Compressors - who uses one? Should I get one?

awfurby · Post by **awfurby** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 11:23 am

I used to swear I would never get a compressor pedal. Couldn't see the point. And then, crazily, I was demoing something in Bandcamp and for a laugh used the compressor "pedal". And was pleasantly surprised.

And so now I am looking at compressors - latest thrill is the Henrietta Engineering Orange Crush, but I have also been considering the Malekko Comp, MXR Dyna Comp, and even the Mooer Compressor (am trying to save some space on the board).

So anyway, who else uses compressors and what do you use? What do you like/dislike?

AaronGuitarDude · Post by **AaronGuitarDude** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 11:39 am

mxr dyna comp bro.. way to go, it haz buzz but meh, i still love em... my fav setting 10:30 o clock- output 1.30 o clock

my fav comp.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 11:46 am

Theres been many occasions were I plug into a Comp and think why the hell haven't I used one all this time. Then after a fad with one I get annoyed with the background noise they usually create with distortion, it gets shelved and the cycle repeats again a year later.

I currently own a Line 6 Tone Core 'Constrictor' and an old MIJ Arion Compressor. Both sound great on clean settings, both take some tweaking with Overdrive and both are noisy with distortion.
Got a EHX Soul Preacher coming off Proggy so no doubt I'll go through the same process with that.

If you play clean? I think they are one of the best pedal investments you can make.

George · Post by **George** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 12:03 pm

i really like them especially with a 12 string, but yeah it can get boring after a while. can be really useful live if you're not happy with your volume and projection in the mix

i have a guyatone st2 by the way. based on the ross compressors but has a 50/50 wet/dry switch which sounds great

awfurby · Post by **awfurby** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 8:36 pm

Ah that's a good point - I don't tend to play clean at all at the moment. Filtertrons into an AC15 tends to a bit overdriven.

On the other hand I could definitely see myself using my DuoSonicII more with one.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 10:47 pm

I use a CS3, love it. It's probably my most used pedal... it's almost on all the time. Much underrated effect.

I tried a Dynacomp, thinking I would upgrade... but preferred the CS3 in the end. If it's good enough for Nels Cline then it's good enough for me.

It can be a bit noisy at extreme levels, but with everything at near enough 12 O'clock it's perfectly bearable.

It helps the lack of sustain you can with some Fenders... making things generally easier, and often more musical.

DO it !!

George · Post by **George** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 10:53 pm

awfurby wrote:Ah that's a good point - I don't tend to play clean at all at the moment. Filtertrons into an AC15 tends to a bit overdriven.

This would sound really great with a compressor. Think Tom Petty swells and stuff.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 10:52 am

George wrote:
awfurby wrote:Ah that's a good point - I don't tend to play clean at all at the moment. Filtertrons into an AC15 tends to a bit overdriven.
This would sound really great with a compressor.

Yeah, sounds like it could be ideal.

Empires · Post by **Empires** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 11:45 am

I'm using a dynacomp at the minute but have been sorely tempted by the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone since the other guitarist in my band got one

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Stuart · Post by **Stuart** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 1:11 pm

I used a home brewed Orange Squeezer, with the easy to do mod of an extra volume knob.. I can't remember, I built it ages ago but I think I may have used slightly 'wrong' components somewhere that made it even grittier... Though being able to use it for grit is a bonus and not really what it is for. I'm thinking of building an squeezer and Ross compressor in one box in order to give me more options.

The last proper band I was in were sort of folk/country indie punk.. So being able to do that telecaster + compressor + Fender amp thing, once in a while was needed.. and I still play those songs, if only to my self!

I kind of got distracted there:

If you are not going go the MXR or Boss or EXH route... received wisdom is: Analogue Man probably make the best orange squeezer clone but to be honest I'd probably go for the Fish Press by Greer Amplification and Keeley make a two and four know compressor that is supposedly the bees knees but is mega expensive.

I'd say if at all possible borrow one (or more) and have mess about and if you play in a band take it to rehearsal because they sound way different on an amp up loud, probably more so than other pedals.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Sun Dec 09, 2012 5:46 pm

I owned a Keeley 2 knob compressor for a while. I bought it dirt cheap with then intention of selling it on, kinda fell in love with it and then got skint and let it go. But still, I'd thoroughly recommend it, although they are mega spendy.

Ro S · Post by **Ro S** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:16 am

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