the tone just enough to give it that Pat Metheny, George Benson, Jim Hall type of softness, only with presence in the mix ...

 

[slukather]

Actually a lot of players use a compressor immediately after the distortion these days, as it helps to smooth out the edges and take the grainy quality out... it makes for a completey different tone....

Try it just out of curiousity... you'll totally notice the difference

It's not as uncommon as one might think... In fact, I've noticed a lot of pedal chains linking an overdrive -compressor-then distortion...

Thats what l used to do, but I heard it's better to put them in front of the amp. But now l don't use any compression, l've got the philosophy of "less is more, and the less that can f&*k up while you are on stage".

But to get back on topic, it just comes down to what you think sounds better.

Scott.

 

[robelinda2]

Amen! Less is good!

 

[Lucidology]

I too choose not to use compressors for years... however, now I find compressors to be a necessary matter of truly professional concern...

An engineer in the studio will compress your guitar's sound if you don't... so I'd rather be the one in control of that... and that was a hard lesson to learn...

Sound men have "lunch boxes" or compressors to limit peaks & valleys... if you don't own one yourself, you're taking a big chance on what comes back to you as your working guitar sound through the monitors... that realization qualified as a landmark discovery...

Unfortunately, it goes way beyond the "less is more" philosophy...

 

[slukather]

I too choose not to use compressors for years... however, now I find compressors to be a necessary matter of truly professional concern...

An engineer in the studio will compress your guitar's sound if you don't... so I'd rather be the one in control of that... and that was a hard lesson to learn...

Sound men have "lunch boxes" or compressors to limit peaks & valleys... if you don't own one yourself, you're taking a big chance on what comes back to you as your working guitar sound through the monitors... that realization qualified as a landmark discovery...

Unfortunately, it goes way beyond the "less is more" philosophy...

Yeah l guess you have a point, but l guess the soundguy has to do something now other than drink beer.

Scott.

 

[Lucidology]

Yeah.... that's a good a point...put the soundman to work but make sure his idea of tone harmonizes with your own...